As the attribution of Aries the god of war would suggest, the Emperor is a card of ambition, conquest and expansive power. And as it's own name suggests the Emperor is also a card of authority and influence, as well as honour, renown, and the heights of acheivement.

 

Traditionally the Emperor card would have been interpreted as reffering to actual royalty and the aristocratic / land owning classes. Today the interpretation is broader, encompassing anyone who wields power over other people in a given situation. Therefore the card may represent politicians, employers, sports coaches and manager, the head of a family, and many other roles.

 

In readings the Emperor may suggest that you have come to the attention of someone with power and authority who will give you their help and backing. Conversely, if the position of the Emperor in a spread indicates that it represents a problem or obstacle it may be that a person in a position of power is blocking your advancement, or that you do not have the authority and influence needed to succeed on your present course.

 

The Emperor card may also describe events that will bring you great acheivement and the fulfillment of your ambitions, or place you in a position of authority and power over others. It may indicate that you will win awards and honours, and a greater respect from your peers.

 

In qabalistic philosophy there has been some disagreement as to the attribution of the Emperor card to one of the 22 connecting paths of the Tree of Life. The traditional attribution places it on the path of He, connecting the spheres of Chokmah and Tipareth. But many people today follow the attribution given by the infamous Aleister Crowley who switched the Emperor and Star cards, placing the Emperor on the path between Yesod and Netzache. It should be remembered, however, that Crowley was known to have placed deliberate errors in his works, folloing a long tradition of willful obscuratism in esoteric and occult texts, designed to encourage students to think things through for themselves rather than just beleiving what they read. The traditional attribution is, in my opinion, much more appropriate.

 

Chokmah is the sphere of higher will and purpose, and of Ratziel, the Will of God. Tipareth is the sphere of the heart, and the seat of our sense of self. The path connecting them therefore speaks of a personhs destiny - the purpose of their life  - and the sense of purpose that animates and defines our self image, and also of the will of god manifest in an individual life. The emperor card may therefore indicate that a person is destined to succeed, and that this success will help to define their lives. It may also indicate a kind of moral authority, suggesting that you are doing what is right and that this will help you to win through.

 

If a person has been going through hard times, or sufferring from a lack of confidence or depression then the Emperor card shows that they will soon be lifted by a renewed sense of purpose, and that some natural gift or talent will come into its own and lead them to victory.