General

The Emperor is the Divine Masculine, and this card indicates that you have or will be getting into a position of power and stability. The Emperor represents structure and authority and is usually depicted as a rule on his throne, which also symbolise power and authority. The Emperor, being a ruler, is also a sign that the projects you are working on would be successful. And this success is achieved through strategy and being methodical about one’s actions.  

Upright

When the Emperor shows up, it is usually an indication to start moving towards your goals in a strategic way, and in a disciplined way too. The Emperor is asking you to create structure in your daily life in order to manifest the success in the projects you are working on. Sometimes, this can represent a male figure coming into your life to help you to get to your dreams.

The Emperor represents someone who is in control. Sometimes, this can mean a divine masculine or your counterpart coming into your life.

Reversed

The Emperor can also indicate having a bad boss and may be a sign that it’s time to move to another job. It can also indicate someone who exhibits the extreme end of the Emperor’s bad traits – i.e. over-controlling or having no disciplined about achieving one’s goals. Drawing this card may indicate that you may need to work on getting your finances and career in order.

The Emperor can be bossy and someone who wants to dictate your every move. If you are asking about love, this may not be the best characteristic to find in a lover or partner. There might be power struggles in your relationship, especially if you are dealing with an overbearing partner.

Astrological / Temporal Associations

The Emperor is usually sitting on his throne with rams on it, and this represents his astrological sign, Aries. And in this card, Aries appears as a constellation on his chest. Aries is a sign of movement, passion and courage. And the Emperor represents these traits as well.

The Emperor is also represented by Mars, the God of War, who is also the ruler of Aries. This is a planet of energy, action and desire and it is the energy that drives the Emperor forward. Sexual desires, aggression, anger and survival are ruled by Mars, and when getting the Emperor card speaks of these desires/instincts, it’s good to pay attention to what it means in context of your question and your reading.

Jupiter is sometimes associated with the Emperor, and this can also be attributed to the fact that Jupiter is the King of the Gods, and this is very much how the Emperor is a ruler in the Major Arcana. Jupiter is also about knowledge, honour and the law, which are traits that the Emperor embodies.

That’s all I have about the Emperor, tune in next week for interpretations of the Hierophant!