Ahh, the Emperor. Is it a coincidence that he follows the Empress? Actually, in tarot, gender isn’t important to the cards, at least not in the form that we often think of.

The Emperor is known as the ruler of the world. He stands, or sits on his throne, on the top of a mountain, surveying all that is below. He is sure of himself, quiet in his authority, and is now in a position where he can appreciate the results of his hard work.

The Emperor also speaks of advocacy: he looks out for the little guy  and offers protection. But not just that, he also wants to bring the little guy up to his level. He’s the teacher who role models the characteristics and traits of a leader.

The Emperor seems elusive when we are struggling with Depression and it’s hard for us to believe that we could ever reach the top of the mountain. We can’t even see the top from where we are.

But, one thing to remember, when we see the Emperor at the top of the mountain, we don’t know what, or who he was, before he got there. We don’t know if he, too, thought the top of the mountain was unattainable at one time. 

We only see the end result.

When we’re at the bottom of the abyss, the place where all we know is despair and misery, the top of the mountain is something to strive for. But, as in all things in life, we won’t get there in one big step. We need to take smaller, shorter, steps and keep our eye on the goal right in front of us, not the one that seems too high.

In this way, with each goal we achieve, we get one step closer to the top of the mountain. The place where we own our authority, where we become role models to others, and where we finally know, our truth.

Our truth. Not somebody else’s. Ours.

Working with the Emperor is not complicated and there are a few helpful options.

• Sleep with the Emperor card under your pillow. Before you drop off, set the intention that you’re going to spend some time with the Emperor, learning his wisdom. You can also ask for specific questions to be answered by him.
• Spend some time meditating with the Emperor card. Ask some specific questions such as: What is the next step for me to take towards going up the mountain?
• Spend an hour, or however long you need, journaling with the Emperor in front of you. Here’s some prompts:
  • What aspects of the Emperor resonant with me the most?
  • What traits and skills do I expect from a leader?
  • Which traits of the Emperor do I already have? 
  • Which do I need to develop?
  • What message does the Emperor have for me?

The thing about Depression is that it makes everything seem so hard. And that’s why it’s so important that the goals we set for ourselves are achievable. It’s fine to want more, in fact, I’m a firm believer in creating “more” from your Depression. But you can only see the big things in sight after you work through the smaller things.

The Emperor reminds us of what’s possible for all of us. Even with Depression.

Fiona Tate, AKA the Depression Muse, is a Lilithian Witch, Writer, and Mental Health Mentor. She helps people with Depression use it as a superpower and turn it into a Creature of Fucking beauty. She’s on a mission to reduce the global suicide rate to zero. Follow this link to receive a free copy of her book Depression Sucks and join the waitlist to hear more about Black Orchid Alchemy: The alternative way to manage Depression.