Traditionally the Emperor is seen as representing authority and rulership, the stability and solidness needed to build a civilization.  It symbolizes the traditional power structure in modern, patriarchal society.  This card is the 4th Trump of the Major Arcana.  Four symbolizes earthly reality, basic structure and orientation, and stability - think of the 4 seasons, 4 directions and 4 elements of earth, air, fire and water. 

I was drawing a blank on this card today so I decided to pull one of my many Tarot books and seek some guidance.  Power Tarot by Trish McGregor & Phyllis Vega was at hand so I pulled it open to her entry on the Emperor and the following concepts struck me as relevant:  "Something you desire is starting to appear in your life, even if you can't see it yet.  The more focused your intent, the faster the manifestation" and "Through focused intent, you create the conditions conducive to finding and realizing your heart's desire, whatever it may be".

In Janina Renee's Tarot:  Your Everyday Guide, she points out that "generally, this card suggests that in all of your relationships and dealing with people (family, work, civic, etc.) you should assume a responsible role while at the same time providing the security and structured challenges that enable people to discover and use their own power."  She also notes "The Emperor is a person who likes to control the symbolic world that he holds in his hand.  however, there are times when it is necessary to maintain responsibility while letting go of some control."

Again a card of stability, structure and solid foundations.  This seems especially significant to me in light of drawing Death reversed two days ago.  I'm not 100% sure where it's going yet, but it seems to be clear that it's part of this journey.  The idea that this is a time for accepting responsibility but letting go of control seems appropriate in light of the situation with my in-laws.  It might be a significant reminder that all I can do is find resources and try to help make the situation better but I can't fix it.

Actually upon further reflection I'm starting to realize that I just don't want to be the Emperor.  I want to put down my sword and crown and just walk away from this throne.  I don't want to accept this responsibility - I want to have fun and not have to worry about all of this.  Of course the reality is that just isn't possible.  So it's time to put on the big girl panties and just get things straight.  I may not like it and I may not like that I have only a limited amount of control over the situation, but that is often the realities of life.  After all being a ruler (whether president or king or emperor) isn't only about getting special treatment and getting your own way.  It's about being a source of stability and solidity for others.  It's about other people knowing they can count on your when the chips are down.  It's about being able to say "the buck stops here" and mean it.