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Nine of wands tarot card
The Emperor Tarot Card

Card reading

The Nine of Wands

 
 
 

If you have received the Nine of Wands in your reading you will be receiving a strength of vision that you never thought was possible in the past.

This vision is going to be equally balanced with emotions, spirit and physical health. You are making the right choices for yourself. You have gained much knowledge from what you have been through and now you must establish a certain level of mastery. As a part of this mastery over your reality, you must hear what others have to say so that you can gain multiple perspectives which will help you make better decisions, choose better roads to cross and will teach you a tremendous amount about yourself.

In the Rider Waite Deck, we see again, the fellow that has been fighting all along the Suit of Wands. His wounded head indicates that he has been through a struggle in order to protect what he loves and even though he is tired he is prepared to fight some more. He is protecting a boundary made of the previous 8 wands. This means that right now you are in an intermission as far as the struggles you have been pursuing to get through to your initiatory phase, so you must regain your strength after resting and regrouping and speaking to others about what you should do. There are those in your life right now that have excellent advice to offer you. You must not be stubborn in this moment because you will benefit greatly from the help should you choose to accept it. The 9 of Wands says that you should accept as much help from genuinely helpful people as is possible. Remember this is a card of fire, but consider this moment as a time to gather more fuel so that you can burn brighter than ever.

The Nine of Wands is a card of self respect. The man depicted in the card is not afraid of losing, instead he has enough faith in himself and in his cause that he is willing to die for it. Obviously the card does not suggest that you go the lengths of having to die for a cause, but in this case, the willingness to be uncompromisable about your values is an important aspect of developing a strong sense of self. In this fiery phase a sense of self is extremely important to the overall success of your battle. If you are going through a hard time right now where you feel that you can’t go on, please know that the Nine of Wands is saying that you have already come far, that you have done well and you only have a little bit farther to go.

One of the best ways to prepare and win a battle is to give your body a chance to develop its muscles. In this you should consider your emotions, your physical state and your spirituality all separate bodies whose muscles need to be tones and strengthened. You have a huge amount of charm and attractiveness to both sexes, so you won’t have to worry about or fear not getting attention, but you need to focus on yourself, on your personal journey and on the work that you have yet to do.

The Nine of Wands in Love

In love, the Nine of Wands portrays you as someone who is very attractive to both sexes. Anyone who has fought as hard as you have, will have a certain kind of ‘extra’ physique about them that will send out signals to other people letting them know that you have a strong and good character. The light that you radiate illuminates all that is dark around you, and will attract many people, somewhat like a moth to a flame. However, for you, the love that you must illuminate needs to encompass not only yourself and those that love you, but you must also challenge yourself as part of your learning to love those that you find thorny to deal with. Embrace the people who are making your life difficult. You will have no problems in love at this time, but right now you must focus your attentions on bettering your circumstances so that you are ready for the final phase.

The Nine of Wands in Health

When the Nine of Wands appears in your spread regarding health there is going to be some level of anxiety and worry that you are going to have to push through. There is heaviness and a fear of losing grip on what you possess in your life. Whether that is love, possessions, money, or relationships, the Nine of Wands gives you hope because it is lending you the strength that it has and it is orbiting all around you to help you.

The Nine of Wands in Work and Wealth

Now is the time to protect the work that you have started and create a savings from it. When it comes to money and abundance, now is not the time to be frivolous. You are protecting yourself by buying insurance and making sure that if anything should happen that could create a financial bump that you are prepared to handle it. But you should not spend randomly. You must take care of what you have now so that you will have later when life gets rocky again. On the card shows a person that has been hurt in the past at work, maybe corporate bullying. This card can imply putting up a barrier and protecting yourself. In some instances, it can also suggest being paranoid. You need to have faith and keep on going. The person in the card I would say represents yourself carrying a burden, he can build a fire with those wands and fight his position, but he is wounded. There is a focus that you can overcome obstacles when this card is drawn in a work position, you may be hiding under a psychological wall and in the past suffered pain at work. This card also indicates that a goal is out of reach and this is a good outcome at work. The number nine is Eremita which represents knowledge and wisdom at work. The card also focuses on patience, sometimes doing nothing is defensive in itself. The card is also about moving when the time is right, to get to the end goal. Sometimes doing nothing or delaying in life is better than taking action at the wrong time.

