The Card of the Day: The Emperor (Reversed)
“Identify what needs to be reinforced.”
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The Emperor is an archetype for establishing firm foundations. He also teaches you that "feeling secure" can only exist when you act assertively and protect your boundaries. If you don't speak up for yourself, you are wearing a sign that tells others that they can take control of your life and its direction. To the Emperor, this is the same as ceding his crown to an invading warlord. The Emperor’s personal honor code forbids it. The Emperor is the personification of the voice within your head that wants you to speak up assertively when something isn’t right. If you feel angry, that others are thoughtless or disrespectful toward you, it's probably because you haven't been letting your "inner Emperor" speak up.Do you feel disrespected by others, and that your personal boundaries are being tested? Do you have trouble saying "no," without an apologetic excuse or a fib? Do you think assertive people are mostly belligerent jerks, who are selfish and don't care about others?He also teaches you that "feeling secure" can only exist when you act assertively and protect your boundaries. If you don't speak up for yourself, you are wearing a sign that tells others that they can take control of your life and its direction. To the Emperor, this is the same as ceding his crown to an invading warlord. The Emperor’s personal honor code forbids it. The Emperor is the personification of the voice within your head that wants you to speak up assertively when something isn’t right. If you feel angry, that others are thoughtless or disrespectful toward you, it's probably because you haven't been letting your "inner Emperor" speak up.Do you feel disrespected by others, and that your personal boundaries are being tested? Do you have trouble saying "no," without an apologetic excuse or a fib? Do you think assertive people are mostly belligerent jerks, who are selfish and don't care about others?
The Emperor is seated on his throne, decorated with rams. Rams charge, defending their territory and their mates. The Emperor wears armor under his robes. This symbolizes that he ready for action at any time, to stand up and protect his realm. His beard symbolizes thoughtful maturity. The Emperor is never "aggressive," just to prove his masculinity. He takes action only when his world needs to be stabilized and protected. The mountains surrounding him are protective barriers. They are also his seat of power. From their peaks, he can survey all of his realm, and take action to protect his boundaries from barbarian invaders. He is completely relaxed with the scepter, and the orb. The scepter it a symbol for "male," the orb is a symbol for "female." The Emperor holds both in balance, and understands that each are equally indispensable.
The Emperor is a firm figure, the complete opposite of his soft-featured wife, the Empress. The Empress sits relaxed in her garden, dispensing love, peace, and nurturing to her children. However, her garden can only exists because the Emperor protects its borders, giving her a safe space to do her important work. Within you, there is not only an Empress, but an Emperor as well. Both are vitally important to being a balanced human being. If one archetype is ignored, inner turmoil will result.
Our society is obsessed with gender roles. It brainwashes children into believe that life is a series of "boys are this," and "girls are that." Boys should act more aggressive and assertive, girls should be "nicer" and more accommodating. The truth is, we all have both the Empress, and the Emperor archetypes within us. You have both male and female archetypes within, regardless of what gender you are. Both must be respected for balance and harmony to occur. Too much "Emperor" can make you overly aggressive, combative, and belligerent. Too much "Empress" can make you passive, a doormat, and a victim.
Today the Emperor is calling you to be assertive. You really don't need to "justify" your right to be, but you do need to stand up for it. Respectfully asserting your position is not only healthy, but vital at this time. This could also be a time to create structure to aid in the achievement of a goal. Take responsibility for yourself and your dreams. Stand up and protect your realm. Stop saying "yes" when your inner Emperor is bellowing "NO!"
If you honor the Emperor, he will secure a harmonious garden of joy for you.
If the Emperor appears reversed, he may be asking you to identify what feels unstable in your realm at this time. Often this instability results from procrastination on pressing matters that require confrontation. Sometimes this card alerts you to embodying too much passive "Empress energy." Confrontation can seem like an uncomfortable concept. It brings to mind a messy conflict, or a period of discomfort. In truth, avoiding and procrastinating lead to a perpetual sense of inner conflict and anxiety that is much more difficult to exist with. Confronting issues or projects that have been avoided will revitalize you and restore your sense of order, control, and self-confidence. Take responsibility for all that is under your charge. It's time to lead, not follow. The Emperor's role is to defend, promote, and protect all that he cares for.
When the Emperor appears reversed he also reminds you to step into your majesty. Stop fooling yourself into thinking you "can't do this." Instead of avoiding that which needs to be reinforced, dive in and change it. Take charge and create the stability you wish to see. Face the issues confronting you and take action. The Emperor is the archetype of pro-activity. Meet your deadlines take charge of your life. Confront your finances, take care of that cavity, dust off your "to-do" list. The Emperor exemplifies not only control of his empire, but self-control as well. Your self esteem will skyrocket when you summon the courage to do what needs doing.
*The Emperor (Reversed) in a Love Reading
New Relationship
The Emperor reversed is no poet! If you are looking for this individual to gush on you with romantic accolades describing your beauty and best qualities, you probably won’t receive these flowering words. Competition, sports, business, and the drive for the external success are the arenes he thrives in.
Long Term Partnership
The Emperor reversed can represent a partner who can be domineering and autocratic. He (or she) will insist on being in full control and will resent any attempt to coerce or pressure him. If he feels insecure in his authority, he may also display his temper, or will attempt to bring down others a notch to soothe his wounded pride.
Seeking Romance
Sometimes the Emperor reversed can represent either an absent father, or a relationship partner who has many have issues surrounding a complicated history with his own father. The lack of a father’s approval and validation can create deep insecurities for both men and women in their adult relationships. It may be time for you or your partner to tackle old issues from the past.
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*This excerpt is a sneak peek at my upcoming book “Tarot in Love: Consulting the Cards in Matters of the Heart” from Llewellyn Books and available for preorder!
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