The emperor is the masculine form of the empress. He shows a stronger more masculine energy. When he comes up right side up, he could be symbolizing a real life man- likely one in a leadership position over you. If upright, it shows a man who has been a positive role model in your life. If reversed, the man is likely a cold and manipulative force that doesn’t leave the most positive impact.
Nonhuman interpretation
If he isn’t representing a man, he symbolizes leadership and stereotypical masculine traits. He represents your need and ability to lead. If he’s up right, it’s a positive leadership position but if he’s reversed, you (or your boss) is likely to be more of a control freak micromanager than a leader.
He also shows the logical side as well as your overall ability to succeed.
When he’s reversed, he’s more of a malevolent dictator than benevolent. He isn’t as much a leader as someone who forces those lower than him to submit. It is also a warning that you’re not thinking logically and may be about to make an impulsive mistake.
When he’s upright in a love draw-
This is showing a leader, a man who wants to be a stereotypical male provider. He’s strong, tough and firm but upright- also loving and a good overall partner. You’re likely either wanting/with a partner like him or you want to be that- and it’s much more likely to be true.
When he’s reversed in a love draw-
This is showing an abuser. If you’re attracted to men, it’s showing an abusive man in your life. He demands respect without doing much to gain it. He’s a dominant man, but he focuses on dominating others instead of looking for someone who is consensual. If you realize you’re with him, it’s time to come up with a game plan to leave. If you’re becoming him, it’s time to look in the mirror to see where you’re going wrong.
When he’s upright in a career draw-
You’re looking for your ideal match- a career where you have the power and respect that you want.
You are trying to climb the ladder at your company, but for the right benefits/pay/coworkers, you will jump ship. If you don’t see a strong enough incentive, you won’t. This card is about calculated risks- when the pay out is much more valuable than the potential losses, it’s worth taking. You won’t jump in or out of anything without putting a lot of thought into it and it’s going to pay off.
When he’s reversed in a career draw-
Either you’re becoming a dictator in your office instead of the benevolent leader you dreamt of or you’re looking at making a bad career move. You may be feeling frustrated enough to jump ship and get out of your current job- but you don’t have something else lined up.
You may be feeling like you’re wanting to burn some bridges- but you’re in a field where you need to keep those contacts and remain on good or neutral terms with coworkers/higher ups. You shouldn’t make any major move right now if you’re seeing this card reversed. Just keep where you are and work on a plan.
Chakra
First, root
Muladhara
Yes/No:
Maybe
Astrological Signs:
Mars and Aries
Up next, the Hierophant