THE EMPEROR
皇帝
Upright
The Emperor is the father figure of the tarot deck, signifying wisdom, authority and grounded energy. He has seen adversity and experienced life’s triumphs and tribulations. With knowledge acquired along his path, he is able to translate it into thoughtful guidance.
This card can be a reminder to tap into inner assertiveness and leadership abilities. The asker is invited to review areas in their life that could benefit from firmer boundaries. They are encouraged to stand up for themselves and what they believe in.
If the card represents a situation, the asker can best meet the circumstances by embodying the energies of willpower, reasoning and logical analysis.
It can also signify the asker will get a new job or be
promoted.
Reversed
The Emperor reversed encourages the asker to review areas in their life where they haven’t been practicing commitment and self-discipline. This could be a situation they have been avoiding or procrastinating on because it causes anxiety, or, they feel they don’t have the courage to confront it. The Emperor reversed reminds us that by facing reality and committing to decisive action — even if it feels uncomfortable — helps build confidence and self-esteem.
The Emperor reversed may also point to issues with a boss, partner, father figure, or someone with strong masculine energy. The asker is invited to reflect on how and why that person is triggering them, and what they can learn about their relationship with male figures. The card can also signify the need to protect one’s boundaries.
