The Emperor and King of Wands together
The Emperor with the King of Wands doubles authority: either you are stepping into command, or two strong wills are meeting.
The Emperor
order, authority, structure, protection
The Emperor is the structure that lets other things happen. He makes the rules, holds the borders and sits very still so that everyone else can move.
Reversed: The stone throne becomes a cage, for him or for everyone else.
Yes or no: Yes upright, Not yet reversed
King of Wands
vision, entrepreneurship, decisive leadership, boldness
The King of Wands is fire that has learned to rule. He has the vision and the nerve to pursue it, and he can carry others with him because he means what he says.
Reversed: The vision hardens and the king stops listening.
Yes or no: Yes upright, Not yet reversed
When one follows the other
The order matters. Read as what is passing and what comes next, as in a past, present and future spread, the pair tells two different stories.
The Emperor behind you, King of Wands ahead
A period of structure, discipline and firm leadership is receding. The borders have been set and the rules established. What follows can afford more flexibility.
A strong leader is about to influence your situation, or you are about to step into that role. Expect decisive action and a demand for boldness. Meet it.
King of Wands behind you, The Emperor ahead
A period of bold leadership and expansion is receding. The vision has been set in motion and the king has given his orders. The next stage is execution, which asks a different temperament.
A time of structure and authority is coming, when rules matter and someone, perhaps you, must hold the line. Prepare to lead or to work within a firm frame.
Related pairs
Draw your own cards
If both of these turn up in your reading, the summary points the pair out.