The 9 of wands Reversed

Reversed Meaning - Nine of Wands

If you have received the Nine of Wands in the reversed position in your reading this means that you are going through a phase of feeling defeated because something has happened to make you feel that your defenses, the ones that you worked very hard on, have failed. You have burdened yourself with problems that are bigger than you can handle and you feel weak and incapable of holding them back. Why are you giving away your personal responsibility? The Nine of Wands exemplifies that you are in control of your life and your reality; therefore, nothing is happening to you that is out of your control. Right now you just feel like it is because it is easier than admitting that you need to start over again. It is challenging to go through this because you have already risked so much. But the Nine of Wands assists you in being fearless. You must push yourself to continue the fight or you will lose to it.

The Nine of Wands Card Keywords Upright

  • Stamina
  • Protection
  • Magic
  • Soul seeking
  • Inner peace
  • Push forward
  • Healing Wounds
  • Rejuvenation
  • Rebirth
  • New attitude
  • Improvement

The Nine of Wands Tarot Card Reversed Card Keywords

  • Old lessons
  • Temptation
  • Going back
  • Compromise
  • Feeling crushed
  • Devastation
  • Hopelessness
  • Gaining strength
  • Hungry ego
  • Lots of pride

The Emperor

 
 

The Emperor Tarot Card Meaning

The Emperor is the counterpart of the Empress, but where the Empress is care free in her abundance, the Emperor is almost strict with his own form of stability and can symbolize many different things depending on the context in which he represents himself.

If you receive this card during a general reading, then the Emperor is going to provide you with a solid, continual energy to benefit your life. He does not leave a lot of room for excess change or random behavior. The Emperor is pragmatic, regal and stately. His energy is full of action and drive, and there is no room for mistakes. This is a card of possession, domination and authority and says that currently in your life you need direction. Often the Emperor will reflect an internal compass, a card that is attempting to show you the way. To be something and to know something is entirely different then being capable of doing something. Embracing the capabilities of the Emperor assists you in understanding this level of authority. Now is a time to trust your own instincts and skills to get a much needed job done. Do not rely on others to complete what you can do yourself. Do not expect that others are going to do as good of a job as you are.

You are in a time of your life that your own limits may be tested and while you are feeling run down or underappreciated you still need to push through. There is no room for error. The Emperor points his glare at you in a reading stating that you also may be pushing others too hard. The message for the card is for you and you alone. You need to be responsible for your actions at this time and reliance on others will likely result in a disaster of some kind.

The depiction of the Emperor on the card is full of metaphorical images that will help you to assist what the role of the Emperor is in your life. He sits in a stone throne that is unyielding but efficient with the Martian ram heads signifying his masculine role with mars. He is forward momentum and drive. How can you focus more on pushing yourself forward? His beard is long, symbolizing his many years full of wisdom. Many comment on his metal shoes. One would ask why he isn’t wearing shoes that are more comfortable. The answer is simple, his shoes are an example of authority, of procedure, they are part of his uniform and that symbol is constant and never changing. You will benefit from adding this level of professionalism in your life.

The Emperor encourages us to focus on the reasoning and critically thinking mind. What is feasible and is reasonable is the world that the Emperor lives in. When you receive this card in a reading, the Emperor commands that you get rid of all form of fantasy and fill your head with the facts. Handle your affairs in a systematic way and do not encourage room for error. Anything that you can do to be responsible for the standing in your life is imperative now. The effort you put in at this time will be greatly rewarded.

Emperors are archetypal father figures and symbols of authority. As a leader, he represents action, decisiveness, and leadership. As most fathers do, he wants what's best for his children and will do whatever it takes to protect them. The Emperor, unlike other fathers, does not shy away from showing his softer side. A loving husband and devoted friend, he also cares for his family. Underneath his tough exterior lies a generous and kind heart.  A Tarot card reading with the Emperor will leave you feeling uplifted and motivated to take charge of your life if you're lucky enough to have him in your spread!

The Emperor in Love

In love, the Emperor is symbolic of monogamy, of longevity and consistency. When this card appears in your love spread you can count on being blessed with something stable and dependable coming your way. If you are already in a relationship and you are having problems, the Emperor says that you can depend on the situation to improve and to remain stable at least for the interim. Consider what he has to teach you about being a solid influence in your life and in the lives of others.

