THE EMPEROR

The Emperor sits on his throne, commanding and stately. He is a solar figure, Martian in character— as testified by the rams’ heads (emblems of Mars) that decorate his throne and appear on his left shoulder.

In his right hand (the active, male side) he holds an Egyptian ankh (also called the Crux Ansata, Cross of Life). The ankh too is one of the symbols of Venus. In the Emperor’s left hand (the passive, female side) is the globe of dominion, showing that only through the feminine power of love can he balance Spirit and matter and thus have the true power to rule. He is seated against a background of bare mountains.

His Card is No. IV (4), and this indicates all that is stable—four-square, broad-based, a foundation for the building of law and order. The number 4 also has this significance in Numerology. Four is the number of the elements: Air, Earth, Fire, and Water; there are four seasons in the year, four points to the compass, and four rivers in the garden of Eden. And there are four letters in the sacred name of God, IHVH, standing for Jehovah.

The Emperor is the active Father force contrasted with the active Mother force through whom his characteristics are brought forth. He is the Magician after his union with the High Priestess has changed her into the Empress and made him the father of her offspring.

The Emperor stands for domination of the material world, for authority, paternity, and the regulation of life by law.

Note that flesh (body) is not the enemy of the Spirit but its vehicle; Spirit is not the enemy of the flesh but its driving force.

Divinatory Meaning:
Leadership, mental activity, domination. War-making power, authority, paternity. The fruits of toil, the results of action. Controlled and directed sexual drive.

Reversed:
Loss of control. Serious injury in battle. Emotional immaturity and bondage to parents. Possibility of being defrauded of one’s inheritance.

Dascent Deck