4. The Emperor

THE EMPEROR

Beard: As mentioned earlier, the Emperor has “been there, done that” and the beard is a symbol of his experience. As an archetype, we commonly see masculine figures of authority or father figures with long white beards. It reassures us that this man has acquired years of wisdom and experience – he is worthy of listening to because he’s seen first-hand the effects of his own actions. He offers us the gift of his own life example – a short-cut, because when we heed the advice of our elders we can often avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Staff: In this rendition, the cross is at the top of his staff. This is a symbol of balance, and each arm of the cross represents balance amongst the four directions, four winds, and/or the four elements. As a ruler, it is imperative to understand the interconnectedness of things, and to be able to balance the elements of nature appropriately. Other decks depict the Egyptian ankh upon the Emperor’s staff – this is a symbol of balance and life.

The Emperor represents fathering, establishing a family line, setting direction and tone
protecting and defending, guiding growth, bringing security and comfort offering explanations. The Emperor represents emphasizing structure, creating order out of chaos, categorizing, being systematic, providing shape and form, being organized
applying reason, coordinating, and 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, and setting direction. The Emperor also represents regulating, establishing law and order, operating from sound principles, applying rules or guidelines, working within the legal system, setting standards of behaviour, following a regimen.

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.

If the Tarot is seen as a journey of the fool then the next person the Fool encounters is the father in the figure of the Emperor. He is the representative of structure and authority. As a baby leaves his mother’s arms, he learns that there are patterns to his world. Objects respond in predictable ways that can be explored. The child experiences a new kind of pleasure that comes from discovering order. The Fool also encounters rules. He learns that his will is not always paramount and there are certain behaviours necessary for his well-being. There are people in authority that will enforce such guidelines. These restrictions can be frustrating, but, through the patient direction of the Father, the Fool begins to understand their purpose.

OPPOSING CARDS

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

REINFORCING CARDS

• 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

Tree Number: 15

Ruled By: Aries

Hebrew Letter: Heh