Card 4

The Emperor

Brief Description

The Emperor represents the father figure whose duty is to be responsible for the welfare and protection of his family. He values and protects what he has rather than seeking new things, takes charge, and often acts in a solitary manner with confidence in his own authority and a distrust of others. Typically the card points to a mature man, usually someone 40 to 60 years old, and symbolizes leadership, organization, conservatism, and a desire for power. Reversed, the card indicates a lack of responsibility or capability, increased anger or violence, dysfunction, or retirement.

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Meaning

The Emperor usually relates to the role of father, whose duty it is to be responsible for the welfare of his family. He values and protects what he has rather than wanting new things. He takes charge and acts in a solitary manner. He is confident of his own authority but does not trust anyone else. The Emperor is a mature man; usually the card means someone 40 to 60 years old.

Upright

Responsible, capable, leading, conservative, abrupt, desire for power, dignified, organized, businessman, self-employed, lawyer, father.

Reversed

Lack of responsibility, no longer capable, violent, easily angered, dysfunctional, retired.

Visual Description

A seated bearded man in a black-and-white checked crown and patterned garments sits on a grassy bank, one hand resting under his chin in a thinking pose. He wears a blue tartan cloak and holds a golden scepter shaped like an ankh across his lap. White knee breeches and stockings, simple shoes, and lush green foliage and rounded white flowers surround him. The lower border shows the printed title '4 · The Emperor.'

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Dreaming Way tarot

✍️ Deck author(s): Rome Choi, Kwon Shina

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