Understanding The Emperor Tarot Card (The Tarot Card Number 4 of Major Arcana)
The Emperor sits on a large stone throne. He is decked with heads of four rams. In his right hand is an ankh, the Egyptian symbol of life. In his left hand is a globe, the world over which he controls.
He is wearing a red robe suggesting his authority, desire, and liveliness for life. Below this, he has a suit of armor. It indicates that he is safe from any emotional weakness. The long white beard is indicative of his strong perception and knowledge. His gold crown shows his authority over others.
There is a tall mountain range behind him. This indicates that a solid foundation supports him and he will make changes only when necessary. There is a small river flowing between the mountains which is indicative of his emotions.
The Emperor Tarot Card Upright Meanings
Adulthood, Permanency, Reliability, Parenthood, Structure, Safety, Rationality, and Practicality
The Emperor signifies a rich adult with expertise in business activities. He is steady, authoritative, and a guardian. He can also be firm and determined. It represents a fatherly figure and the individual may have a passionate connection.
The Emperor is very tough with subordinates and does not indulge in entertainment. He expects his children to excel in their activities and this may have a negative influence on their confidence. The card may suggest that the individual was a demanding person. He might have failed to express his affection to the individuals. But in reality, he was protecting the interests of the individual.
The individual can expect guidance from a wise and old person in life with his sound suggestions. In general terms, it indicates that reason is predominant and it has an upper hand over feelings. It also suggests that the individual can achieve his ambitions through focus, organization, and steadiness. The card may also signify paternity.
Love Relationships (Upright)
For single women, the Emperor may signify a relationship with an elderly person. He will be rational, and organized, with a strict regimen. Though he may be inspirational, he may not be passionate. For single males, it indicates that they should be expressive with women and should freely indicate their feelings towards them.
For individuals already in relationships, The Emperor indicates a committed and long, happy marriage. If there are glitches in the relationship, they will be sorted out soon.
Career and Finance
When the individual draws this card, it is an indication that diligence will be recognized and he can expect promotions and monetary benefits in his career. Persistence and motivation are required. There will be very good openings to make the career organized and stable.
For women professionals, The Emperor indicates they will get the required backing from male superiors or associates.
The Emperor encourages individuals to be in control of their finances. They should have strict control over their expenses and should avoid unnecessary spending.
Health (Upright)
The Emperor indicates that the individual is unnecessarily rigid about his regimen to maintain his health. He should focus on essential exercises that do not drain out his energy. All health problems should receive prompt medical attention. It’s important to incorporate enough downtime into the schedule to keep emotional well-being.
Spirituality (Upright)
The Emperor Tarot Card indicates that the individual is focussing on worldly things and neglecting spiritual activities. Finding spiritual happiness should take up enough time and attention. If the individual is already engaged in a spiritual regimen, he should focus on practicality.
The Emperor Reversed Tarot Card Meanings
Exploitation, Unnecessary Monitoring, Inflexibility, Obstinacy, Indiscipline, Absence of Regulation, Missing Father, Fatherhood Problems.
The Emperor Reversed indicates that a senior person or a person who is regulating the life of the individual is very demanding. This will make the individual disobedient or very weak. Though the intention of the guide may be good, the dictatorial way may hurt the individual.
Individuals should handle this person calmly and diplomatically. They should absorb the good points and reject the unnecessary things. They should devise methods to deal with the situation.
The Emperor Reversed also signifies an elderly person who fails to help the individual or who is disinterested in helping the individual. It may be an indication that the individual has been overcome with emotions and there is a need for logical thinking. He should have better control over his willpower for better prospects in life. The Tarot Card may raise issues of fatherhood.
Love Relationships (Reversed)
The Emperor Reversed indicates that individuals who are already in a relationship are facing problems. It may also indicate that one of the partners is too rigid or dictatorial which is affecting the partnership. It is necessary to establish harmony in the relationship by making necessary adjustments.
The Emperor Reversed may suggest that as a father, the individual has selected the wrong partners in life. The partners may be misusing the individual. The love partnerships may be fragile or the individual is changing partners very often.
Career And Finance (Reversed)
For professionals, the appearance of the Emperor Reversed card suggests that the individual is having problems at the workplace due to inefficiency and lack of concentration. If he is not happy with the present job, he should change for a better job.
The problem may be a question of obeying the orders of superiors. In that case, he should go for a job that gives him more authority.
The Emperor Reversed card indicates that the finances of the individual are in a mess and he should seek help from professionals in the field.
Health (Reversed)
The appearance of “The Emperor” reversed card suggests that the individual is having a very tough exercise schedule. This may be causing health problems and injuries. It is time to be flexible and have a proper regimen.
If the individual is careless about his health, it is time to pay attention to the right methods to ensure the restoration of well-being.
Spirituality (Reversed)
The appearance of the Emperor Reversed card suggests that the individual should explore possibilities of different spiritual practices. He should select the right spiritual leaders whose methods are comfortable and helpful.