The Emperor IV

Keywords & phrases

• Authority and control
• Structure
• Organised and analytical
• Power
• Confidence
• Father/figure
• Masculine energy
• Tyranny

First impressions

So, here’s The Man, bossing it from his throne. Solid, secure, in charge.

What is happening in the card?

Against a backdrop of craggy mountain peaks, The Emperor surveys his domain. He is dressed in rich red robes, his great throne, perhaps hewn from the mountain itself, is embellished with carvings of Aries the ram. We see the river in the background. His wide-legged pose conveys power and confidence. He holds a golden orb and sceptre and wears a jewelled crown on his silver-haired head.

Here is a man sitting comfortably in his own power. Is he an ego driven tyrant, motivated by personal power and gain, or an enlightened, compassionate leader, working for the good of many?

How can we relate to this card?

If The Empress provides the creative spark in a situation, The Emperor matches that with the positive force to get things done.

The strong, stable, masculine energy of this card is a powerful thing to tap into when we need to get things done, push things through and bring others along with us. Such is the confidence and vision of the Emperor.

He commands respect and authority and expects cooperation or even compliance from those he leads. A natural leader, at times he might need to watch his tendency to dominate.

The Emperor may often represent authority figures in our lives: father, boss, government etc. or perhaps an overbearing figure in your life (possibly male). Or he could represent those authoritative, disciplined or domineering personality traits in ourselves.

Message & affirmations

I step out everyday with passion, drive and the determination to achieve my goals. I have confidence in myself and my abilities and I inspire confidence in others. I lead with courage and compassion.

My personal experiences of this card

I struggle with The Emperor somewhat. Life experience has caused me to be weary of the patriarchy in general and wary of overbearing, controlling men in particular.

I look at this card and what I see is someone ‘manspreading’ themselves in their seat and getting comfortable so he can ‘mansplain’ something to me. I’m rolling my eyes before he’s even started.

This is the challenge that The Emperor poses to me.

However, the gift of this card for me is the confident energy that The Emperor brings. A natural procrastinator, I could do worse than channel this quintessential ‘doer’ in my work and life.

Events, situations & readings

In a personal/spiritual development spread:
This is a great card to work with when you are doubting yourself or your abilities and need to find some self-confidence. 

In a career spread:
The Emperor in the context of a work or career reading could indicate a need for greater discipline and structure in your approach in order to meet your goals. He can also inspire you as a leader/manager or people to lead with confidence and compassion.

People & interaction with other cards

The stability of The Emperor enhances and is enhanced by the 4s, especially the 4 of Pentacles and 4 of Wands.  He may also bring the discipline and motivation required in the 4 of Swords and the 4 of Cups.

The 10 of Pentacles might highlight The Emperor’s ability to bring things to completion.

With The Empress or The High Priestess, he balances the divine feminine energy, intuitive wisdom and emotional intelligence with divine masculine energy and rational thinking.

Questions, prompts & insights

What areas of your life require you to step up and take control right now?

Where do you need to be more determined and disciplined?

Who is looking to you for leadership?

Are you involved in any relationships where there is a control/power issue? How are you showing up in those relationships?

Featured decks:
Main image from The Rider Waite Tarot.

The other featured image of The Emperor is part of an ongoing creative Tarot project by Still Small Voice Tarot combining digital collage and AI generative art.