Major Arcana

The Emperor

Tarot Card Meaning

The Emperor tarot card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck

Upright

  • authority
  • structure
  • stability
  • leadership

Establish order and take command. Structure and discipline will lead to success.

Reversed

  • tyranny
  • rigidity
  • domination
  • inflexibility

Excessive control or lack thereof. Beware of becoming too rigid or losing your authority.

Symbolism

An armored figure sits on a stone throne carved with ram heads, holding an ankh scepter and an orb. Barren mountains rise behind him — absolute authority and unwavering structure.

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