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Emperor - Card 4 in The Major Arcana
A determined looking man dressed in body armour and a cloaked robe sits on a very substantial throne. The throne is carved with four ram's heads and the man wears a jewelled crown. In his right hand he holds a golden sceptre. In his other hand he holds a golden orb. His throne is outside which demonstrates none of the natural abundance shown in the Empress's throne.
The card is number 4 which is the number of organisation and law making. The Emperor, who symbolises masculine power, probably originates from ancient father figures like Uranus, the Greek god of the heavens. The Emperor's sceptre is the symbol of male potency and the orb suggests an understanding of the physical world and thus the ability to organise it. His throne reinforces this theme. His crown which is heavy and bejewelled shows his authority over the land he rules but the land in contrast to the Empress's land looks sterile and bare. His mastery is over the physical world of laws and logic. He lacks the intuitive powers of the Empress.
This card in a reading:
Upright: Authority and masculine power which can be used to help the querent. A powerful, maybe over forceful man in the life of the querent. This card can suggest that it may be necessary to show strength in the particular circumstances facing the querent. It may be necessary to be like the Emperor.
Reversed: Weakness, fear of authority, lack of control.
Summary: Believe in your own strength.
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