The Major Arcana - The Emperor

Meanings
Regulation, Emphasis on Structure, Authority, Fostering Growth

The Emperor represents the elements of being a father. He regulates and enforces the rules. He nurtures one's growth but does so within boundaries. He represents order, fair judgment and regulation. He is the balance to the Empress and her lavish and free nature. This card can be a call for balance and organization within one's life. It is offering explanations, taking charge, staying within the bounds and giving security.

The Fool's Journey
Flush and free from his experiences with the Empress, the Fool is humbled when he meets the Emperor. When he talks to the Fool of the wonders of the world, he tells him more than the Empress did. He tells him of patterns and lets him learn of the predictable comings and goings of the seasons, animals and things within the world. He teaches the Fool the rules of the world. While initially the Fool struggles with some of the rules, he comes to see the sense in them. He then shows the Fool how to make more use of what he learned from the Magician and the High Priestess, drawing an idea out, exerting his will and bringing it into reality. He completes the Fool's knowledge of the world's form and functions.