The Emperor

The Emperor is regarded as the fourth card in the Major Arcana of Tarot Cards, which comprises of twenty-two cards in total.

The Story behind The Emperor

After meeting the Empress, The Fool continues on his journey until he meets The Emperor, who is sat on a stone throne. The Fool is amazed by the efficiency in which The Emperor can manage things and the respect that he seems to command from everyone. The Fool, a bit weary of The Emperor’s power, asks him how he is such an amazing leader. The Emperor tells him that you need certain different qualities to be a leader. These are qualities that most people don’t possess. The Fool leaves enlightened, realising that sometimes one must lead instead of be led.

Meaning of The Emperor Tarot Card

The Emperor demonstrates how powerful one’s mentality is in shaping not only themselves, but their surroundings as well. He embodies law and order, something that keeps the world from descending into chaos. He understands that sometimes you have to be firm to be fair, and that discipline is sometimes necessary to show people when they are doing wrong. He very much represents the Alpha Male within, and is even more protective than the Empress.

His spoken and written word is what keeps the rules in place, and that way, no one is under any sort of illusion of what they have to do to stick to the rules. He is also compassionate and gentle, but he has a tough exterior because his job is to impose rules and laws rather than show love. The Emperor is always ready for confrontation, although he appears cool. He will defend those he loves right until the end. In short, The Emperor represents the importance and benefits of adhering to structure, common sense and consistency rather than being led blindly by emotions.