Fourth Arcanum (4) in the Destiny Matrix: The Emperor

The core feature of the fourth energy (Fourth Arcanum) in the Destiny Matrix lies in how it manifests differently in men and women. While there are shared traits, the influence of the Fourth Arcanum is shaped not only by a person’s birth date but also by their gender. Furthermore, the interpretation of this code depends on whether the energy is expressed in its positive or negative form. If the Arcanum is positive, life tends to flow harmoniously. If it’s negative, the person will need to work through shortcomings, mistakes, and karmic “inheritance”.

What the Fourth Energy Means in a Person’s Destiny Matrix

In Tarot cards and the Destiny Matrix, the Fourth Arcanum represents the Emperor — the Ruler. It embodies a strongly masculine energy, though it influences both men and women. While it shares some parallels with the Third Arcanum — the Empress — the power of the Emperor varies not only by date of birth, but also in how it affects men versus women. It’s also crucial to factor in whether the energy is expressed positively or negatively.

The Fourth Arcanum for Women: Positive and Negative Expressions

Women influenced by the positive expression of the fourth code tend to exhibit the following personality traits:

• Strong sense of responsibility
• Financial success
• Organisational skills, applied to both domestic and professional life
• Talents that allow them to create comfort and beauty
• Self-love and the ability to value themselves

Women with the fourth energy in the Destiny Matrix are known for their diligence, vitality, and leadership. They succeed in any field, often run businesses, and maintain charm and charisma. These women often attain high social standing and, in love, channel feminine energy in a harmonious way, which helps them preserve their femininity and build balanced romantic and social relationships.

When the Fourth Arcanum is expressed negatively in women, the following traits may appear:

• A tendency to dominate others
• A drive to take on traditionally masculine roles
• Pride bordering on arrogance
• Career obsession and hunger for power

The Emperor’s influence also affects behaviour — not just in the workplace or social interactions, but in personal life as well. Women with a negative fourth code may become despotic, prone to tyranny, greed, rudeness, and excessive forcefulness. This can make them appear unapproachable or unpleasant, leading others to avoid them.

Fourth Destiny Code for Men in Negative and Positive Meaning

In general, the traits associated with the Fourth Arcanum are similar for men and women. When the fourth energy is positive, men tend to display the following qualities:

• Strong work ethic
• Perseverance
• Ability to achieve goals
• Firm and unwavering character
• Respected social status

These men are natural organisers and leaders. They are successful entrepreneurs and hold authority not only in the workplace but also among friends and family.

In personal and romantic relationships, they embody the ideal masculine archetype — protectors, providers, and supportive partners. They are dependable and trustworthy, particularly when one respects their intuition and protective nature.

The negative expression of the fourth energy in men can manifest as:

• Authoritarianism
• Despotism
• Controlling or dictatorial tendencies
• Fear of responsibility or decision-making
• Refusal to accept other points of view
• Challenging relationship with their father

The negative impact of the fourth energy can turn a person into a tyrant — someone feared by family and avoided by colleagues and subordinates. Their desire for control and disregard for others’ opinions often leads to isolation and lack of friendship. Negatively expressed “fours” focus solely on material values and are often driven by vanity.

How to Work Through the Fourth Arcanum in the Destiny Matrix

People with the fourth energy need to find balance between their drive for material wealth and their spiritual values. Matters of conscience must be taken seriously, as only by following ethical principles can they remain within moral bounds.

Those influenced by this energy should practise tolerance and allow others to have their own views and imperfections. Nobody is perfect — everyone has their own understanding of truth and life’s laws. Gratitude and the ability to appreciate small things can help transform life for the better.

If you wish to interpret your Destiny Matrix on your own, you can use our special virtual calculator.