Tarot Discussion - The Emperor

The Emperor Card from the Golden Tarot by Kat Black

I did a reading not long ago for a lady who had concerns about her career.  In almost every question that was asked, the Emperor card showed up.  While it is not unusual for a card to recur from time to time in a reading, this card was consistent in its appearance.  So, the client asked me about its meaning. 

Each card deck is designed differently and the Major Arcana can represent many themes, the Emperor card is usually about patriarchal/masculine energy.  If the card represents the querent, the meaning usually relates to the desire to achieve, be successful, to compete and be the best.  Depending on the nature of the question, the card may also represent power and politics where the end result justifies the means.

The clues to the strength of the card are found in the pictures and what is represented by the pictures.  The King on the throne talks about power as does the sceptre that he holds.  The Lion, king of the beasts, represents the power of the pride where the women take care of the "king".  The black eagle on the window ledge represents the strength of the eagle, its ability to see all from above, and its mercilessness. 

In the case of my client's reading, the Emperor card represented the authoritarian style of corporate power and politics which she disliked, and which were prevalent in her current position, and would be even stronger if she moved to a company that had made her a great offer.  In one question about what she could do to be better suited to accept the offer, this card turned up as the characteristics that she would need to adopt to be successful. 

The reading set her thinking about her current position in the corporate world and helped her to focus on finding a more suitable industry where she could stay in a corporate setting without the authoritarian characteristics.

May each card you turn up be a winner!

Judith