Symbolic Representation

Sitting majestically on his throne, The Emperor has the face and head of Ram. Holding an orb and a scepter and sometimes, an Eagle too, the Emperor holds a constant expression of authority.

Tarot Story

After choosing what to do in his future, now the Fool must decide how to manage and achieve it. After seeing a great Emperor seated on a marble throne, he approaches him. The Fool is amazed as he observes the way the Emperor is obeyed instantly and how well his Empire is run by him. Respectfully, he requests the Emperor to tell him how he manages it all. And the Emperor answers: : "Strong will and a firm base." He enlightens the Fool "It's all very well to be dreamy, imaginative, instinctual, tolerant; but to control one must be vigilant, bold and insistent."

The Fool strides forward with fresh reason and direction, with the vision to lead rather than be led.

Tarot Connotation

The Emperor naturally follows the Empress. He is filled with zeal, vigor and aggression. Direct and candid, he can sometimes also be tyrant as a baby, eager and demanding. In the top state of affairs, he is the leader that everyone wants to follow. His stone throne indicates the firm base of a kingdom that he has created with love and rules with intellect and passion. But this throne can also start becoming too huge a responsibility for the Emperor to handle, leaving him feeling impatient, jaded and dissatisfied.

The card also implies being in control over your surroundings, yourself, your anger, your intuition, your love. This is not the time to give in and let yourself be controlled by others wants and needs. This card is telling the seeker to be brave, bold and responsible. They should put their ambitions together and work towards the possibility of long term achievement. They should also be aware if unknowingly their Empire is becoming an unwanted responsibility for them, and if so, are they now a bad leader, irrational and discontented.