An older man with a long white beard sits on a stone throne. His throne is gray with rocks from the Earth. Four ram heads form the four corners of his chair. He sits, but is ready for action. He doesn’t relax as he surveys what is before him. He faces forward, but his eyes are looking to the right (not left because you fall back into the picture during meditations).

Behind him the sky is burnt yellow and red. Red is the color of Mars and Aries, while yellow is the color of the Sun, which is exalted in Aries. The mountains that tower before him are also red. This is because he rules the color scarlet. But more importantly, red has always symbolized power, vitality, passion, the first chakra, and protection.

The Emperor is wearing a red cloak with the symbol of Aries on it. The same color symbolism is on his crown; a crown made of gold and red. The exalted yellow Sun in Aries crowns him. He is exalted to the status of Emperor. Rubies are placed on his crown carefully in between sapphires, which through out most of history, where more expensive than diamonds. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds are rarer than diamonds and have been traditionally used until modern times as a riches from the Earth.  

 A small amount of blue is on the sleeves. We see armor poking out from under his red scarlet robes, for Aries and Mars are the ultimate warriors. He is holding the symbol for male and an orb both upright and rigid.

There is one small blue stream that trickles down the base of the mountains that runs laterally across the image. All water that runs from the Major Arcana starts with the High Priestess and finishes the journey with the Judgement.

He is a good ruler, who is very disciplined. The Emperor is a strong leader and a paternal archetype. He rules over his kingdom with discipline, law, order, and in absolute control. Everyone obeys him. His foundation is solid and balanced. He takes great care at ruling methodically and meticulously. He rules with his head not his emotions.

The Empress comes first before the Emperor in the Tarot deck. In the traditional Rider Waite deck, the Emperor’s eyes look toward the Empress. The Emperor needs the Empress because without her he becomes lonely, cold and tyrannical. Love for his Empress gives him strength and compassion. Together they embody a soulmate union, especially potent in a reading if you get all three: The Empress, the Emperor and the Lovers.

The Emperor is the embodiment of all the Kings.

If you get the Emperor in a reading, it could mean that you need to exert self-control and discipline in all matters. You may even meet a very successful, older business man who can help you build a business.

When you get the Emperor in a reading it can mean that you will come across an older man of authority. This could be a father figure or a man of authority, such as a police officer or general in the military. This man will help you in the areas of your life that need structure, discipline, and stability. You will learn a lot from this person.

The Emperor rules the element of fire. He is the action and spark that can ignite an idea. He is the business owner who never loses his resolve. He speaks directly to all the Kings.

He needs the Empress to nurture, sooth, and love him. No one can rule alone. Where the Empress is the fertile, loving, nurturing womb, the Emperor is the solid land, the building with a strong foundation, and the law and order of the people.

The Emperor suggests that you have a good relationship with your father.

In the traditional Celtic Cross Tarot Spread, often the card you place over the Situation Card will reveal whether the crux of the situation is an obstacle (hindering) or helping (strengthening).  This placement is the second card drawn in a traditional Celtic Cross Tarot Spread.

Emperor as a Strength

Discipline. Law. Security.