IV. The Empire

Upright

• A dominant power which makes rules and guidelines, which everyone must obey.
• The act of taking charge or asserting dominance in a social situation.
• Promulgation of ideas, especially political or moral ideas.
• Insistence upon the acceptance of certain moral precepts.
• Producing and distributing propaganda.
• Running for office or leading a campaign effort.
• Leading a protest or social activism organization.
• Being in a leadership position.

The Empire is a card representing a prevailing will— a will which directs other wills. It is the assertion of dominance, and the assumption of leadership roles. It signifies taking control of a situation.

It could also be a dissemination of ideas, especially ideas concerning morality or politics. Producing and distributing propaganda are activities reminiscent of this card's essence, as are organizing campaigns and leading protests.

The Empire might represent a dominant force which must be appeased before certain actions are taken. As an authority figure, or ruling power, it makes rules which everyone under its command must obey or face consequences. Because of this, its ideas concerning morality or politics may well be more than simply ideas, and rise to the level of mandatory beliefs for anyone in the vicinity of its influence. (As an aside, insisting that everyone share similar beliefs within a social sphere or an organization isn't always a bad thing, considering that alternative beliefs — racist beliefs as opposed to belief in racial equality, for example — can be very harmful.)

At its best, The Empire is just, and a force for good which ensures that everyone under its power benefits from its regulation. In this case, even its rules which may seem prescriptive or restrictive can serve to assist people in bettering themselves and leading more rewarding lives. At its worst, it is a suffocating force which demands too much of people, and is too restrictive of their freedom. Ultimately, the nature of The Empire reflects whomever or whatever it is perceived to represent in the moment.

Being a force which controls and manages impulse, as well as a source of impulse itself, The Empire exists squarely within the realm of Fire.

Reversed

• Overthrowing the people in charge, dismantling the present power structures.
• Creating a space where certain authorities have no say.
• Freeing oneself from the wills and assertions of those in charge.
• Instilling anarchy.

The Empire Reversed signifies a revolution of some kind. It may be the rightful overthrowing of an authority who has allegedly crossed boundaries or abused their power. It may be that people who once gave up some of their power willingly, or at least without struggle, are taking it back. It may be that people who have been abused at the hands of unjust rulers are rising up, in hopes that they may live a life free of such abuse.

Such a revolution could lead to a more sound power distribution, but it could also lead to unhinged anarchy wherein nobody has control, at least for a while.