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.  

"Positive:  You have a need to identify with the powerful force or group and lose some of your isolation and separateness.  You can gain a degree of comfort, satisfaction, or success by associating with the strong and established force.  You may need to give someone temporary power in your life if you're at a time when you don't feel able to make healthy choices for yourself.  Go ahead and give up some of your freedom to become allied with the force at hand.
Upright:  You have a vested interest in a particular culture, social group, institutions, economic group, company, or community.  You identify with a powerful group or individual.  You may attend meetings, go to work, or participate in family or social activities that identify you as "one of them".  Because you identify with this person or group your success or  failure in the world is affected by theirs." - Gail Fairfield

Of course The Emperor would follow The Empress.  That is the natural progression of things.  First there is the power and strength that can be found in fertility, the natural world and the feminine.  Then we start to build upon it, to tame it and focus it in ways that will ultimately benefit our lives.  The Emperor is about structure, foundation, solidity and stability.  He builds, creates and rules empires.  He knows that to establish and maintain an empire one must have order, command authority and be willing to make unpopular decisions in order to achieve his goals.  However The Emperor also must realize that is he does these things simply to further his own glory and abuses his people along the way, he may soon have no empire to rule.  He must be fair and just as well as strict and disciplined.  Some Emperors have found this an impossible balance to maintain.

So I need to fulfill my need to build an empire, to be an authority figure.  I have often resisted being seen as an authority because so often I react negatively to the authority figures I've encountered in my life.  I tend to focus on the negative aspects of authority and the abuses that accompany it.  Then again most of the authority figures I've encountered in my life are male or female who rule in a masculine manner.  They are autocratic and give dictates.  They are rarely open to criticism and even the most constructive comments are seen as threats to their authority and power.

So what area might I feel comfortable establish an empire, or at least building a sand castle to show to others?  I'm not sure.  I am honest enough to admit that I am flattered when people seek my advice or praise some ability or skill I possess but that is a far cry from making me an authority.  I can acknowledge that I've often had a desire to be viewed as an authority in some area; to build my own little fiefdom of which I am chief.  Perhaps it's pointing out to me that the one professional goal I haven't achieved is being the executive director of my own program or agency.  I did manage to become the director of my childhood recreation center, which was a dream of mine.  Maybe I'm ready now to work my way up to the top command spot.  It won't happen right away but it is something to consider and work towards achieving.