Tarot Card - The Empress Her card shows a female crowned with a wreath of laurel which is topped with 12 stars.  She is wearing flowing robes decorated with pomegranates and holds a scepter.  She is seated on cushions against which is leaning a heart shaped shield containing the symbol of Venus. in modern society, the symbol for female.  Around her is lush forest, and a flowing stream, while ripe wheat waves at her feet.  This shows a person deeply grounded in the earth, in nature; that she finds her balance and strength in being attuned to those cycles.
The Empress

“When you are truly in touch with your sensuality, you will discern the truth about EVERYTHING.”

― Lebo Grand

Overview and common meanings of The Empress of the tarot

In the Major Arcana of Tarot, just like an Empress is the “mother” of the people over whom she reigns, The Empress is that same deeply nurturing force, the earth mother, sensual and fecund in her femininity.  The Empress, in various decks is also known as Creativity, Grand Mother, The Mother, Medicine Woman.

In ancient times, earth was referred to as ‘The Great Mother,’ and this is the energy of The Empress.  She[i] is deeply attuned with nature, with the cycles of the seasons, of the moon, of life.  She understands and honors that connection with the earth, knowing that she is OF the earth, and it is the seat of her power.  She is that person with heart-deep connections to family and partners, and she represents the traditional wife and mother.  She leaves strangers smiling after small interactions. 

The empress gently reminds us that, while not everyone can be creative in the same way, everyone can be creative; that any form of creativity gives birth to something.  The joy of creativity is its own reward. 

[i] The Empress is referred to as a “she” card, but that does not mean that her energy is not applicable to men.  It is more about the nurturing side that we have traditionally referred to as maternal and which we all tend to ignore. 

Common Meanings

When the empress shows up, this is the moment to manifest into reality those dreams you have held secret and sacred for so long.  The Empress is about abundance and fruitfulness, about being deeply rooted in the earth, embracing creation – life, art, music, cooking a bountiful meal, or keeping a beautiful home.  Sometimes the Empress can indicate an actual pregnancy or birth, or just the birth of an idea, a dream, a new project.  You could be seeking a creative outlet in your work, or you could be acting as mama bear to the people around you: colleagues, family, friends.

The Many Faces OF THE Empress

The shadow side of The Empress (or reversal if you like) can indicate overindulgence, idleness, the need for self-care, difficulty, doubt. She can indicate repression, particularly around sexuality and sensuality.   Infertility in the sense that when you are NOT feeling connected to life, nature, people, you need to reconnect with your own maternal, earthy energy to find and tap back into that well of creativity.  The shadow side also warns of ideals of beauty that can be dangerous – the ‘thigh gap’; bound feet; Victorian women applying lead mixed with vinegar to achieve that perfect pale look, slowly poisoning themselves in the process. 

The Journey of The Empress

The Empress, being nature, or reality, represents the journey of motherhood.  We are ripe, fecund, and it is time to birth the child.  The child may be an idea or a project, or it may indicate a pregnancy. 

Description

Her card shows a female crowned with a wreath of laurel which is topped with 12 stars.  She is wearing flowing robes decorated with pomegranates and holds a scepter.  She is seated on cushions against which is leaning a heart shaped shield containing the symbol of Venus. in modern society, the symbol for female.  Around her is lush forest, and a flowing stream, while ripe wheat waves at her feet.  This shows a person deeply grounded in the earth, in nature; that she finds her balance and strength in being attuned to those cycles.

Themes of The Empress

  • Fruitfulness
  • Motherhood/Mother Nature/Gaia
  • Nurturing
  • Beauty
  • Passion
  • Pregnant with possibility
  • Fertility
  • Maternal side of divine feminine   
  • Realizing full potential
  • Success
  • Grace
  • Pleasure
  • Feelings rather than thoughts
  • Sensuality/Sexuality

The Number Three

Triad of mother, father, child or nature, society, church, or birth, life, death.  It is the number of creative expression and is tied to the cycles and seasons in life, understanding, and growth.   

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

  • Laurel leaf wreath – peace and success
  • Crown with 12 stars- The number twelve represents unity, and the stars show alignment with the celestial, the 12 months of the lunar year, perhaps the 12 lost tribes of Israel
  • Robes with pomegranates – fertility, death, rebirth – the life cycles
  • Staff/scepter –Symbol of state – empress of her domain, home,
  • Forest – deep connection with nature which recharges her
  • River – always changing, the path of life, union of transformation and permanence
  • Heart shaped shield with the female symbol (symbol of Venus) inside –love is the ultimate protection. 
  • Cushions- indoor items outdoors – nature is home
  • Ripe wheat – motherhood, ideas or plans ripening and getting ready to birth. 

Herbs for The Empress

  • Hazel- knowledge, wisdom, connection
  • Sunflower – adoration, self-respect, loyalty
  • Rose – Beauty and sexuality
  • Coral honeysuckle – boosts creativity, particularly when feeling stuck
  • Damiana – aphrodisiac

Questions that the Empress asks us

  • What are you growing and creating in the garden of your life?
  • Are you fully in tune with your sensual nature?

That is The Empress! Please, as always, leave questions or comments. Wishing you a week in which you tap into your own sensual energy and give birth to something incredible that is all you.

Join me next week for: The EMPEROR!