The Emperor: Modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
KEY IV: The Emperor, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
The Emperor Upright RWS Meanings
Keywords
Authority, Structure, Conquest, Father, Dynasty
Generally
The Emperor relates to structure, rules, and authority. Creating a budget, following a strict routine, the rule of law, dealing with a government agency.
In a Love Context
This card signifies a traditional, committed relationship defined by clear boundaries. A protective partner, defining the relationship, a proposal of marriage, a stable partnership.
In a Money/Career Context
This card points to leadership and success within a structured environment. A promotion to a management position, running a successful business, a corporate job, financial stability through careful planning. Like the 10 of Pentacles.
In a Spiritual Context
This card is about a disciplined spiritual practice. Following a specific set of religious rules, a structured spiritual order, the "Divine Lawgiver" aspect of God, a respected spiritual leader.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
The structured, authoritative energy of The Emperor advises you to take control, be disciplined, and create a solid plan.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
The outcome is one of stability, success, and control. Your authority will be established, and your plans will be realised. Like The World, the final card in the Major Arcana.
As Obstacles
The obstacle is excessive control or rigidity. Progress is blocked by a tyrannical boss, bureaucratic red tape, or your own inflexible attitude.
As Hidden Energy
The disciplined, authoritative energy of The Emperor is an untapped resource. There is a powerful potential for self-discipline, leadership or resource usage that you are not currently taking advantage of.
As Resources/Alliances
Help comes in the form of a powerful, influential person. A father figure, a boss, a mentor, or a government body can provide the structure you need.
The Emperor Reversed: RWS Meanings
Tyranny, Rigidity, Lack of Discipline, Abuse of Power, Chaos
Generally
Reversed, The Emperor can point to a lack of discipline, chaos, or an abuse of power. An unstructured life with no routine, a rebellion against rules, a corrupt official, a chaotic household. Like the King of Wands reversed.
In a Love Context
This card often signifies a controlling or domineering partner. An imbalance of power in a relationship, a refusal to commit, a "my way or the highway" attitude, a chaotic and unstable partnership.
“When reading for querents, I have found that the reversed Emperor can potentially indicate someone who in the querent’s life who is being abusive (although it is rare). In my experience, this comes through psychic impressions as an unpleasant feeling when concentrating on the card. Psychic impressions are received subjectively so for you it may be different.
If you perceive this in a reading for yourself, it is important to act appropriately. Here are my top 3 recommendations: 1. if you have not already done so, pull a card to check whether it is wise to do the reading. It is better to politely refuse to continue if you do not think or feel that continuing would be right. 2. Stay within your remit as a tarot reader; you should not be afraid of sensitive issues (and tip-toeing around them is unprofessional) but remember that you are a card reader, not a psychotherapist. 3. Consult a mentor or ‘supervisor’ figure after the reading. This is someone whom you can trust with any difficult issues that arise when reading. They don’t have to be a tarot reader; they could be in basically any health or spiritual job. The point is that you have a tarot-adjacent professional to talk to for guidance and a second, outside opinion.”
In a Money/Career Context
This can mean a tyrannical boss or a chaotic workplace. A failed business due to a lack of planning, financial instability, a disorganised project with no leadership.
In a Spiritual Context
This can mean a dogmatic and rigid spiritual belief system. A corrupt spiritual leader, using spiritual rules to control others, a rebellion against all forms of spiritual discipline.
In Common Spread Positions
Advice
A warning against being too controlling or, conversely, too chaotic. It is time to challenge an abusive authority or to bring some much-needed discipline to your own life.
Situation
Powerful forces and people are at work. A father figure or authority may be significant.
(Ultimate) Outcome
The outcome is defined by chaos or tyranny. A project will fail due to a lack of structure, or you will find yourself under the control of an abusive power.
As Obstacles
The obstacle is a tyrant or a complete lack of control. A micromanaging boss, your own lack of self-discipline, or a chaotic environment is blocking your progress.
As Hidden Energy
hatred, manipulation.
As Resources/Alliances
Willpower, determination, authority figure, masculine mentor.
Additional Notes On The Emperor Card
Arthur Edward Waite’s original Emperor card meanings
"Stability, power, protection, realization; a great person; aid, reason, conviction; also authority and will. Reversed: Benevolence, compassion, credit; also confusion to enemies, obstruction, immaturity.” (Pictoral Key To The Tarot, 1911).
Question: Is The Emperor always a man?
No. While he represents the archetypal masculine principle of structure and authority, The Emperor can represent a person of any gender who embodies these qualities. He can also represent an institution, a government, or a set of rules.
Comprehensive guide to the 22 Major Arcana cards of the Rider Waite Smith tarot system. Learn what the Major Arcana cards are and how divinatory readers have evolved their RWS Major Arcana practice in the last 100 years.