Many people express a deep fondness for the Empress' motherly love. It is because of this that these same people often feel fearful of the patriarchal sternness expressed by the Emperor. In the Waite deck, the Emperor seems stern and dark. He has a vast array of armor and seems to be poised in the heat of the desert. Seen also with this deck is how a narrow stream tries to make its way through multiple layers of earthen rock. Alternately, a calm, soothing river ran through a flourishing garden for the Empress.Sometimes other decks of tarot cards have tried to present the image of the Emperor in a more positive light.

The Emperor can be seem as a divine leader, more conceptual and representational. He can appear more regal and sovereignly in other decks as well. In the Haindl deck, the Emperor is presented as young, masculine, and virile. The Emperor is a young ruler in this deck who keeps far away from the World Tree. If the Emperor is presented within the first seven cards, it is seen as a test. This happens because things like zeal and wealth can foster us but we cannot mature unless we also experience the rules society imposes upon us. We also need to be able to think realistically and strive for lasting goals. People will compare their fondness or lack thereof for the Emperor to the way they feel about abiding any rule they do not agree with. This is the same way people regard paying bills, fines or working low-wage, meaningless, puts-you-in-a-state-of-deep-depression jobs, is the way they feel about the Emperor. Just as people have to deal with the many displeasures of life because they are adults, people accept the Emperor for what he is.

Another very accepted view of the Emperor is that of him symbolizing all civilization. The Emperor in this light, is still less favored than the Empress, but without him and his representation, people would struggle to survive. It would be difficult for people's basic needs to be met. The Emperor can be seen as a symbolization of the laws of existence for all kind, which is greater than just being a symbol for the laws of humanity. This concept can be found explained in greater depth in the study of physical sciences.Another reason people dislike the Emperor is because he can remind people of rules that society places on people, which can be different than rules the government places on people. If people compare themselves to the Emperor, and feel they can relate to him, then they can become a likeness of their own desire to identify and preserve their own power. These desires can become very appealing to females, feeding their need to become their own emperor.In many readings, the Emperor possesses that of a patriarchal image, while the Empress possesses that of a matronly image.

Usually the Emperor is associated with rules. He is also associated with authority, and laws imposed upon people by the government and society. The Emperor can remind people of a soldier of sorts also. He is a strong entity, willing to set limits and ideals and then defend them if need be. All in all the Emperor symbolizes respect, understanding, and responsibility.If the Emperor is reversed, he loses his austerity. The Emperor would also become more benevolent and emotive. He would also have problems with positive decision making skills.We can now see why many people express a deep fondness for the Empress? motherly love. This is because these same people often feel fearful of the patriarchal sternness expressed by the Emperor. Also, the Emperor seems stern and dark. Once his vast array of armor is lowered, he becomes as warm and compassionate as his counterpart, the Empress.