Tarot Tuesday 2/18/25: the Emperor

The Emperor - The Modern Witch Tarot

Interesting how the cards have been expressing power dynamics and authority figures all month long! Here we have The Emperor, associated with the sign of Aries, less than a week before Mars (the ruling planet of Aries) stations direct in the sign of Cancer. When Mars is finally released from its retrograde slowdown, seemingly stagnant energy in the background will start to pick up momentum and move again. But in the meantime, there is other work to do.

The Emperor often brings a rigid quality along with unwavering strength. However, this week that rigidity is challenged as we allow ourselves to consider our own headspace. What has been occupying your mind? Notice any loops where you might be caught in same-old habits or perceptions. How can you start to break out of your norm to free yourself from that, and welcome more ease & flexibility?

The answer for many, may require some distancing and separation from the “noise.” The Emperor holds an ankh, or the key of life--a life-giving symbol. Therefore, take this opportunity to seek ways to give yourself more life. If you’ve been surrounded by energy vampires, negativity, and other life-draining matters or activities, it’s time to create some space and/or boundaries to take back pieces of your life.

You must give yourself room to breathe AWAY from the heaviness. Learn to do this now, before things begin to accelerate over the next several weeks (Mars in action!). YOU get to decide what you allow into your life. Know that it is not all yours to carry. In this moment, you can only be responsible for yourself. Sometimes, the world can wait.