4. The Emperor

The Emperor is the forth card of the Major Arcana. He sits on a throne surrounded by rams heads holding a scepter in his left hand and an orb in his right. He is a card of higher authority and is the fourth card of the journey. He is the organizer, the diplomat, the judge, the disciplinarian, the dictator, and the boss. He is The Magician (1) as an adult. He has learned how to use the tools that have been put in front of him, has gained the wisdom of The Highpriestess (2) in knowing how to correctly use these tools, and has taken the creation of The Empress (3) and put it all into motion. When he comes into your spread he is there to say "Carpe Diem" (Seize the Moment.)

The Emperor is a card of reasoning, which is a function of the conscious mind. Now that you have the idea it's time to put that idea into working order. How many times have you set out to do something that you thought of and said to yourself where do I begin? This card when it comes into your spread is telling you to handle your affairs in an orderly and disciplined fashion. His appearance is a reminder to step by step weigh out carefully the necessary requirements of the idea. He can be a very punishing card also. His appearance will say to you if you don't weigh out the pros and cons well the idea may still go through but in a very chaotic fashion I assure you. In a woman's spread this card can signify a dominating male influence, a father or a husband, or a boyfriend. In a man's spread this card can signify a boss, a father, or a dominating influence be it male or female.

IN A READING	A Major Arcana always indicates and important event, category, or month, and will overpower all other cards in both impact and effect.
NUMBER 4	Many 4's indicate fruition or the manifestation of an idea, along with the foundations or "space" where things can grow.
FOCUS	The focus is on construction, formation, and solidity, and the appearance of someone or something that will change the status quo or present and opportunity to enter into a new partnership, relationship, or life~style.
DESIRE	You want to see your ideas manifested on a physical plane in the form of accomplishment or material growth.
ROMANCE	You'll be thinking about the one you love and will wish to be with him or her again, and he/she will be thinking the same about you. When you hear from him/her, you'll make plans to get together.
THE UNEXPECTED	You will be surprised by your unexpected progress, good fortune, or "arrival" in business matters or financial matters, or you'll surprise yourself by making a major "yes" decision you have been putting off for some time.
OTHERS	You'll be happy about a social invitation that will soon be presented to you, as it will contain unexpected news and good fortune.
THE HOME	You will be doing a lot of consideration about a person whom exerts a strong influence or dominant force over you.
TRAVEL	A plan or rendezvous will be temporarily postponed due to time consuming work schedules and/or legal matters.
PAPERS	You can expect financial gain or profit through papers or mail.
WORK / CAREER	You will have discussions concerning contractual agreements, profit sharing, subsidies, or management.
UNIONS	You and a partner or loved one will unite and discuss plans for the future.
EMOTIONAL STATE	Someone or something will lift your spirits, provide a new foundation for your future, and change the course of your experience for the better.
PLEASURE	You'll be pleased about consenting administrators, and/or will enjoy sensual pleasures or a rewarding relationship.
NEWS	You will soon hear something that will shed new light on your present outlook or financial status which will come as a great relief, and if you ask for backing on an idea you will probably get it.
FAMILY	If planning to visit the home of a relative, the visit will be postponed because of another; or someone could be lying to a relative or misrepresenting facts.
THE PHYSICAL BODY	You will be worried about a physical condition (yours or that of anothers) and you teeth may need attention. Also, if you were concerned about a tumor, it will be benign. Sex will be much better the second time around.
FINANCES	You can expect and increase in your finances which will allow you to spend money on gifts or luxuries, and if you had a problem collecting money on an account of NSF check, it will be resolved.
TIME	You will embark on a new line of work or money~making enterprise, new thoughts, conditions or actions will replace old, and someone will want to develop a future with you or to legally cement your relationship.
FRIENDS	Friends will surround you, and you will have the kind of foundation or support that fosters further growth and development. Male friends are also indicated.
VISITORS / CALLERS	A caller will not arrive or call as anticipated.
MAIL	You will be involved with letters or papers that can open new doors, or facilitate growth in a new direction, and if concerned about a bad check or payment due on account, it will be made good or paid.
ANXIETY	You will be troubled by plodding work, a sordid relationship, or an extramarital affair.
DISAPPOINTMENT	You will be disappointed in a partnership that looked as if it were carved in granite but turned into sand.
ENDINGS	You will make a decision to forget an unsatisfactory or disappointing relationship, and to discipline your mind to keep the person out of your thoughts.
NEW BEGINNINGS	Someone or something will appear that will enable you to actualize a concept you devoted a lot of thought, time, work, or love toward.
INHERITANCE	You will "inherit" a new line of work and earn interest on an account.
REWARDS / GIFTS	You will wine and dine someone, or he/she will wine and dine you.
SUCCESS	You will prosper in all financial transactions, complete every task you set out to do, and accomplish much more than you thought you would; and/or you will succeed in launching great plans, building new platformsm, and making executive decisions.
FORTUNE	Luck will be with you in material affairs or employment matters through the entry of a "take~charge" type person (or attitude), and a turning of the tide in the romantic department for the better.
BLESSINGS	You will be grateful for the elimination of that which was oppressing you, for improved conditions, and for a thought's turning into reality.
SPECIAL GUIDANCE	Mundane: An opportunity will arrive that could well be the foundation of a very successful future. This will be a propitious happening. Esoteric: If your foundation was built correctly, the manifestation will follow. If not, you will have to rebuild or start over.
BEST COURSE OF ACTION	Accept that which is coming your way and don't delay.
OUTCOME	You will achieve most, if not all, of your desires, and someone (perhaps a man) will be very beneficial to you or to that which you seek.

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     There is a myriad of symbolisms on this and many of the other cards in both the major and minor arcana. In order to present a comprehensive and easy to use as a reference source set of pages for this and other cards, I will refrain from going into great detail regarding the individual symbols on the cards. On a future date I will go over the more explicit aspects of them. If you have a question regarding a particular symbol you can email me at Tamerin. I would also like to hear from you on some of your interpretations of this particular card or any other that you would like to discuss. Please use above email link. BACK