FATHERING STRUCTURE AUTHORITY REGULATION
Actions
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FATHERING establishing a family line setting direction and tone protecting and defending guiding growth bringing security and comfort offering explanations Reversed Early Phase: Fathering may become more important. You may begin to provide support. You may develop a connection to a child. A relationship with a father may improve. Someone may start to guide growth. Late Phase: A time of fathering is ending. You're no longer supporting a child. A father is becoming less involved. The need for protection is decreasing. Being head of the family is no longer an issue. |
EMPHASIZING STRUCTURE creating order out of chaos categorizing being systematic providing shape and form being organized applying reason coordinating sticking to a plan Reversed Early Phase: Order may return. A plan may begin to take shape. You may start to coordinate activities. The environment may become more structured. Loose ends may be tied up in the future. Late Phase: The structure is falling apart. Organization is declining. You're no longer following a plan. The period of order is ending. Fixed relationships are breaking up. |
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taking a leadership role commanding exerting control representing the establishment being in a position of strength coming in contact with officials setting direction Reversed Early Phase: You may start to exert control. An authority figure may become involved. Direction may be imposed. Respect may grow. You may have a chance to become a leader. Late Phase: You're no longer in authority. You're losing your position of strength. Control is passing to someone else. Leadership is no longer strong. Officials are stepping aside. |
REGULATING establishing law and order operating from sound principles applying rules or guidelines working within the legal system setting standards of behavior following a regimen Reversed Early Phase: You may begin to establish rules. A legal matter may become important. Contacts with the law may increase. Regulations may be enforced. Late Phase: A legal matter is being concluded. Rules are decreasing. The monitoring period is over. There's less support for the program now. Regulations are no longer respected. |
Description
The figure of the Emperor says much about the essential qualities of this card. We see a stern, commanding figure seated on a stone-slab throne. His back is straight, and his eyes meet ours directly. He is confident of his complete authority to rule.
The Emperor represents structure, order, and regulation—forces to balance the free-flowing, lavish abundance of the Empress. He advocates a four-square world where trains are on time, games are played by rules, and commanding officers are respected. In chaotic situations, the Emperor can indicate the need for organization. Loose ends should be tied up, and wayward elements, harnessed. In situations that are already overcontrolled, he suggests the confining effect of those constraints.
The Emperor can represent an encounter with authority or the assumption of power and control. As the regulator, he is often associated with legal matters, disciplinary actions, and officialdom in all its forms. He can also stand for an individual father or archetypal Father in his role as guide, protector, and provider.
Some Possible Opposing Cards
Empress—mothering, free-flowing abundance
Seven of Cups—dissipation, lack of order
Five of Swords—bending the rules, breaking the law
Some Possible Reinforcing Cards
Hierophant—conforming to rules
Justice—concerns of justice and legality
Two of Wands—having authority
Three of Wands—assuming leadership
Four of Pentacles—control, structure, order
