Emperor Tarot Card
This card, ruling our conscious existence, represents reason, which is a function of the conscious mind. The Emperor, therefore, rules over and sets in order the reasoning, conscious elements of the material world. He supervises and controls through his ability to discern the truth of any given situation. It is his wisdom in handling affairs systematically that has placed him upon the throne.
The Emperor is the Magician grown older and now in a position where the efforts of the three previous stages bring about concrete rewards in power and dominion.
His helmet is red and gold, representing Mars and the Sun. The Sun is exalted in Aries, which rules this card, as shown by the rams' heads adorning the throne. The Emperor's thoughts have been channeled through personal effort (Mars) into productive and useful implementation, a process that has crowned him with authority (the Sun).
He holds the world in his left hand and the Tau (T) cross in his right. This cross is the T-square used in mathematics, geometry, surveying and planning. He has attained his position through proper planning. His throne, simply carved of stone, is symbolic of the body, which needs long and arduous work before it is perfected.
The Empress, 3, and the Emperor, 4 are intended to show that what you sow with your conscious mind (1) you expand through 2 and 3 and finally reap through 4. You are what you alone have made of yourself; you have the power and control. If you are dissatisfied, start with L and sow the proper seeds. Then follow the orderly progression through 2 and 3, and at 4, you will have what you want. This is the message of the first four cards of the Tarot.
Tarot cards came long after the playing cards deck, in 15th century. While playing cards were used in games, Tarot were designed for Psychic readings only. Each Tarot card tells a story about you and your future and past. When you are reading tarot cards, you are connecting with universe on a deep, psychic level, where shadows fall in the dark.