Upright Keywords: Inspired action, personal power
Symbolism & Meaning
The Emperor Tarot card is a powerful symbol of authority, structure, and control in Tarot. In my traditional deck, depicted seated on a throne, this card embodies the archetype of the father figure, offering stability and guidance. Representing the element of fire, it signifies ambition, leadership, and a desire to forge one’s path. The Emperor urges you to take charge of your life and assert your dominance in various situations.
His throne, often adorned with rams, symbolises strength and determination. The mountains in the background represent stability and the challenges that can be overcome through perseverance. Additionally, the armour he wears signifies protection and readiness to defend oneself against adversities. Understanding these symbols can deepen your connection to the Emperor’s message about leadership and authority.
How The Emperor Card is Relevant to Me
I can’t lie, yesterday was a rough day. I have been finding it harder to see the positives lately and everything came out at my appointment with my trauma psychologist. Zoe first visited me in hospital and we have been talking monthly online monthly since my discharge. The main issues we discuss are based around my lack of memory of the incident and the subsequent affect that this had on me defence mechanisms.
Due to my PTSD symptoms, my treatment plan going forward will be Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR therapy is a specialised form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals process traumatic memories.
The core principle of EMDR therapy revolves around the idea that traumatic memories can cause distress and emotional discomfort. During a session, a trained therapist guides the individual through a series of eye movements or alternative bilateral stimulation. This process helps to reprocess and integrate those troubling memories, allowing the person to heal and move forward in their life.
The masculine energy of the Emperor card is exactly what I needed after an emotional day yesterday. I need to focus of self empowerment and be more assertive in my own recovery and development. I am not used to these feeling of weakness that my PTSD has created in me. I had plans for my future that did not involve being fearful of things that I don’t even remember occurring. Hopefully, this course of treatment will empower me to take my trauma and reprocess it so that I can just move on, grab any opportunities that come my way and look towards a happy, positive future.