Learning Tarot- The Emperor

Victorian Romantic Tarot

Key: 4

Numerology: 4

The Emperor is a leader, the yang to the yin of the Empress.  He represents strategic planning and logic, think of the Greek god Zeus.  He is solid, logical, and concrete.  Notice that the Emperor wears emblems of war: a ram's head and the planet Mars and holds an ankh (Egyptian) in his right hand the globe of dominion in his left.  He embodies absolute power and authority, strength and determination. When he shows up, you're going to be honing your leadership skills.

Reversed, the Emperor can no longer hold his place of power as he slips from his throne.  He is much more guarded and careful, suspicious. This can show a person immature with leadership or not polished when dealing with those in power because they fear losing power themselves.   Reversed, it is a caution to step carefully before proceeding.