The Emperor

In most decks, the Emperor sits on his throne on High. Unlike the Empress who is often shown with a lush background of forests and water and fields ready to harvest the Emperor sits among a background of mountains and quite often his armor shows through his robes.

He is a man who has fought for his place in the world sits comfortably in his power.

If you have drawn this card perhaps it is time to tap into your sense not just of destiny but utter confidence in your absolute right to rule because you have climbed the mountain and succeeded at the tasks you have vanquished your rivals in battle and the throne is yours.

If this is hard for you to tap into this sensation it may be time to find a mentor or coach who has traversed the landscape you are interested in.

But they say a person with an experience is never at the mercy of a person with a Theory.

It might be time to break in those hiking boots or wade into the battle to get what you know it yours.

In the Rider-Waite deck, the Emperor is shown with symbols of the Ram on his throne.

I think surely this is a reference to bighorn sheep. The males clash their horns together to compete for mating rights and status in the herd.

Only a Ram who has won battles and fended off rivals gets to sire the next generation.

The success of the herd hinges on the strength and endurance of the Ram.

The emperor goes into battle not forego or accolades but for the strength of the future generations.

When you give your all you take your winnings and you set in place a legacy of strong healthy offspring.

Sometimes this card comes up for parents as they are guiding rebellious teenagers through the challenges of early adulthood. It can be a battle to raise and strong healthy adult especially as they want to turn and lock horns with you, but it is for the good of the herd that you let them build their strength with you to watch over them.

The Emperor card can also be a reminder to respect our elders and take advantage of the wisdom they have gained in the battles they have fought. There is nothing new under the sun but there is always a new perspective to take that might shine a whole new light on the situation.

This is very much a card about fatherhood.

If you have problems with authority this card may be calling you to work those out so that you can be a wise strong ruler who is an asset to the herd.

If you pulled this card in relation to a business question it may be time to call in an accountant business coach or attorney who can help you navigate the landscape.

In the Rider-Waite deck the emperor is seen holding the Royal Orb in the Roman tradition this was a symbol of Jupiter the great ruling planet which was reputed to be an auspicious planet that makes the people rich, commanding, wise, spiritual, educated, cultured, liberal and generous 

The tradition is still in use today and the echos of it can be seen in the British emblems power in modern coronations

He is also seen holding a staff which as a Royal symbol of power goes back as far as Egypt. It is an indication that he is able to focus on his will and create the desired outcome.

It is also a symbol of wisdom that relates back to sheep. When Sheep are very wooly after the winter the Shepard would have them pass through a tight rock grouping or a gate and run their Shepards rod against the grain of the wool.

This allowed him to see any markings or ear notches that identified his flock from any others that may have mixed in while the sheep were grazing in the upper pastures.

So again the staff relates to knowing who you are and what belongs to you and being serious about your responsibilities.

The Emperor may be urging you to stand in your power and fight for what you believe in 

The emperor calls on you to mind the details and knows who you are and what belongs to you.

This card may be a reminder to pay attention to your footing and know your surroundings.

Bighorn sheep can cover vast distances and make amazing leaps from what seem to be sheer rock faces.

Do you need to take a leap to get to the next level?

The emperor may be calling you to stop being one of the herds who simply follow the paths of the other sheep but take initiative to buck the system and call others into your way of doing things.

It’s time to be a leader, not a follower, and it’s definitely time to stand up for what you believe in and get your needs met.

The emperor also calls you to be the very human father figure that the herd needs.

Make sure you aren’t being too cold or serious with those around you. Don’t be so entrenched in your power that you drive off everyone around you. Be protective but not cruel.