The Symbolism of the Emperor Tarot Card
The Emperor is depicted as a mature man, with broad shoulders. He is seated on a stone throne atop a mountain, showing his dominion over the skies. His robes are red and he wears a golden crown. In one hand he holds the globe of the world; in the other is his scepter. He represents the ultimate male authority, and the male ego.
The Emperor bears the number “4” and he is the father figure of the Fool, who is said to encounter the Emperor after meeting with the Empress.
The General Interpretation of the Emperor Card
When appearing in a spread, this card suggest a confrontation with either a father figure or a father-type issue; whether it is negative or positive is not the point. It is a challenge to make something manifest, to build something lasting in the world. It may indicate the beginning of a business or establishing a structure for the family. It is a very practical card. This card asks for effectiveness and power, a formulation of ideas into something cohesive and real.
This card is also a reminder that the once-young prince can become the rigid king, perhaps even an oppressor. The Fool, when encountering the Emperor, learns about the practical, logical side of life. He learns that he must confront life with his own resources, according to the rules and ethics he has established for himself. Only then can he progress on his journey, once he is confident in his belief in authority.
The Inner Meaning of the Emperor in Tarot
The Emperor is the image of fathering. It is the father who embodies spiritual ideals, ethical responsibility, and self-sufficiency. He teaches his children to survive in the world. He provides these children with authority and ambition; he gives them the desire to succeed, and the discipline and foresight to accomplish their goals. This card is different from the Empress, for the Emperor does not convey unconditional love and acceptance. The Emperor praises the spirit, not the body, and he demands action (rather than just intuition) of his children.
The Emperor instills self-respect and an ability to meet life’s challenges. Though this father figure can be caring and compassionate, he can also be angry and unforgiving when his laws are broken. Therefore, he has a darker face, the face of rigidity and self-righteousness. To embrace the Emperor is to embrace the idea that you have the ability to initiate projects, and see them to fruition.
This card can be dominating in many aspects. It can indicate a set of beliefs or ideals that are inflexible and arrogant, with no concern for human feelings. In this case, it can indicate a time to throw off this oppression.
The Fool, when encountering the Emperor, learns that he must find ethical principles by which to live, principles which are not fluid, but strong and inflexible. He must find his inner strength, and not allow instinct alone to drive him.
The Emperor is encountered by the Fool; this encounter occurs after he meets the Empress, while on his path to meeting the Hierophant.
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