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The Emperor symbolizes the structural element, stability, desire for security and continuity. It symbolizes our endeavor to isolate ourselves from natural conditions, from all their unpredictability. Even if we occasionally shoot too much at the target, it does not mean that we appreciate the positive sides of this often suspicious card. The Ruler also refers to our sense of order, common sense, discipline, responsibility, and pragmatic procedures, but also exaggerated in the form of stiffness, inanimateness, domination and a desire for steel power.

IV. THE EMPEROR

This card is attributed to the letter Tzaddi, and it refers to the sign of Aries in the Zodiac. This sign is ruled by Mars, and therein the Sun is exalted. The sign is thus a combination of energy in its most material form with the idea of authority. The sign TZ or TS implies this in the original, onomatopoetic form of language. It is derived from Sanskrit roots meaning Head and Age, and is found to-day in words like Cæsar, Tsar, Sirdar, Senate, Senior, Signor, Sefior, Seigneur.

The card represents a crowned male figure, with imperial vestments and regalia. He is seated upon the throne whose capitals are the heads of the Himalayan wild ram, since Aries means a Ram. At his feet, couchant, is the Lamb and Flag, to confirm this attribution on the lower plane; for the ram, by nature, is a wild and courageous animal, lonely in lonely places, whereas when tamed and made to lie down in green pastures, nothing is left but the docile, cowardly, gregarious and succulent beast. This is the theory of government.

The Emperor is also one of the more important alchemical cards; with Atu II and Atu III, he makes up the triad: Sulphur, Mercury, Salt. His arms and head form an upright triangle; below, crossed legs represent the Cross. This figure is the alchemical symbol of Sulphur (see Atu X). Sulphur is the male fiery energy of the Universe, the Rajas of Hindu philosophy. This is the swift creative energy, the initiative of all Being. The power of the Emperor is a generalization of the paternal power; hence such symbols as the Bee and the Fleur-de-lys, which are shown on this card. With regard to the quality of this power, it must be noted that it represents sudden, violent, but impermanent activity. If it persists too long, it burns and destroys. Distinguish from the Creative Energy of Aleph and Beth: this card is below the Abyss.

The Emperor bears a sceptre (surmounted by a ram’s head for the reasons given above) and an orb surmounted by a Maltese cross, which signifies that his energy has reached a successful issue, that his government has been established. 

There is one further symbol of importance. His shield represents the two-headed eagle crowned with a crimson disk. This represents the red tincture of the alchemist, of the nature of gold, as the white eagle shown in Atu III pertains to his consort, the Empress, and is lunar, of silver.

It is finally to be observed that the white light which descends upon him indicates the position of this card in the Tree of Life. His authority is derived from Chokmah, the creative Wisdom, the Word, and is exerted upon Tiphareth, the organized man.

IV. THE EMPEROR

Sun in Capricorn, standing for responsibility, order, security, continuity Zodiac: Aries Tree of life: The axis Netzach - Yesod Element: Fire Number: 4 as physical reality, basic structure, orientation

Trumps III and IV represent Parents in their archetypical way. Just as the Empress stands for Mother Nature, the Emperor is the social word, the structure of civilization, a symbol for its law and order, may they be good or bad, but the power behind them. He is the abstraction of establishment, its stability and security. 

In its negative aspects the card can represent the force of bad law in a society where stability is rated higher than morals or ethic. Once law and order are established as an institution, a bad emperor can turn out to be a disaster. And even at his best the Emperor is limited - he puts restrictions and borders to the spontanity of spirit and nature. 

In a more personal view the Emperor might stand for a time of stability and structure, linear thinking and discipline. Yet we can't live without it, too many of those attributes will only lead to rational despotism and mental poverty.

Drive: Mastery of the will over nature, a sense for law and order, plan and structure 

Light: Creation, recognition, stability, realism, responsiveness 

Shadow: Despotism, selfcomplacancy, poorness of feelings, lack of fantasy; rationalism as a prison

IV. THE EMPEROR - The Sun - Capricorn - Power

Keywords: Aries, Pioneering, Discovery, Leadership, Initiative, Creative Wisdom, Outstanding Leadership, Call to Action, Boldness, New Beginnings, Paternity, Authority, Tenderness, Desire for Adventure

Advice: This is the right moment for a change or a new beginning. Trust your own energy and move along with it.

Questions: What kind of revitalization do you need for your life? Are there any steps you want to climb upwards?

Suggestion: Examine yourself critically, especially regarding your relationship with your superiors and subordinates.

Revelation: I trust in my power, I serve, I serve.

Analogies:

Ji-Ching: 7. Shih (Army)

Mythology: The Patriarch (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob)

Keywords: responsibility, order, security, structure, continuity, stability

Authority comes from man, not from clothing. But he has to wear his clothes to be recognized.

IV. THE EMPEROR

In the most practical terms, The Emperor Tarot card represents the highest leadership, a head of state, or the most exemplary and powerful person in the realm. This archetypal ruler is responsible for the affairs of a society or community, which are directly proportional to his well being and happiness.

The more enlightenment and cosmic perspective this energy brings, the better life is for all. The Emperor archetype masters the world of matter and physical manifestation. When you apply this card to your situation, acknowledge your potentials for mastery. Reinforce a sense of sovereignty within yourself, despite any self-limiting beliefs, habits, or appearances to the contrary.

In the Reversed Position

When the Emperor card is reversed, there may be a tendency to behave like a petty tyrant, insisting on being indulged, served and flattered. This emperor prefers his own version of events to what is actually true and as such risks losing the respect of his people.

Try to curb whatever arrogance might be distorting your point of view. Remember that, though the emperor looks like the king, he is the servant of everyone in his realm. If he doesn't serve well, the negative impact of his own defects are what will bring him down.

In the Advice Positon

When the Emperor arises, he advises you get in touch with your inner sovereignty and natural self-possession. Realize that somewhere deep inside you is the memory of royalty. Reach within to find that strain of natural nobility and leadership. These innate qualities will help you manage your current situation.

The Emperor suggests that you have the necessary abilities to be the final authority. This situation is an opportunity to showcase your competence and skill. Act with the confidence of someone who knows how to take care of business.

Read more:

• » The Book of Thoth - A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians by Aleister Crowley.
• » Liber LXXVIII - On the Tarot - A complete treatise on the Tarot giving the correct designs of the cards with their attributions and symbolic meanings on all planes. - A description of the Cards of the Tarot, with their attributions, including a method of divination by their use.
• » Manuscript N - The Tarot - A Golden Dawn Manuscript - A Theoricus Adeptus Minor Paper.