My Favourite Emperor

So far, for our Fool, they've met exciting, mysterious and kind beings but now it's time for the serious, masculine, ordered and structured space of the Emperor. No more bouncing around, this is time to fall in line and follow the rules. Or is is really time to learn how to be the one who makes the rules? The Emperor is probably one of the most difficult cards in a deck to get right. Here are the decks I think have hit the nail on the head!

5. The Brady Tarot

He's boldly calling out from the top of this peak he's conquered. This is probably the most animated of the Emperors in the top 5. He's more aggressive and less restrained but he's still powerful. I imagine our Fool would be a little bit frightened when confronted by this scene. But this is an aspect of all of us that exists, it's just a case of how much it shows on the surface and how much is hidden beneath. 

4. Mermaid Tarot

Poseidon manages to convey the essence of the Emperor while still being relatable. Is it the underwater environment that makes me think he'd be less stern or is it the soft, beautiful colours? He feels larger than life and like the Empress having the qualities of all Queens in the deck, the Emperor has the qualities of all four Kings. Perhaps this one has a little more of the King of Cups than the others. 

3. Oak, Ash and Thorn

A regular entrant to the top 5's this deck consistently portrays the archetypes in a beautiful way. It's easy to see how this magnificent beast would be the Emperor of his enchanted forest. It appears that he has captured the moon in his antlers. But is that just the way he wants us to view him? His direct stare shows he's not afraid to confront whomever crosses his path. He's confident of his inner strength. When our Fool is confronted by this sight, I suspect they'd feel like a deer in the headlights. 

2. The Fantastic Menagerie Tarot

I know not everyone likes anthropomophised animals but this deck, new to my library, has some winning cards and this Emperor is one of them. The scene is laid out in a similar fashion to the next character we'll meet, the Hierophant, but this regal Emperor is totally in charge of the little lions at his feet and all the other unusual creatures in his kingdom. 

1. The Botan Tarot

A simple side view manages to capture all we need to know. He's the most handsome Emperor out of my 80+ decks. His expression is serious and stern but calm. He looks after himself and wouldn't look out of place in a Hollywood movie but it's not from a place of vanity, it's all part of his structured lifestyle. His well-trained winged companion mirrors his stance and awaits his masters instructions. I think our Fool would want to be this Emperor.

Decks

• Universal Waite by US Games Systems 
• Smith-Waite Borderless edition by US Games Systems 
• Radiant Rider Waite by US Games Systems 

​5. The Brady Tarot by Emi Brady
4. Mermaid Tarot by Leeza Robertson and Julie Dillon, publisher Llewellyn
3. Oak, Ash and Thorn by Stephanie Burrows and Adam Oehlers, Three Trees Tarot 
2. The Fantastic Menagerie Tarot by Karen Mahoney and Alex Ukiolov, Baba Barock
1. The Botan Tarot by A.Miyako.M