The Emperor

Element: Fire

Numbers: 4

Astrology: Aries

Symbols:
Ankh
Ram
Armor
Crown
Scepter
Orb
Mountains
Stream
Throne

Archetypes:
The father figure, head over heart, practical strong leadership

Upright Meaning:
The Emperor is a stabilizing force, virile, and represents masculine energy. He is the maker and keeper of rules and boundaries. He boasts security and hard won victory. The Emperor can indicate one’s need to approach the facts of a situation with logic and establishing order. There is also the need to take charge of one’s own life and come into one’s own power. Status and recognition are also indicated.

Reverse Meaning:
The Emperor reversed represents toxic masculinity and male fragility. It is about not accepting the responsibility of one’s own choices and the reliance on others to solve problems. We see here a corrupt leader, someone who is of little help when called upon. There is the tendency to take shortcuts, a lack of essential skills, and a desire to blame the system for one’s improper planning. This card reversed represents a lack of drive or ambition as well as biting off more than one can chew.