Aries and Its Tarot Connections
In Tarot, each zodiac sign has correspondences in both the Major and Minor Arcana. For Aries—the bold, headstrong cardinal fire sign—the Major Arcana card is The Emperor (IV), and the Minor Arcana card is the King of Wands. Below, we examine these two cards and how they mirror the essence of Aries.
The Aries Personality
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and one of its most spirited. People born under this sign are known for their boldness, leadership, and energy; they are often found at the forefront of ventures or launching ambitious projects. They are driven individuals who will go to great lengths to achieve their objectives. Ruled by Mars, Aries is a sign that knows how to get things done.
The Emperor: Aries in the Major Arcana
In a Tarot reading, The Emperor embodies the quintessential Aries traits. He is typically shown as a wise, older man, stern and authoritative. His demeanor instantly signals that he is not to be trifled with. He acts as a fatherly figure to his realm, yet he upholds firm rules and boundaries that must be respected. As a ruler, he is benevolent and shrewd, maintaining order while keeping his people content. However, those who challenge his authority or act recklessly—potentially harming his people or kingdom—will quickly face his displeasure.
This mirrors the Aries individual, especially those in positions of power. Like the Emperor, Aries natives have worked hard to reach their goals. They are painstakingly diligent, and nothing irritates them more than people who fail to appreciate the effort they’ve invested in building their domain, or who dismiss the need for rules and obedience. The Emperor is all about law and order; he creates structure out of chaos and has a knack for strategy and coordination. Anyone who tries to destroy what he has painstakingly built will suffer the consequences.
Like the battering ram that symbolizes Aries, the Emperor believes that anything worth having is worth fighting for. His indomitable will and courageous spirit are impressive. Like Aries, the Emperor is committed to establishing a legacy and a foundation.
When reversed, the Emperor becomes a tyrannical dictator rather than a wise, benevolent ruler. Negative traits such as egoism, ruthlessness, jealousy, and excessive pride take over. This happens when he loses sight of his true goals—to rule with love and peace, guided by his heart and his love for those under his protection. When he focuses entirely on himself instead of others, these negative qualities emerge. A lack of humility and an inflated ego can drive him to become a feared ruler rather than a beloved one. The same applies to Aries individuals in their negative state, who may display similar traits. People may fear them and hesitate to speak their minds for fear of retaliation. Strong characters who make their mark on the world always run the risk of allowing an innate desire to dominate to turn them into power-hungry tyrants.
If they keep their intentions pure and their egos in check, Aries can be the best version of themselves and truly make the world a better place, especially for those who look to them for guidance and inspiration.
The King of Wands: Aries in the Minor Arcana
The King of Wands can be seen as a milder version of the Emperor. He is a visionary and a go-getter, unafraid to take the necessary steps to achieve his goals. He represents the most mature aspect of the Wands (Fire) suit and has mastered his fiery energy for the greater good. Unlike the Knight of Wands, he no longer falls victim to his own energy or lets his hot temper get the better of him. Instead, he controls it and wields it for the benefit of all. His presence is commanding and inspiring, and he has a very theatrical way of speaking. The King of Wands certainly knows how to command a crowd.
As with the Emperor, the reversed King of Wands can become one of the meanest, pettiest bullies you have ever met. Like Aries in its most negative pole, the reversed king must beware of jealousy and ego, which can be detrimental both to him and those around him. This king can be extremely aggressive, especially when thwarted. His self-esteem may be damaged, and he may try to mask this through arrogant bluster, putting down everyone in his path. Again, firm control over the ego can prevent this manifestation.
Where These Cards Appear in Your Readings
Next time you do a daily Tarot reading, remember that The Emperor and the King of Wands correspond to the fiery sign of Aries. This can be especially useful if you are an Aries or know someone who is.
True innovators and achievers, Aries natives have the ability to lead, conquer, and inspire in equal measure. Pride and humility are defining characteristics of this sign and these two cards. If they can gain a solid, controlled reign over both, these individuals have the potential to do remarkable things for the world.
