The Emperor Tarot Card Meaning

By Charrette Vachon

The Emperor (IV) holds the fourth position in the Major Arcana. In addition to representing the father archetype and the divine masculine, he also alludes to order, authority, government, and patriarchy. Whether his appearance in a reading is positive, negative, or neutral depends on the context of the reading. He can indicate an over-domineering masculine figure or a stabilizing influence, a call to reason or an abuse of power. He can also symbolize an impending power shift. In the context of career, this could mean a promotion or the arrival of a new authority figure.

Illustration Credit: Tess Stuart

Elemental Association: Fire
Planetary Association: Mars
Astrological Association: Aries
Date Associations: March 21 to April 20

IMPORTANT SYMBOLS AND CONNECTIONS

The Rider-Waite deck’s Emperor is a white-haired man molded by his age, experience, and maturity. His golden scepter, orb, and crown mark his kingly authority and wealth.

His imposing stone throne trumpets his dominance, dedication to structure, and belief in law and order over all else. The ram head adornments nod to the Aries astrological sign as well as a ram’s ability to ascend mountains and perch upon their peaks, surveying its kingdom from a great height. Beneath the Emperor’s red garments, he wears a suit of armor, revealing he is both a warrior and a ruler–a dedicated enforcer of authority.

The barren mountains and sliver of a stream behind him show his preference for order and austerity over the warmth and potentially chaotic passion of nature.

AN EMPEROR CARD PERSONALITY

As a person, the Emperor prizes ambition and competition, and he exhibits his prowess in both. He chooses logic and reason over emotions and feelings and often comes across as a stereotypical alpha-male.

The personification of this card will be honest and law-abiding with a distaste for sleazy or tricky behavior. He is a natural leader, tough and confident enough to take control of almost any situation.

Emperors tend to be intelligent and have little to no tolerance for things they consider bunk; frivolity is against their nature, and while they may sometimes come across as sticks in the mud, there’s no one you’d rather have in your corner when the best laid plans go awry. Steadfast, fair, and often determined to the point of stubbornness, the Emperor will never leave things half-finished or go back on his word.
In spreads where the Emperor card appears as a positive influence, it points to victory and success–most often due to the support and influence of an authoritative male figure who wants what is best for you.

If the Emperor card appears as a negative influence, however, it likely means you will be fighting against a powerful male figure who is not used to losing. You will be fighting against him to effect great change in your life–change that will result in new and increased obligations and capabilities.

What Does An Emperor Symbolize

What Does The Emperor Card Mean In Astrology

What Kind Of Person Is The Emperor In The Tarot

THE EMPEROR’S RIGHT SIDE UP MEANINGS

Perhaps no one word better embodies this card than “authority.” Whether you will be the authority–or someone else in your life–will be clarified by the additional cards in your reading.

LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS

Concerning new relationships, the Emperor bodes well. It points toward a stable, secure, and safe partner–marriage material if that’s your goal.

For those already in a relationship, the Emperor suggests you and your partner are thriving together, working compatibly to amass enough wealth to be comfortable through the end of your lives.

Even for the single and searching, the Emperor brings good tidings. Its appearance in a reading implies you will soon meet someone as interested in commitment as you are.

CAREER

A career reading boasting the Emperor means you will soon enjoy the fruits of all your labor. The varieties of fruit may be different than you expect, so if you don’t get the raise or promotion you were hoping for, keep an eye and ear out for fantastic new business opportunities.

In a broader sense, the Emperor can point to self-employment or high-ranking director roles.

MONEY

The Emperor brings news of financial stabilization and reliability. The time for taking (calculated) fiscal risks and making big fiscal decisions is now!

But since the Emperor has your best interests at heart, it’s also the time to ensure you’re being as responsible as you can be with the money you currently have. Pay attention to where it’s going–to needs or wants?–and make any necessary adjustments. It’s okay to have a little fun now and then as long as you are always able to take care of you and yours.

HEALTH

The Emperor is here to soothe your worries–since those are bad for your health–and assure you that any health problems you’ve been dealing with lately will turn out okay.

This card also recommends you continue seeking “old-fashioned” healthcare–from folks with medical degrees–and avoid the holistic and wellness scene. This is not the time to trade medication for meditation.

THE EMPEROR’S UPSIDE DOWN MEANINGS

Unfortunately, the reversed Emperor is problematic. It indicates the presence of someone who has power over you (e.g. a boss, partner, or even parent) abusing that power. You will begrudge them this abuse and feel a strong pull to flagrantly rebel, but giving into that urge is not the solution and will end up undermining you.

