The Emperor (tarot card)

The Emperor (IV) in the Rider–Waite tarot deck

The Emperor (IV) is the fourth trump or Major Arcana card in traditional tarot decks. It is used in game playing as well as in divination.

Description

The Emperor sits on a ram-adorned throne, a symbol of Mars. Another ram head can be seen on his cloak. His long white beard bears the symbol of "wisdom". He holds an Ankh scepter in his right hand, and a globe, symbol of domination, in his left. The Emperor sits atop a stark, barren mountain, a sign of "sterility of regulation, and unyielding power." He symbolizes the top of the secular hierarchy, the ultimate male ego. The Emperor is the absolute ruler of the world.

In astrology, the Emperor is associated with the masculine, cardinal-fire sign of Aries, the domicile sign of Mars which is symbolized by the ram.

Interpretation

According to A.E. Waite's 1910 book Pictorial Key to the Tarot, the Emperor card carries several divinatory associations:

The Emperor Keywords

UPRIGHT: Authority, establishment, structure, a father figure

REVERSED: Domination, excessive control, lack of discipline, inflexibility

Alternative decks

Alternative decks include:

• The parallel, fourth Major Arcana card in the Osho Zen Tarot deck is called The Rebel, and carries some similar connotations.
• In the Vikings tarot Ullr depicts the Emperor. He is shown with a bow, a pair of skis, a shield, and a sleigh.
• In the X/1999 tarot version made by CLAMP, The Emperor is Kyougo Monou.
• In The Legend of the Legendary Heroes tarot, The Emperor is Sion Astarl.
• In the Mythic Tarot deck, the Emperor is depicted by Zeus.
• In the Wildwood Tarot by Mark Ryan, this card is called "The Green Man".