Emperor as External Influences (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Emperor is the card of leadership, authority, power, and stability. He is Mars personified, in control of everything and everyone around him. He sits upon his throne, holding the ankh in one hand, symbolizing life, and an orb in the other, symbolizing the world. He is energetic, driven, objective, and fearless. 

The Emperor is full of masculine yang energy. As the father of all creation, he believes in protecting everyone around him. He shows love by providing for his loved ones. Underneath his tough exterior, he is still an emotional being, but only shows that side to the ones he trusts the most.

Upright Emperor as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Emperor, it means that authority figures, structured environments, or systems of control are playing a significant role in the situation. This influence suggests a need for order, discipline, and adherence to established norms or rules. It may indicate that the current circumstances are being shaped by powerful entities or individuals who have a significant impact on the direction and outcome of events, urging a careful consideration of these dynamics in decision-making processes.

The Emperor as external influences can represent people such as bosses, fathers, or any authoritative figures that impose rules or structure. These individuals may demand respect and obedience, often prioritizing logic and order over emotions or personal desires. Their influence can be both stabilizing and restrictive, depending on the context, highlighting the importance of balancing authority with personal autonomy.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Emperor as external influences means the relationship may be under the influence of traditional values or societal expectations, possibly from family or cultural norms. This external pressure can dictate how the relationship functions and evolves, potentially leading to conflicts if personal values clash with these imposed standards. It’s an invitation to examine the role of external expectations in your relationship and to negotiate a path that honors both your values and those of your partner.

If you are asking about an ex, the Emperor in the external influences position means that rigid attitudes or controlling behaviors from one or both parties are affecting the situation. This dynamic may have contributed to the separation or is complicating current interactions, suggesting a need for clear boundaries and possibly a reevaluation of power dynamics that were at play. Recognizing and addressing these issues can be key to understanding past conflicts and facilitating healing.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Emperor in the external influences position means their actions or decisions are being heavily influenced by authority figures or societal expectations. This could manifest as pressure to conform to a certain career path, lifestyle, or set of beliefs, potentially stifling personal growth or expression. Supporting them in finding their own voice amidst these pressures can strengthen your relationship and help them navigate their path more authentically.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Emperor in the external influences position means that established institutions, hierarchies, or a strict regulatory environment are influencing your career path or financial stability. This suggests that success in these areas may require navigating complex systems with diligence and respect for the rules, while also finding ways to assert your individuality and innovative ideas within these constraints. It’s a reminder of the power of structure in achieving long-term goals and the need to work within or around these systems to realize your ambitions.

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Emperor Reversed as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Emperor reversed, it means that a lack of authority, discipline, or an overbearing control is negatively impacting your situation. This suggests that there is a vacuum of leadership or a failure in systems that are supposed to provide structure and guidance. It could also indicate that there is a figure in your life whose attempt to exert control is excessive and counterproductive, leading to chaos rather than order.

The Emperor reversed as external influences can represent people such as ineffective leaders, authoritarian figures who lack real power, or someone who abuses their control, causing instability. These individuals might be creating an environment where rules are either too rigid or not enforced consistently, leading to confusion and lack of respect. Their inability to lead effectively or their misuse of power can undermine the potential for growth and development in various aspects of your life.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Emperor reversed as external influences means that there is a power imbalance or lack of structure threatening the harmony and stability of the relationship. This could manifest as one partner dominating the other or both partners struggling to establish a healthy dynamic. The lack of clear communication and mutual respect can lead to conflicts and dissatisfaction, highlighting the need for balance and shared decision-making.

If you are asking about an ex, the Emperor reversed in the external influences position means that power struggles or a lack of closure due to unresolved authority issues are affecting your ability to move on. The relationship may have suffered from battles over control or disagreements on fundamental values, leaving lingering feelings of resentment or confusion. Addressing these issues head-on, possibly through mediation or personal reflection, can facilitate healing and closure.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Emperor reversed in the external influences position means that their inability to provide support or exert positive influence is causing tension. This situation could arise from their struggles with personal issues that prevent them from being a reliable source of guidance or from their tendency to enforce their will in a way that is not constructive. Understanding the limitations of their support and seeking alternative sources of guidance can help alleviate the strain on your relationship.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Emperor reversed in the external influences position means that poor leadership or a lack of direction is hindering your career progression or financial stability. This may be due to superiors who fail to inspire or guide their teams effectively, or an organizational structure that does not foster growth and innovation. Identifying ways to navigate or compensate for these deficiencies, whether through seeking mentorship elsewhere or developing self-leadership skills, can help you overcome these obstacles and achieve your professional and financial goals.

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Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, The Emperor takes a very masculine approach. Though it is different from the feminine approach of the Empress, it does not make the Emperor’s love any less valid. This card reminds us to take a close look at intentions and relationship dynamics when evaluating a relationship. If a person’s love and intentions come from a good place, give them the freedom to express it how they choose.

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.