Instead, embody the traits of the Emperor. Become the epitome of even-keeled; rely on rational responses and assertions. This is the only way to counter the abuser’s domineering and irrational behavior.

LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS

If you’re already in a relationship and seeking a love reading, the Emperor reversed indicates an intentional imbalance of power caused by one partner that results in the other feeling miserable and like there’s no way out. If compromise doesn’t return to the relationship, then there will be no more relationship.

A visit from the Emperor reversed when you’re single means this is not the time to be seeking someone to grow old with. You’re encouraged to keep things casual, and with the type of prospects popping up in the near future, you’ll understand why. Don’t worry, true love will find you in the end, but for now, focus on having fun rather than finding “the one.”

CAREER

Career-wise, the Emperor reversed means if you’ve fallen way out of love with your job (or you’ve hated it from the beginning), it’s time to consider seeking greener pastures. Don’t limit yourself to jobs in your current field; a complete pivot in a new direction could be in order to set you on the career path you were destined for. As Thoreau implores, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.”

MONEY

Nobody wants to turn over an Emperor reversed when it comes to money. It implies your financial situation is out of hand or getting there. And this may not be your fault–plenty of employers don’t seem to understand (or possibly care) what a “living wage” is. Regardless, you need to find someone who can help you jump on the I-have-a-budget bandwagon and avoid fiscal chaos or catastrophe. An accountant or a loved one who is known for being “good with money” are both solid options.

HEALTH

If you’ve been meaning to embark on a healthier lifestyle, the reversed Emperor is letting you know that time is now. If you don’t, you run a high risk of having to face the consequences of your actions–and they may be much more severe than you expected.

On the other hand, if you’ve been enjoying a life of good health, but you’re still obsessing over it, you could end up pushing yourself too hard and creating a health problem via injury or exhaustion. Aim for healthy, not perfect.

THE EMPEROR IN THE PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE POSITION

The Emperor appearing in the past position means your father or another male role model (perhaps a teacher) played an important, nurturing role in your childhood. His wisdom and integrity continue to guide you to this day.

Holding a present position, the Emperor heralds a likely chance you will soon meet a childhood hero. It also refers to a person in your life who is showing you another way of being–a more positive way–that this person (probably an older, authoritative male) embodies.

The future position filled by the Emperor tarot card shows your turning toward a more conservative manner of thinking that will, at some point, affect your politics and possibly lead to problems within many of your personal relationships.

A powerful but ultimately untrustworthy male figure will be the cause of your new shift in beliefs, and he will prove to be a toxic influence that creates and enables great harm.

CARD COMBINATIONS YOU MAY OR MAY NOT WANT

No matter where it appears, the Emperor represents authority, paternity, and order.

EMPEROR AND FOUR OF WANDS

The Four of Wands points to jubilant celebrations, familial bliss, and harmony. This combination announces an imminent marriage to a powerful male figure and foretells of a higher place on the social ladder.

EMPEROR AND TWO OF SWORDS

The Two of Swords represents a choice that must be made between two bad or difficult options. The best approach is a diplomatic one. Avoid self-centeredness and consider what is best for both or all.

EMPEROR AND SIX OF PENTACLES

Combined with the Six of Pentacles, the Emperor shows a significant act of philanthropy. A charitable organization will either give or receive a sizable donation.

DOES THE EMPEROR MEAN YES OR NO?

As a mirror to the Empress, the Emperor represents paternal nature. He provides order, stability, and leadership to your life. When working toward your goals, the Emperor’s appearance informs you that exemplifying his assertiveness and logical thinking will aid you greatly in your quest.

His appearance indicates an affirmative response–a resounding yes.

FAQ

WHAT DOES THE EMPEROR MEAN IN A LOVE READING?

The upright Emperor is a good omen regardless of whether you are single or in a relationship.

WHAT IS THE UPSIDE DOWN EMPEROR’S MEANING?

The reversed Emperor is problematic. It indicates the presence of someone who has power over you (e.g. a boss, partner, or even parent) abusing that power and you begrudging that abuse.

WHAT IS THE EMPEROR’S MEANING IN A FUTURE READING?

DOES THE EMPEROR CARD MEAN YES OR NO?

When working toward your goals, the Emperor’s appearance informs you that exemplifying his assertiveness and logical thinking will aid you greatly in your quest. He indicates a yes.