THE EMPEROR

FATHERING
STRUCTURE
AUTHORITY
REGULATION

[ Actions ] [ Opposing Cards ] [ Reinforcing Cards ] [ Description ] [ Reversed? ]

ACTIONS

fathering: establishing a family line
setting direction and tone
protecting and defending
guiding growth
bringing security and comfort
offering explanations
emphasizing structure: creating order out of chaos
categorizing
being systematic
providing shape and form
being organized
applying reason
coordinating
sticking to a plan
exercising authority: taking a leadership role
commanding
exerting control
representing the establishment
being in a position of strength
coming in contact with officials
setting direction
regulating: establishing law and order
operating from sound principles
applying rules or guidelines
working within the legal system
setting standards of behavior
following a regimen

OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities

Empress - mothering, free-flowing abundance
Seven of Cups - dissipation, lack of order
Five of Swords - bending the rules, breaking the law

REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities

Hierophant - conforming to rules
Justice - concerns of justice and legality
Two of Wands - having authority
Three of Wands - assuming leadership
Four of Pentacles - control, structure, order

DESCRIPTION

The figure of the Emperor says much about the essential qualities of this card. We see a stern, commanding figure seated on a stone-slab throne. His back is straight, and his eyes meet ours directly. He is confident of his complete authority to rule.

The Emperor represents structure, order and regulation - forces to balance the free-flowing, lavish abundance of the Empress. He advocates a four-square world where trains are on time, games are played by rules, and commanding officers are respected. In chaotic situations, the Emperor can indicate the need for organization. Loose ends should be tied up, and wayward elements, harnessed. In situations that are already over-controlled, he suggests the confining effect of those constraints.

The Emperor can represent an encounter with authority or the assumption of power and control. As the regulator, he is often associated with legal matters, disciplinary actions, and officialdom in all its forms. He can also stand for an individual father or archetypal Father in his role as guide, protector and provider.