The Emperor sits on a stone throne carved with rams, armored under his robe, with barren mountains behind him. He is order, authority, structure and the father: build, organize and take responsibility, and stability will follow.
Order, authority and the strength to build walls that protect.
Waite’s keywords (1911): Stability, power, protection, realization; aid, reason, conviction, authority, will.
Reversed
Reversed, power turns rigid or weak: tyranny, control, stubbornness, a domineering father or boss, or the lack of discipline and structure.
Rigid control, a power that has become a cage.
Waite’s keywords (1911): Benevolence, compassion, credit; also obstruction, immaturity.
In love
Upright A stable, protective relationship, commitment and loyalty; a partner who offers security, perhaps an older one.
Reversed A controlling or cold partner, power struggles, or a relationship with no warmth left in it.
In work
Upright Leadership, promotion, structure; you take charge, set rules and build something lasting.
Reversed An authoritarian boss, rigid bureaucracy, or chaos for lack of management.
In money
Upright Solid finances through planning and discipline; long-term investments and property.
Reversed Financial control used against you, rigid spending, or money lost through poor organization.
At home and in the family
Upright A home with clear rules and a strong father figure; security and protection.
Reversed A domineering parent, a household run like an army, or no one taking responsibility.
On your path
Upright Discipline is the vessel of spirit: build your practice day by day, with order.
Reversed Rigid dogma, or rejecting every form of discipline; find the middle road.
Its counsel
Upright Take control, make a plan and stick to it. Be the authority in your own life.
Reversed Loosen your grip, or take back the power you have handed to others.
Correspondences
- Arcana
- Major Arcana, card 4
- Element
- Fire
- Number
- 4
Dreams that carry this card
The Major Arcana
The Fool · The Magician · The High Priestess · The Empress · The Hierophant · The Lovers · The Chariot · Strength · The Hermit · Wheel of Fortune · Justice · The Hanged Man · Death · Temperance · The Devil · The Tower · The Star · The Moon · The Sun · Judgement · The World