General
Upright: As a person, The Emperor often represents an older man who is good in business and usually wealthy. The Emperor is solid and stable, he is powerful, grounded, a protector but also can be rigid and stubborn. He can be a father or father figure or an old man you are romantically involved with. He is a hard task master and has little time for fun and frivolity. Children of the Emperor can struggle with father issues as falling short of his high expectations can affect their self-esteem. If in the past position this card can indicate that the father figure in your life was an authoritarian and that, while he had your best interest at heart, he may have struggled showing affection. If it appears in present or future positions it's a much better element as it indicates a wise old man who will give you solid advice which, if you follow, will lead you in the right direction. If not relating to a person,The Emperor signifies the dominance of logic over emotion and mind over the heart. It signifies that concentration, structure, stability and focus is required if you want to make your ideas and dreams a reality. The Emperor upright can represent fatherhood.
Reversed: The Emperor in reverse as a person, signifies an old man or person in authority in your life who may be abusing his power or being too authoritarian leaving you feeling powerless or rebellious. This person maybe trying to give you some guidance but the message is getting lost due to their domineering behaviour. The best way to handle this situation is to remain calm and logical. Take advice that works for you and ignore the rest and don't be afraid to stand up to authority but do so in a practical and logical manner which will get you the results you want. This card can also indicate a father figure who let you down or abandoned you. If not relating to a person, this card can indicate that you're letting your heart overrule your head too much and you need to balance your mind with your emotions. This card shows that you may be lacking self-control and need to get more structure in your life. It can also represent paternity issues or questions over paternity.
Money and Career
Upright: In terms of career, this card indicates that your hard work will be noticed and you will reap the rewards of status and success. Concentration, focus and perseverance will get you where you want to go. If you're looking for work you need to be persistent and logical in your search. Opportunities are coming that will bring you structure and stability. It can also be a sign that an older male will provide guidance and support to you. In terms of finance, it's a sign that you need to be responsible and practical with your money. You need to keep reasonable control of your spending and be aware where your money is going but at the same time don't be a tyrant when it comes to control in spending.
Reversed: When reverse card implies a lack of consistency, focus and organisation leading to problems at work. If you're finding the restrictions of work impose too much on you and it's really starting to bother you, it may be time for a change. There may be another job in your chosen field that would give you greater freedom. You may be tired following orders and want to be your own boss. In terms of finance, you may be lacking control.
Health
Upright: When it comes to health, this card implies that you're being too hard on yourself. You need to reduce or eliminate activities that put too much pressure on your body, avoid punishing exercise regimes and be kind to yourself. Work with your energy levels and not against them. If you're having health issues your approach to these needs to be a logical one. "Suck it up and get on with it" as an approach will not serve you well ,if you need rest then rest. If you're ill seek, medical treatment and listen to your doctors advice.
Reversed: When reversed, this card indicates that you're being too rigid with your routine and causing yourself and undue stress. This can manifest in physical symptoms like headaches or poor sleeping patterns. By pushing your body too far you can cause yourself injuries. Don't be afraid to loosen up the routine and give yourself time to relax. Alternatively, if you've not been taking care of your health this card shows you that you need to increase your self-discipline to bring yourself back to good health.
Spirituality
Upright: When it comes to spirituality, this card indicates that your neglecting the spiritual part of yourself and instead favouring the physical and material sides. You need to make time for your spiritual pursuits and not let logical, rational parts of your mind takeover and stop you exploring your sensitive side. If you're currently engaged in spiritual pursuits, this card can be a sign that you need to ground and protect yourself.
Reversed: When this card appears reversed and in relation to spirituality, it can indicate you wanting to explore alternative spiritual paths. While it's good to allow yourself to explore, it is important that if you come to contact with new spiritual advisors, you still remember to think for yourself and only take in what works for you.
