Emperor as Past (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 Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Emperor, it means that there was a period of structure, authority, and control in your life. This could point to a time when rules and structure heavily guided your actions and decisions, fostering a sense of security and order in your environment. It was a stage where authority—either your own or someone else’s—played a significant role, helping to shape your path and cultivate discipline in your approach to various situations.

The Emperor as the past can represent a time when discipline and organization were key themes, possibly showcasing a strong figure or influence in your life. During this period, you might have been guided by a strong hand, helping to shape your worldview and approach to challenges. It was a time rich with lessons on leadership, order, and structured thinking, which could have equipped you with the knowledge and discipline to handle complex situations adeptly.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Emperor in the past position means there was a strong foundation, with a focus on stability and security. This time in the relationship was characterized by a solid groundwork where both individuals worked towards creating a stable and secure environment for the love to flourish. It was a period where mutual goals and a strong commitment to each other helped build a fortified foundation, that, hopefully, has carried into the present moment, bringing forth a relationship grounded in trust and security.

If you are asking about an ex, the Emperor in the past position means that the relationship was characterized by a structured approach, possibly with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. This structure might have brought about a certain sense of stability and predictability, guiding the way you interacted with each other. While it might have created a strong framework for the relationship, it also could have potentially limited spontaneity, leading to a dynamic that was more about fulfilling duties than exploring emotional depths.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Emperor in the past position means the relationship had strong boundaries, and there was a sense of mutual respect and understanding. During this time, it was clear that there were lines that both parties understood not to cross, fostering a respectful and harmonious relationship. It was a period where respect for each other’s space and individuality was a cornerstone, helping to build a relationship that was grounded in trust and mutual understanding.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Emperor in the past position means there was a period where structure, order, and leadership played pivotal roles in your career progression. This phase was marked by a well-defined path and clear objectives, helping you to navigate your career with a sense of direction and purpose. It was a time where leadership—either from you or from a mentor—steered your professional journey, potentially leading to advancements and growth owing to a disciplined and structured approach to career goals.

Emperor Reversed as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Emperor reversed, it means that there may have been a period of misuse of power or lack of structure and discipline. This phase could indicate a time when there was an imbalance in the exertion of authority, where either an overreach or a lack of governance led to challenges. It was a time when it was difficult to find firm ground, with situations possibly being marked by inconsistency and a fluctuating sense of control, making it a tumultuous period to navigate.

The Emperor reversed as the past can represent a time of chaos, where control might have been lost and authoritarian tendencies could have appeared. During this period, you might have encountered individuals who exerted their authority excessively or perhaps faced moments where the structure broke down, leading to a chaotic environment. It was a time when it was vital to keep your integrity intact amidst the challenges and to find your inner anchor in the chaotic whirlwind that surrounded you.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Emperor reversed in the past position means there might have been power struggles and a lack of stability and security in the relationship. This card hints at a time when the relationship may have faced turmoil due to an uneven balance of power or conflicting desires for control. It suggests a period where, rather than building a secure foundation together, the relationship might have been more characterized by clashes, misunderstandings, and instability, which potentially hindered the growth of a harmonious connection.

If you are asking about an ex, the Emperor reversed in the past position means the relationship could have been marked by tyranny or controlling behaviors, possibly leading to resentment. This dynamic could have brought up deep frustrations and a feeling of being stifled or controlled, overshadowing the love and affection that once existed. It was a time when it was essential to maintain a sense of self, even when faced with dominating forces, and to seek freedom from any oppressive influences.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Emperor reversed in the past position means there might have been conflicts due to rigidity and controlling tendencies. During this period, the relationship might have been strained, with misunderstandings stemming from an inability to allow flexibility and freedom. It was a time when it became crucial to establish boundaries and to communicate openly about the need for respect and understanding, in order to navigate through the difficult phases and maintain the relationship.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Emperor reversed in the past position means there might have been a period of instability, possibly with poor leadership or lack of direction. This phase in your career could have been marked by a feeling of being ungrounded, with a lack of clear guidance or well-defined goals to work towards. It was a stage where navigating through the chaos demanded resilience and a proactive approach to carve out a path for yourself, despite the lack of structure or support from leadership.

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.