This card can be confusing if you are looking for love. For a woman looking for love it will often show an older male coming into her life and instruct her to be open to new possibilities. However, for a male seeking love it tells you that you need to be more forward in your search, be willing to share your feelings, and warns of waiting too long for the right woman. It is likely that you are holding back your feelings to a woman and now is the time to speak up before your opportunity is missed.

The Emperor As Feelings

In terms of feelings, the Emperor is king - he stands proud, a powerful and compassionate figure. If you ask for someone’s feelings and it is connected to strength and emotion, respect and understanding are associated with his feelings. As he speaks, his presence fills the air with authority. Listening to others, he experiences their stories like his own, because in his heart there is understanding. A great deal of emotion can be evoked by the Emperor in those around him. Every place he enters is filled with a special kind of feeling generated by his words that convey understanding, assurance, trust, and love. When the Emperor rises for feelings it can indicate that this person feels that you are traditional but have control over a “love” situation.

The Emperor As Love Reconciliation

In asking if someone will get back to you and pull the Emperor, for love reconciliation, then it shows that you want to fly into its wings for safety. He offers wisdom and compassion.

The Emperor in Health

When the Emperor comes up in a reading where health is mentioned, several possibilities present themselves. First, this can be a sign of good health over all, that you are well and will continue to be well. However, if this card comes up reversed regarding health, then you will want to consider the negative effects that being overly routine or constricted is having on your overall health. This could show up in tension headaches or other stress related issues. One can be too authoritarian or too rigid. The Emperor is there to teach you to bring yourself back into balance and to allow the positive influence of stability to come to your aid.

The Emperor in Work and Wealth

The Emperor in business ventures exists to show you the support in your current workplace and to bless you with up and coming possibilities that will add more stability in your life. If you are unsure that you are making the right move in your industry by accepting a promotion, the Emperor says to take the job if it will encourage longevity in the workplace. He also represents a long-term opportunity coming your way financially such as in making money off the sale of a house, inheritance, or cashing in of stocks and bonds. The positive energy in this card is very strong concerning finance and work. The Emperor has worked for what he has and with him in a reading, he brings a deal of luck and fortune through experience and reputation.

The Emperor As An Action/Advice

The Emperor is about making sure that you control what you are doing. Think of yourself  withstanding the raging winds and overcoming obstacles no-one else can. The message here is that if we trust in ourselves and open ourselves up to advice, there will never be a difficulty too great for us to overcome. This tarot card is a message to make sure that you have the strength to overcome anything. It is about taking boldness and courage from the emperor, and your journey shall have no bounds.

The Emperor As Yes Or No

The Emperor in a Yes Or No reading draws a duality that many people find difficult to comprehend. In one aspect, a dichotomy of decisions holds weight - and this is the path of 'Yes', or plunge down into darkness of 'No'? Even so, despite all the complexity, a ray of light shines through: despite its formidable appearance, all roads lead to the same place, and ultimately, decision-making depends on courage. Life often comes down to choices, not just for ourselves but also for those around us - so in a Yes Or No reading he is saying follow your heart with bravery and grace. 

The Emperor As A Person

The Emperor as a person is a gentle soul, wise and kind with a vast knowledge. A leader of great strength and ability, the Emperor had a strong sense of justice and fairness that he applied equally to all. His words were measured, succinct, and inspiring towards those in need. Through compassion and understanding, he viewed the world. It was the Emperor's individualism and commitment to rule by consensus rather than decree that made him unique among rulers. 

The Emperor In the Past Position

In my tarot card above, you can see the emperor embodies great power and radiates strength. His throne is elevated above the masses and his word became law. Every day he sits on top of the throne, surveying the land he dominates over with a gaze that would both humble. Such were the days that an emperor held reign in this ancient past; before modern society whittled such grandeur down to hardly anything more than myth.

he Emperor In the Present Position

As he stands in this current position with a heavy burden of responsibility on his shoulders, it is a strange twist of events that brought the emperor to this point in history. Despite his tendency to reign over grandiose kingdoms, he now relies on the wisdom and guidance of the people to guide him. The only way we can write a future worth dreaming about is to embrace our collective history - a future where the emperor's presence is welcomed and revered as it was centuries ago. Even though we may never know how he arrived here or what secrets lie beneath him, this majestic figure remains an inspiration to your life right now, showing perseverance can overcome even the greatest obstacles.

