Modern Day Tarot Play: Know yourself, shape your life. Emma Toynbee

politics (5W).

      Paradoxically, it’s the Emperor’s ultra-masculine charm and optimism that first attracts the opposite sex (Lovers). They often make exceptionally virile lovers (1W), even when this card signifies an older partner or significant age gap.

      Beyond their better, wiser judgement, this archetype holds rigidly to any perceived challenge or ‘mountain’ yet unclimbed. Their instigating, initiating, prize-winning, ‘me-first’ attitude to romance and relationships finds the initial pursuit, challenge or sexual conquest highly engaging (KnW, KnC, 9C), but then they can lose interest once the ‘prize’ is won (KnW).

      For a harmonious love or marital life, this archetype tends to prefer an ultra-feminine and compliant Empress type whose own male energies are especially well regulated, allowing them to bend to the Emperor’s will. For those who enjoy the traditional feminine role (Empress), the Emperor can be the perfect complementary partner. The modern, outgoing, high-achieving Superwoman type, being an Emperor in woman’s clothing, is likely to encounter a ‘battle of wills’ with an Emperor-like partner, which leaves the latter feeling unfortunately emasculated.