The Emperor Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

The Emperor Keywords 

• Upright: authority, structure, responsibility, protective, courage, stability, social rules
• Reversed: strict, coldness, inflexible, criticism, imbalance of power, controlling

The Emperor: Description and Symbolism

The Emperor sits confidently on his throne, suited in iron armor. His gear represents his willpower to protect his people. He has endured enough to lead a group, symbolized by his long beard and the mountains in the distance. Even beneath his firm expression, the river beside him shows the emotions that he has learned to reign in. 

Even in his unwavering stance, the Emperor knows how to put up a fight. The four rams on his throne symbolize his association with Aries. With this zodiac sign being ruled by Mars, the Emperor is akin to the principles of courage, force, and initiation. He bravely yields his power, willing to defend the values that sustain himself and others. 

The Emperor is no stranger to making difficult decisions. He is driven to maintain a structure, symbolized by the number ‘4’ at the top of the card. His discipline has earned him respect and material success, represented by the crown he wears. The ancient Egyptian symbol of eternal life (the Ankh) appears at the top of his staff, symbolizing the Emperor’s goodwill. He stands by the virtues he believes in, brave enough to impart them onto others through his ruling.

Note: This description is based on the depiction of the Emperor in the Rider Waite-Smith tarot deck.

The Emperor – Upright Meaning

With the Emperor’s focus on upholding a structure, he appears as a reminder to take charge. Consider how you can harness authority over your situation. This Arian ruler reminds you of the power you have over your direction. Set rules for yourself that reflect your goals and values – your discipline will bring you the outcomes you seek.

The Emperor also symbolizes the need to lean into logic and rationale. Your situation may require you to look past your feelings to tackle the task at hand. Your emotions are valuable for setting goals you are passionate about, but they can become a hindrance in seeing them through. The Emperor reminds you to develop a strategy you can stick to so it’s easier to make difficult decisions down the road.

Love Meaning – The Emperor Upright

The Emperor reminds you to have the courage to stand by your truth in love. Setting firm boundaries can be just as loving as sweet gestures when it’s for the betterment of your relationship. When this card appears, you are encouraged to bring your concerns to your partner to develop an action plan to prevent future conflicts.

When representing a relationship dynamic, the Emperor symbolizes a stable partnership. There is a shared desire for mutual respect and long-term stability in this relationship. 

If you are single, the Emperor encourages you to remember your worth. You have the experience and self-respect to know what you need in love. Don’t be afraid to stand by the rules you have set for yourself when entertaining new potential in your love life.

As someone else’s feelings, the Emperor represents someone who is serious about the connection. They are driven to come up with a strategy that will lead to a lasting relationship with you.

Career and Finance Meaning – The Emperor Upright

When the Emperor appears in a career context, you are encouraged to keep up the hard work. The energy you are giving at work is likely to pay off if you stay the course. 

This card could also be a sign to ask for a raise or promotion. You deserve credit for the experience you have accrued, so it just might be time to take a brave leap. 

Financially, the Emperor reminds you to stick to your budget. Staying disciplined with your money will bring you the most fulfilling results in the long-term.

Health Meaning – The Emperor Upright

In health, the Emperor encourages you to set new rules and regimens for yourself. Consider what habits you would like to cut. You may need to make a difficult sacrifice to achieve a long-term health goal. Structured routines are likely to benefit your mental or physical well-being now.

Spirituality Meaning – The Emperor Upright

When the Emperor appears in a spiritual context, it is a good time to focus on self-empowerment work in your practice. His correlation with the righteous sign of Aries seconds this, encouraging you to reflect on the values and experiences that motivate you. 

Your spiritual practice could need a bit more structure to feel sustainable when this card appears. Consider what regimens and routines would maintain your sense of purpose. 

The Emperor As Feelings Meaning – Upright 

With the Emperor symbolizing logic and rationale, he serves as a reminder not to get caught up in passing feelings. Your emotions need a productive channel or outlet to prevent them from hindering your progress. 

The Emperor As Actions Meaning – Upright 

The Emperor is a decisive ruler. He has the courage to see his long-term goals through with discipline. When he appears, he encourages you to trust your decision-making. So long as your actions align with your values and long-term goals, they are likely to garner respect and tangible results. 

The Emperor – Reversed Meaning

When the Emperor’s values of structure and logic are reversed, you could be going through a period where you feel overly critical of yourself and others. You may feel like you are living underneath a magnifying glass, or be the one to hold one up to others’ actions. Rather than keeping your standards high, you are challenged to redefine them. You could have outgrown the rules and expectations you used to live by in your present situation.

