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. 

"Negative:  You're giving up too much of your own freedom or power in order to identify with a (seemingly) more powerful force.  You're losing your separateness and that is a problem for you.  You won't personally be satisfied if you identify with this power structure.
Reversed:  One part of your personality, one need, desire, or drive controls or dominates the rest of you.  This could be an emotion, attitude, belief, or philosophy which overrides everything else in your life and completely dictates and directs your actions, successes, and failures." - Gail Fairfield

Looking at The Count from The Vampire Tarot, I was struck by the sense of ruthlessness that emanates from him.  This is the fierce defender of Wallachia; the man who died whatever was necessary to defend and protect his people.  His determination to remain in his physical body even at the expense of his soul is apparent in his expression and body language.

The Emperor on the All Hallows card is a bit more whimsical in appearance but no less determined in expression.  In fact his outfit reminds me a bit of the one Gary Oldman wore in Dracula after he arrives in England.  The skull atop his walking stick reinforces this image.  Even in this old-fashioned, almost comical outfit I get a sense of strength of character and determination from this Emperor.  He almost dares you to underestimate him.

I guess in the final analysis, that is what The Emperor reversed is trying to tell me - stop underestimating yourself.  You have the ability to build an empire (well okay I'm overstating here but I'm sure folks get the point) as long as you remain determined and put your mind to it.  I guess the thing to keep in mind about the Emperor is that he is not out to win any popularity contests.  He may be beloved by his people but that is not his primary focus.  He is determined to keep them safe and allow them to prosper.  He is like a strict parent who provide structure, boundaries and guidelines in the hopes that his followers/children will ultimately benefit.  The Emperor would never be able to understand those who want to be their children's friend.

So what do I need to focus on?  I would have to say that I need to build an internal foundation, a stable internal structure, that will allow me to create the future I want.  If I want to build a practice as a Tarot reader then I need to do the underlying goundwork.  I need to create a balanced, stable and reliable structure from which I can sally forth and conquer my own empire.