🧛♂️ The Emperor is often considered the patriarch of a tarot deck. It is a card that stands for strength and authority, displaying his power and dominion through position and symbolism. Therefore, we could think of none other than the King of Halloween himself, Dracula, to portray such an important figurehead.
♈ Here, he is positioned on a throne adorned with rams’ heads to symbolize his connection to the zodiac Aries and the god of war.
☥ 💉 As Renfield repeats multiple times in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, “The blood is the life!” The Emperor is seen holding an orb-shaped glass of fresh blood to represent the world and life over which he presides. This is further solidified by the ankh (the Egyptian symbol of life) that he wears around his neck.
🔻 The cape he wears is read on the outside, depicting his passion and power.
🦉 Dracula is known to be an immortal being. He is ageless and ancient all at once. This aligns with The Emperor’s wisdom and experience. He is well-versed in the ways of the world and is able to use his experiences to inform his choices and opinions.
⛰️ Behind his throne stands a tall mountain range, beyond which we see his foreboding castle. This symbolizes the strong foundation that supports his decisions. He is not easily swayed.
💧 Below the mountains, we see a small river. This gives insight into the Emperor’s emotional being. Though he seems tough and his mind and emotions are often difficult to decipher, with patience, work, and trust, this side of him can be reached and explored.