The reversed Emperor could also symbolize an imbalance of power. Perhaps you are in a work or relationship dynamic that challenges your values. When this card appears, you are encouraged to reconnect with your true motives before making your next move. The given situation could require you to integrate your emotional desires rather than keeping a guard up. 

Love Meaning – The Emperor Reversed

When the Emperor appears reversed, it suggests doubt and indecision in love. You could be healing from a recent conflict or separation that has left you confused about where to turn. Either that, or you have come to a standstill in productive communication with your partner. Whatever is leading you to question your judgment, the reversed Emperor gently reminds you to step back into your power. Reflect on the values most important to you in a relationship, and set them in stone.

Alternatively, you could have expectations that are difficult to achieve for yourself and others in your relationships. In this case, the reversed Emperor appears as a nudge to soften your perspective. You may be getting in the way of your own enjoyment by strictly adhering to rules and structures. 

When describing how someone feels, the reversed Emperor portrays someone who is unsure of their plans and intentions. It is best to give them time before proceeding further.

Career and Finance Meaning – The Emperor Reversed

When the Emperor’s usual structure and discipline are reversed, it suggests you could be going through a time where it is harder to adhere to the rules and guidelines you have set out for yourself. Instead of doubling down on your strategy, it may be time to reconsider your approach. Ask yourself if the vision you once had still aligns, and don’t hesitate to adjust accordingly.

Another interpretation of the reversed Emperor in a work context is the experience of struggling with rules and authority. Your current schedule or commitments could need adjusting for your long-term fulfillment. Try not to lose sight of the power you have over your own situation.

Financially, the reversed Emperor suggests the need to rethink your budget and investments. You could be focusing on expenses that don’t align with your values or overlooking your priorities entirely. It is worth coming up with a financial plan that aligns with your long-term goals now.

Health Meaning – The Emperor Reversed 

It may be time to get back to the routines and regimens that worked for you. When the structured Emperor appears reversed in a health context, recent circumstances may have made it more challenging to make time for your usual self-care activities. This is your sign to reinstate balance by making time to attend to your needs again. 

Spirituality Meaning – The Emperor Reversed

When the Emperor appears reversed in a spiritual context, you could be going through a period where you feel unaligned with your intentions. It may be time to reflect on the purpose behind your decisions before continuing with your usual routine. 

The Emperor As Feelings Meaning – Reversed

With the Emperor’s logical mindset being reversed, there could be emotions that have been seeping into your strategy. Rather than forcing a rational perspective on the situation, you are encouraged to honor the feelings that may be influencing your decisions. Once you are aware of what has been suppressed, it will feel easier to take control over your situation in a productive way.

The Emperor As Actions Meaning – Reversed

The reversed Emperor symbolizes actions and decisions that are misaligned with your core values. You could be going through an experience that is challenging you to step aside and rethink your motives. Give yourself time to reflect on what would bring the most long-term satisfaction now.

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

When the Emperor appears in the ‘past’ position, it suggests that you went through an experience that taught you to set rules for yourself. Through that experience, you gained the values of strength and self-discipline. 

Present Position

In the ‘present’ position, the Emperor depicts a situation where you are dealing with authority. Whether you are the leader or the follower, you are learning to move with courage and self-respect. This card advises you to keep a level head and trust your decision-making.

Future Position

The Emperor in the ‘future’ position predicts upcoming themes of control and responsibility. You are encouraged to set rules and goals for yourself to be sustained in this future situation.

Yes or No Meaning of The Emperor

• The Emperor Upright: Yes
• The Emperor Reversed: No

When the Emperor appears upright, he gives you a ‘yes’. The stability and determination he demonstrates when achieving his goals suggest a positive outcome for the situation.

When the Emperor appears reversed, he gives you a ‘no’. A new strategy is needed to achieve the outcome you seek.

Advice and Message of The Emperor

The Emperor firmly stands by his values, expecting you to do the same. Whenever he appears in a tarot reading, he encourages you to follow the rules and guidelines you have set out for yourself. You have more control over your situation than you realize, so remember to step into your power.

Summary of The Emperor Tarot Meaning

The Emperor rules with a strong sense of authority and self-respect. He will do anything to create stability and protect what he stands for, encouraging you to follow suit. When he appears reversed, you could be going through a situation where it is harder to take the lead. Once you reconnect with the values that empower you, decisive action will come naturally.