The Emperor: Modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
The Emperor Upright
Keywords: Authority, Structure, Control, Fatherhood, Leadership, Stability
Element: Fire
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Yes/No: Yes
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.
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.
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 leadership and control that you are not currently using.
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
Reversed Keywords: 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.
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.
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.
‘The Emperor’ Tarot Card Combinations
Combinations with Major Arcana
The Emperor & The Hierophant
The Emperor (↑) & The Hierophant (↑): A traditional institution. A corporate CEO who follows the rules. A religious government.
The Emperor (↓) & The Hierophant (↑): A chaotic person who despises tradition. A failed business due to a refusal to follow expert advice.
The Emperor (↑) & The Hierophant (↓): A powerful leader who breaks with convention. A successful company with a rebellious, unorthodox culture.
The Emperor (↓) & The Hierophant (↓): A corrupt and dogmatic organisation. A chaotic cult leader. A complete rejection of all rules and traditions.
The Emperor & The Chariot
The Emperor (↑) & The Chariot (↑): A disciplined and successful military campaign. A well-planned business expansion. A victory achieved through willpower and control.
The Emperor (↓) & The Chariot (↑): A successful but ruthless and aggressive leader. A victory achieved through brute force, not strategy.
The Emperor (↑) & The Chariot (↓): A solid plan that fails due to a lack of willpower or direction. A leader who cannot motivate their team.
The Emperor (↓) & The Chariot (↓): A project that fails due to both a lack of planning and a lack of willpower. A chaotic and undisciplined defeat.
Combinations with the Suit of Cups
The Emperor & The Two of Cups
The Emperor (↑) & The Two of Cups (↑): A traditional marriage proposal. A formal business partnership. A relationship with clear, defined boundaries.
The Emperor (↓) & The Two of Cups (↑): A controlling person who is ruining a good partnership. A refusal to commit to a loving relationship.
The Emperor (↑) & The Two of Cups (↓): A stable, committed relationship that has lost its emotional connection. A business partnership that is functional but loveless.
The Emperor (↓) & The Two of Cups (↓): A chaotic and co-dependent relationship. A business partnership that fails due to both a lack of structure and a breakdown in communication.
Additional Notes On ‘The Hierophant’ 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.
