Emperor as What Someone Wants (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 What Someone Wants

When inquiring about what someone wants, drawing the Emperor card suggests that they are seeking stability, authority, or a stronger connection with their masculine energy, regardless of their gender. This pursuit of stability could indicate a longing for consistent patterns or routines in their life, a desire for a firm foundation on which they can build, or a need for predictability. Their quest for authority may denote a wish to gain influence over their circumstances or the people around them. Finally, a stronger connection to masculine energy can imply a desire to tap into qualities traditionally associated with masculinity, such as assertiveness, confidence, or strength.

The Emperor card as what someone wants can represent their longing for control, structure, or to establish clear boundaries and rules. This craving for control might indicate a desire for autonomy or the need to have greater influence over their own destiny. Their yearning for structure could suggest a wish for order and organization, a defined path, or a systematic approach to their pursuits. Lastly, wanting to establish clear boundaries and rules may denote a need for defining personal space or setting standards for their interactions with others.

In the context of a romantic relationship, drawing the Emperor card could mean they desire stability, security, or a partner who is reliable and dependable. Their aspiration for stability might indicate a wish for a consistent, predictable relationship, or a partnership where they feel secure. Security in this sense can imply a partner who provides emotional safety, reliability, or someone who they can trust will be there for them.

When asking about an ex, drawing the Emperor card suggests they might be seeking to regain control or stability in their life, or they could be longing for the security the relationship once provided. Regaining control could mean recapturing autonomy over their emotions or circumstances, while seeking stability might denote a desire for emotional balance or a predictable routine post-breakup. Their longing for security could indicate a yearning for the emotional or financial stability they once experienced within the relationship.

When considering a friend or family member, drawing the Emperor card suggests they may desire respect, authority, or they might be seeking to establish clear boundaries in the relationship. Their desire for respect could indicate a need for recognition of their value or efforts, while seeking authority might denote a wish for leadership or influence within the relationship. Establishing clear boundaries could imply the need to set limits in the relationship, maintaining a healthy balance between closeness and personal space.

Finally, when considering career and financial matters, drawing the Emperor card suggests they might be seeking to establish themselves in a position of authority, they may desire more structure in their career, or they could be striving for stability and security in their financial situation. Establishing themselves in a position of authority can imply a desire for leadership roles, decision-making power, or more responsibility at work. A desire for more structure in their career might suggest a need for clear career paths or a predictable job routine. Lastly, striving for stability and security in their financial situation might denote a wish for consistent income, financial independence, or a safe and secure financial future.

Need more clarity on your relationship?

Ask unlimited questions in a safe space. Get the answers you need. Your situation is unique. Sibyl’s expert psychics are here to help!

Learn More

Emperor Reversed as What Someone Wants

When inquiring about what someone wants, and you draw the Emperor reversed, it suggests they may be seeking to break free from rigidity, overcome authoritarian tendencies, or restore balance from an imbalance of power. Their desire to break free from rigidity might imply a longing for more flexibility or adaptability in their life. Overcoming authoritarian tendencies could mean they wish to move away from a domineering or controlling attitude, whether it’s their own or someone else’s. The need to restore balance from an imbalance of power could signify a wish to ensure that control or influence is shared more equitably, whether in relationships or other aspects of life.

The Emperor reversed, representing what someone wants, can symbolize a desire for flexibility, a need to challenge an overbearing authority, or a longing for a less hierarchical environment. Their desire for flexibility could indicate a wish for a more adaptable approach to situations or a more open-minded perspective. The need to challenge overbearing authority might imply they’re ready to confront those in power who are abusing their position. The longing for a less hierarchical environment may reflect a wish for more equality, mutual respect, or cooperative collaboration in their relationships or work.

In the context of a romantic relationship, the Emperor reversed could mean that they are longing for a more balanced power dynamic or want a relationship that respects their autonomy. The longing for a balanced power dynamic could mean a desire for an equal partnership where both individuals have a say in decisions. Their desire for a relationship that respects their autonomy might imply a wish for a partner who respects their independence and doesn’t try to control them.

When asking about an ex, the Emperor reversed may suggest they are seeking to regain their autonomy or desire to heal from an oppressive or controlling relationship. Regaining autonomy might signify their wish to restore their sense of self-governance and personal freedom, which might have been stifled in the past relationship. The desire to heal from an oppressive or controlling relationship could indicate they’re working on overcoming the emotional effects of such a relationship and moving forward with their life.

In terms of a friend or family member, drawing the Emperor reversed suggests they may wish for more flexibility in the relationship or seek to establish a more egalitarian dynamic. Their wish for more flexibility could indicate a desire for more understanding, openness, and adaptability within the relationship. Seeking a more egalitarian dynamic could mean they aspire for a relationship where all parties are treated as equals and decisions are made collectively.

Finally, when considering career and financial matters, drawing the Emperor reversed indicates they may be striving for a more collaborative work environment or could be seeking to challenge an existing authority or hierarchy. Striving for a more collaborative work environment might denote a wish for a workplace that encourages teamwork, cooperation, and shared decision-making. The desire to challenge an existing authority or hierarchy could indicate they’re ready to question or confront power structures in their workplace that they view as unfair or unproductive.

Real psychics. No scams.

Need intuitive advice but wary of getting scammed? Get honest answers, with no hidden fees. No “spell removal” upsells, we promise.

Learn More

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.