How to Read the Emperor Tarot Card

As the Empress's consort, the Emperor's number is four and this represents solidity, strategy and strength. Whereas the Empress tarot card represents emotional power and strength, the Emperor is representative of worldly power. This card stands for authority, administration, government, the head of the family, the boss and people in power. The Emperor can also point to the need for discipline and order.

The Emperor as a Figure of Authority

The Emperor sits on his throne, the arms of which end in a ram's head. The ram stands for the first sign of the zodiac: Aries, the sign of leadership and authority. Aries also marks the beginning of an organised structure. Aries is ruled by the planet Mars, the planet of fiery energy. As consort of the Empress (Venus) the Emperor is linked with Mars (the lover of Venus). Symbolism behind the Emperor Tarot Card The Emperor's beard is symbol of a man with experience behind him; a father figure. Here is someone who is confident, reliable and worth heeding. In some packs the Emperor is sitting on a cube, which is a symbol of solidity. The Emperor is sign of worldly power and material success. He constructs this authority through order and structure and maintaining the status quo. In Jungian terms, the Emperor is the "animus", the male counterpart of the "anima" as father, ruler, warrior with a dominant and assertive personality.

The Emperor in a Tarot Reading

When the Emperor appears in a tarot reading, this card suggests the querent is looking for some advice. But there is a need to look into themselves for there's a strong chance that the answer to any problems they may have lies within. This person may be impetuous in nature in which case the advice has to be: calm down and be more organised. Plan ahead and have a destination in mind rather than do anything on impulse. Success is possible in career, business or material ambitions through careful planning. Hard work will bring its just rewards. Where there is uncertainty it is recommended that thought and preparation will bring better results than rushing in without any consideration. Advice offered by an older man will be wise and worthy of consideration.

 Reversed Meaning of the Emperor Tarot Card

The Emperor reversed suggests someone could be getting carried away and over-optimistic or impulsive actions could leave them with a feeling of anti-climax or disillusion. Caution is now necessary. The querent should take off their rose-coloured spectacles and tread with care. A joint project may fail and in some areas, they are best off going it alone. Avoid excesses, and they will have more control of their own destiny.