The Emperor No 4

Good morning everyone. Today we a looking at the authoritative father figure - The Emperor No 4 in the Major Arcana.

The Emperor is the number 4 representing structure, order and discipline. Like the Empress is the female archetype so the Emperor is the male figure or father figure. He is the representation of structure and authority. In terms of the Fool’s Journey this is the point that he encounters rules and the necessity for order. This is all about the confines and restrictions of living in a material physical world. In a reading this card can come up indicating a promotion or opportunity to show your abilities of organisation, planning and discipline. Often in a spread this can be an older person, usually a man that you respect and look to for advice. He may be a senior management type who has a lot to do with the rules, regulations and running of a business or he could be a legal or financial advisor. They may be very experienced but also very stubborn in their viewpoints; wise but stubborn.

Keywords: authority, responsibility, promotion

Reversed

Some issues connected with authority are indicated. Maybe there is a lack of sense of responsibility or problems relating to one’s father or father figure. In a woman’s spread it can indicate a controlling partner or domineering man . In general you or your client may find you are treated as an inferior or denied responsibility. There may be a tendency to rebel.

Keyword: inferiority and restriction by rules

If you draw The Emperor today then you will need to be organised and disciplined today. Perhaps you need to take the advice of someone older, wiser and more experienced in your field. Whatever the case hard work is required to plan and get through all that you have to do. Alternatively you may need to be the authoritative figure. You may not like this role or following the rules but today it is a necessity.