(Tarot Prompts for Writers)
What I See in the Card:
The Emperor appears relaxed, barely resting on his throne, with one leg crossed. He doesn’t flaunt his power, but he’s certainly not concerned about losing it. He doesn’t hold a weapon and he isn’t even slightly hidden by his shield. He doesn’t need it now because his power is so secure.
The Emperor is strong, used to authority, unhurried and unworried. He’s staying right here, ruling long-term.
He is a natural ruler, both protective and domineering. He’s a man of the world, at home in nature, with family, on the battlefield. He’s old school.
He wears colourful robes; he has taste and he cares about the physical side of life. He doesn’t look like a deep thinker or a keeper of secret knowledge – but just because he doesn’t flaunt his wisdom doesn’t mean he has none. He’s an emperor, not a fool, and he didn’t get where he is through happy accident. The man can strategize.
His eagle represents the will purified by discipline. His sceptre represents potency, rules, domination. This is a man who has achieved his ambitions.
The Emperor is not young but still in his prime. He’s mature but not old, a smidge plump but not unfit, and wealthy but not ostentatious. He’s content with himself and his rule and he gives the overall impression of being serious and reasonable.
Unlike the Empress, the Emperor does not look at you. He’s not waiting for anyone; he’s not inviting anyone in. He’s more self-interested and self-satisfied, staring at his own sceptre, which suggests an interest in his own power more than a concern about his empire. But he’s no distracted dreamer. Perhaps he’s just taking a moment to reflect on all the dedicated effort that got him to this place of security and comfort.
In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, the Emperor’s landscape is barren and fiery but not in my tarot Balbi, where the landscape is lush. There are flames in the background, but the Emperor ignores them. It’s not that he’s blithe; it’s that they’re no threat. His empire is not at risk.
The Emperor is practical and powerful. You want him on your side. He’s a bit fatherly, and he might provide useful advice. He’d definitely be able to get you through doors. But it won’t be easy to get his attention, and he’s not in the business of doing favours. And who exactly do you think you are asking an Emperor for anything?
Read will take you to my notes on how to tell a fortune with the Emperor — traditional interpretations; what the card might mean in different positions; keywords to help memorize meanings; and questions to ponder or ask the querent.
Write will take you to a few prompts for launching from the Emperor into a story. First lines, a character, and a point of view — three possible ways to turn the Emperor into fiction.
Tarot will take you to a central Tarot-Prompts page.
Go ahead, tap him on the shoulder.
Images on this page are by the following artists:
Banner (and top box), left to right: Marseilles deck engraved by Nicolas Conver; Dragon Tarot illustrated by Roger and Linda Garland: Tarot Balbi by Domenico Balbi; Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti; Radiant Rider-Waite deck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith; Druid Craft deck illustrated by Will Worthington.
Mid-page boxes: Tarot Balbi; the Modern Witch Tarot created by Lisa Sterle.
Catherine Austen 