The Emperor Keywords: Authority, Structure, Paternity

The Emperor Tarot Card Description

Key 4: The Emperor wears armour beneath his red robes. He wears a jewelled crown and holds a sceptre topped with ankh cross (the Egyptian symbol of life) in his right hand and a globe in his left.  He is a warrior king ruling over his dominion. His throne is decorated with four rams’ heads – the symbols of Aries. In the background we see barren mountains and a glimpse of small river at the foot of these.

What The Emperor Means In A Tarot Reading

The Emperor represents themes such as structure, stability, solid foundations, order, paternity and control. He uses rational thought and intellect to establish order. You should also use your intellect at this time to resolve problems and to establish order in your life. You must take control of the situation at hand. This is a time to act with resolve and self-belief. Just as the Emperor has knowledge and many years of experience, you also have the tools to put your life in order and to tackle any chaotic situations, or any problems that are affecting you at present.

Take note, however, that the Emperor rules over a barren landscape. Establish what is worth fighting for and which situations need to be controlled. Control for its own sake may not always be fruitful and beneficial to you.

The Emperor Love and Relationships Tarot Meaning

The Emperor often represents a father-like figure in a relationship, or perhaps your partner is older and has more life experience than you. Relationships with these partners can often be stable, secure and loving. However, your partner may also be one who seeks to have control over you and dominate you. Relationships where one partner attempts to control another are never healthy or happy. Remember too, that it may be you who represents the Emperor in your relationship.

The Emperor Career Tarot Meaning

The appearance of the Emperor in a career reading suggests that you’ll be using your knowledge and expertise to create order in your workplace. If you’re not your own boss already it might be time now to consider this option. Or perhaps you’re leading others and you’re displaying strong leadership skills. People look to you for guidance and support. It’s crucial, at this time, that you believe in yourself and that you’re not afraid to take command.

The Emperor can also represent someone who leads you in the workplace. This person has all the strong leadership skills mentioned above.

The Emperor Reversed Tarot Card Meanings

The Emperor Reversed Keywords: Excessive Control, Lack of Discipline, Rigid, Domineering

What The Emperor Reversed Means in a Tarot Reading

The Emperor Reversed will often indicate a misuse or abuse of power. If you’re in a position of authority, have you lost sight of your original vision and goals, and become inflexible and authoritarian? This would be a good time for you to assess your motives and actions. Are you conscious of your effect on others? Have you taken time recently to check in with your family, friends, or colleagues, and to see how your actions are impacting on them? There’s a fine line between being a leader and being a dictator, or tyrant. You need to be conscious of this when people look to you for direction and leadership.

Perhaps, rather than growing harsher, your leadership has been growing weaker. Whether harsher or weaker, you’ve become less effective. There’s a misuse of power, a lack of discipline, and a lack of direction. There’s an inability to deal with problems and difficult situations. It’s time now to face the reality of your situation and to take action.

It may be that The Emperor Reversed doesn’t represent you, but that it’s someone else in your life. You’ll need to try to shield yourself from the influence of this person. All of the above still applies and you should take measures to safeguard your mental and emotional wellbeing at this time.

The Emperor Reversed Love and Relationships Tarot Meanings

Unfortunately, The Emperor Reversed doesn’t bode well in a relationship reading, although it’s important to remember that circumstances can always be changed and improved where there is a will to do so on both sides.

In a relationship reading The Emperor Reversed will often represent a domineering, controlling, and possessive partner. This isn’t a peaceful and harmonious relationship, and things aren’t easy for you. There’s a lot of work to be done before harmony and balance are restored, and you’ll need to decide if this relationship can really be improved and make you happy. There are no easy answers here.

If The Emperor Reversed represents you, now is the time to be honest with yourself, face the truth, and make a decision on the kind of partner you want to be.

The Emperor Reversed Career Tarot Meanings

Quite often, The Emperor Reversed will represent a boss or leader in the workplace. Working with this person isn’t easy. They lack the necessary leadership skills to get the job done well and this is having an adverse effect on you. You’ll need to take measures to protect your mental wellbeing when working with this person. In extreme cases you may even need to reconsider your career options.

It’s also possible that there isn’t one particular boss that’s represented by The Emperor Reversed. It might represent a work environment with an oppressive and authoritative hierarchy. You’ll need to consider whether or not you can continue to work within this culture and, also, whether or not this culture is likely to change.

It’s also possible that this card represents you as a boss or leader. Do you recognize The Emperor Reversed traits in yourself? Do you like what you see? If not, then the appearance of this card is telling you that now is the time to do something about it.

The Emperor Correspondences & Attributions