The Emperor In the Future/Outcome Position

Future worlds will be mysterious and wondrous, with the emperor at the center. His actions will resonate throughout generations, reaching out to souls. A day of darkness will never fall on the realm under his command because he will command such immense power. As a result, all will pay homage to him, thanking him for leading them along the righteous path that only emperors can tread. In the future, he will be omnipotent and justice will be swiftly delivered to those who deserve it. In this infinite universe, the emperor in the future will undoubtedly be a blessing for you going forward. It is a sign that you can overcome any obstacle with his help.

The Emperor As Friendship Or Family

The Emperor begins with a field where two friends and family are called to meet: One of a silver sky and the other of an amber sun. As you rejoice together and share your hearts, they bring forth an honor so pure and fleeting - friends become family. In the same way that brothers, daughters, sisters, and mothers bond, so does this friendship (if you draw the emperor). As they sit at the foot of the Emperor, their newfound family gives birth to dreams, hopes, and memories that will endure for all time.

Emperor Reversed

Reversed Emperor In A Reading

When the Emperor appears in a reading in the reversed position, there is a loss of control possible in your near future. Perhaps being overly structured has taken a toll on your existence and you have begun receiving injuries due to this lack of flowing energy. Consider taking some time off so that you may be able to get through the frustrating phase. Pay attention to paperwork and ensure that you have only trustworthy people around you. With the positive energies in the reversed position, the energies that would usually be of an aid to you can actually be a hindrance. You will likely find that you are being overconfident or rude and not knowing it. Especially in a professional sense – the reversed position does not bode well for work and finance. Do what you can to get your finances on track by setting up a budget that is reasonable and workable. Work hours that are conducive. Overworking, overbooking, and being overextended are often serious issues when the Emperor is reversed.

Love And Romance - Emperor Reversed

When the Emperor reversed is involved, romance can turn. As unflinching rulers float wildly in the air like dandelion seeds, they will become unpredictable like dandelion seeds. If you are fortunate enough to be touched by its presence, you know not to take it for granted; the whims of fate may bring it too soon or keep it away too long. There is no doubt that even through upheaval and chaos, there is room to fully express heartfelt emotion without holding back when it comes to love and romance with the Emperor reversed.

Family And Home - Emperor Reversed

Upheaval and change are associated with the Emperor reversed when it comes to your home life. Life seems to flow along in a manner that is certain and reliable when we are strong and steadfast, with our families and homes providing us with comfort and security; however, when the Emperor flips, new ideas flow freely like a river altering the course of our lives through unrestrained inspiration. It can be hard to grapple with life --- sometimes you may feel like you are no longer in control, but this new energy can help us realize our dreams and connect with parts of ourselves that were dormant previously. Our loved ones can provide a harbor in the midst of rough seas, helping us understand this energetic wind that blows through our lives.

Work and Finances - Emperor Reversed

Stability seems to come at a price. Our ambitions for security and prosperity can seem suddenly illusive when the Emperor is reversed. Despite our hard work, we may not be able to provide ourselves with financial comfort, and any successes we achieve will only last a short time. Despite the fact that it's sometimes difficult to accept that money cannot provide all that we need and desire, the Emperor is saying you should seek security in other aspects of our lives instead: family, friends, and even yourself. Despite financial constraints, please remember there is still much joy to be found in moments when we allow ourselves time to reflect on intrinsic values that make life worth living.

Health and Wellness - Emperor Reversed

In the moments when we feel our power is reversed, it may seem simpler to succumb to the weight of our challenges than to overcome them. In order to truly care for ourselves and reclaim our health and wellness, we must train ourselves to meet those challenges head on. Self-empowerment is possible when we eliminate the obstacles that stalemate our wellbeing. We can cultivate thriving self-care and strength through headstrong fortitude in times of unrest. Despite uncertainty and opposition, we can achieve the truest form of health and wellness.

Personal Spirituality - Emperor Reversed

An experience of personal spirituality can often be a difficult and intimidating journey, and when the Emperor Reversed appears in our tarot reading, it is a sign that this journey may initially go in the wrong direction. Traditionally, this reversed card represents stagnation, resistance, and a lack of control over one's own actions. In the end, however, this could be seen as a chance to accept things as they are rather than try to force them. As a result, spiritual awakening is more of an organic process than something that is forced. The idea that everything happens for “a reason” gives us comfort even when it seems we have no control over our destiny - we just have to trust fate to bring us where we are suppose to be.