Tarot of Marseille: The Emperor

WHO IS THE EMPEROR, ARCANUM 4 OF THE TAROT OF MARSEILLE?
The Emperor card, the fourth of the Tarot de Marseille, corresponds to the number 4, which represents the 4 elements: earth, water, fire and air.

It comes immediately after the Empress and depicts a man in profile seated on a throne. He holds a golden scepter, a symbol of authority and power. His crown resembles a Phrygian cap.

On the throne appears an eagle with outstretched wings.

As in the Empress card, here too the emblems of sovereignty and power are present.

The character appears serene and confident in his abilities and his attitude gives him power, firmness and authority.

The fact that he keeps his legs crossed, with the right one over the left, indicates that he considers duty more important than affections.

The Emperor, with his gaze fixed in front of him, represents an ambitious character, who seems driven by a logic of conquest and protection.

INTERPRETATION OF THE CHARTER
In operation
The Emperor has the soul of a conqueror. Often associated with the father figure, the Emperor is protective, firm, and ambitious, unhesitating when faced with difficult decisions.

To carry out his plans, the Emperor has a great will.

A man of action, he is also an excellent communicator and knows how to use his charisma to achieve his goals.

Not in operation
The Emperor can be hostile if he persists in destructive ideas and is guilty of obstinacy: he can behave like a despot.

His categorical decisions lead him to authoritarianism.

ADVICE FROM THE EMPEROR
Take command.
Develop self-discipline.
Be a guide to others.
Use willpower.
Be wary of bizarre ideas.
Use traditional, proven methods to solve a problem.
Be strong.
Make stable what is not stable.
Strengthens, stabilizes, consolidates.
Plan your actions and carry them out in an organized and methodical manner.
Take responsibility.
Recommend those who turn to you.
Be an anchor.
Act with confidence.
Have confidence in your abilities.
Develop a strategy.
Believe in yourself.

KEYWORDS
Earthly Power, Stability, Command, Father, Domination.

Look at the other tarot cards…

THE TAROT OF MARSEILLE
I – THE MAGICIAN
II – THE POPESS
III – THE EMPRESS
III – THE EMPEROR
V – THE POPE
VI – THE LOVERS
VII – THE CHARIOT
VIII – JUSTICE
VIIII – THE HERMIT
X – THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE
XI – THE STRENGTH
XII – THE HANGED MAN
XIII – DEATH
XIIII – TEMPERANCE
XV – THE DEVIL
XVI – THE TOWER
XVII – THE STARS
XVIII – THE MOON
XVIIII – THE SUN
XX – THE JUDGMENT
XXI – THE WORLD
THE FOOL