Keywords
Upright: Abundance, femininity, beauty, nature, prosperity.
Reversed: Creative block, dependence on others.
Overview
The feminine archetype within the Major Arcana is split into two distinct parts: the Empress and the High Priestess. The Empress represents the nurturing, life-giving Mother who presides over nature’s abundance and the cyclical rhythms of the Earth. She is the source of life’s pleasures and delights, as well as the flourishing of new life in all its forms.
The Empress encourages you to strengthen your connection with nature, which serves as the wellspring of life. We often find ourselves misled by superficial sophistication and indulgences. The Empress serves as a reminder to remain grounded and maintain a strong connection to the earth.
In readings, the Empress can embody various facets of motherhood. She may represent a single mother, but as a Major Arcana card, she also transcends the specific aspects of mothering to embody its core essence— the creation and nurturing of life through tender care and attention.
A Closer Look at The Empress
Description
The Empress symbolizes the Goddess of Fertility, as well as the quintessential Earth Mother, the Anima, the Feminine Principle, Demeter, and Freyja. Venus, the planet associated with love, fertility, art, harmony, luxury, beauty, and grace, governs this card.
The focal point of this card is the Empress, a full-figured woman with golden hair and a serene, tranquil expression. Her head is adorned with a crown of stars, signifying her mystical connection to angels and fairies. She sits upon an elaborate arrangement of cushions and cascading red velvet, with the symbol of Venus embroidered on it, dressed in a pomegranate-patterned robe, which represents fertility.
The Empress is enveloped by a lush, green forest with a stream flowing through it, demonstrating her deep emotional connection to Mother Earth and life itself. The trees and water offer her a sense of serenity, and the natural energy revitalizes her. In the foreground, golden stalks of wheat spring up from the earth, signifying the abundance of a recent harvest.
Meaning
The Empress card embodies the Mother Goddess and is thus associated with fertility, abundance, compassion, and generosity.
Upright
The Empress represents the Divine Feminine and the Woman Crowned — a confident woman who understands her own power and authority. She symbolizes fertility, harmony, and love as an embodiment of the Earth and nature. In some aspects, the Empress can be likened to a ‘marriage,’ signifying a lasting relationship characterized by stability and generosity. The Empress is an emblem of motherhood and nurturing, and may occasionally indicate a birth.
Reversed
The Reversed Empress suggests disharmony in the home, which may hint at issues with one’s partner, family, children, or friends. It could also imply a deficiency of creativity and kindness. The Reversed Empress Arcana reminds us of the significance of family and generosity in all our pursuits, qualities we may need personally or collectively. On a deeper level, the Reversed Empress cautions that without kindness, family, and emotional well-being, all our other struggles and endeavors would be tainted, as the Empress is vital to our emotional growth and well-being as individuals.
The Symbolism of The Empress
The Empress represents the fertility and abundance of nature, embodying the archetypal energy of the Mother, giving birth to new life.
- Scepter / Venus sign: The Venus sign comprises a circle and a cross, symbolizing the sun and the earth, the soul and the body. Venus and The Empress are renowned for their integration of body and spirit, as well as the unity of senses.
- The star-studded crown: The crown features 12 stars (as seen in many Madonna representations). The Empress’s mission and gift are to bring the stars from the sky down to Earth, manifesting them as the crown of laurels. There are 12 signs of the Zodiac.
- Grain: Symbolizes fertility and reaping the rewards of one’s efforts. Nourishing and caring for oneself and others, providing sustenance (for body and spirit). Encouraging relaxation, sensuality, pleasure, and an overall sense of well-being.
- Waterfall: The river flows and falls while remaining connected to its source. The image of the Tower isn’t the only one that comes to mind when thinking of rising and falling. Both the forward movement and the connection to the source are essential!
What The Empress Means in a Reading
Meaning for Love and Relationships
Upright
This card bodes well for a traditional, long-lasting, and loving relationship. If you desire a happy marriage, family, and/or children, the Empress is an excellent card to have on your side. It is also favorable for exploring the sensual aspects of love. Embrace your playful sensuality and creativity in your romantic life. Learn to prioritize your pleasure and appreciate the enjoyable elements of an intimate connection with a partner (or multiple partners). However, exercise caution! If you’re not looking to have children, be mindful of this card’s powerful influence on fertility and conception.
Reversed
For singles, the reversed Empress may suggest that you’ll attract numerous potential partners, but you might not be presenting your true self. In romantic relationships, avoid trying to be someone you’re not just to gain others’ approval. If you’re in a relationship, you might be suppressing your genuine emotions, keeping your feelings in check to maintain the relationship. You might fear rejection or a negative response if you express your feelings to your partner. Take some time to explore why you’re hiding your emotions. Be aware that you may come across as overbearing to those around you at this time. This is likely a reflection of your insecurities, so focus on yourself, and this issue will dissipate. Trust your instincts and let them guide you back to the beautiful, confident, and inspiring person you were meant to be!
Meaning for Career
Upright
In a verdant garden, the Empress gives life to new projects. However, gardens require effort; they don’t just materialize out of thin air. Be prepared to sow seeds, nurture your garden, and eventually reap the rewards. She promises an abundant harvest, but only if you’re willing to put in the dedication, commitment, and hard work. The Empress’s magic comes to life when you take action. The work doesn’t have to be a chore (in fact, it shouldn’t be!). If you’re looking to start or expand a creative venture, whether professionally or as a side hustle, this card is an excellent ally. The Empress thrives on artistic endeavors and innovation.
Reversed
In a professional context, the reversed Empress may indicate dissatisfaction or boredom with your current job, leading you to seek a more creative pursuit. You might feel undervalued at work. However, this isn’t always the reality; it often relates to your insecurities. Now is not the time for impulsive actions or significant career decisions; instead, take a moment to pause and wait until you feel ready. Reflect on the source of your discontent and address it.
Meaning for Health and Well-Being
Upright
Abundant health is within your reach if you take the necessary steps to achieve it. The Empress requires that you put in the effort before reaping the rewards of your labor. So, you’ll need to eat well and in moderation, and engage in enjoyable exercise. If you take care of yourself, the Empress will provide. If you’re unsure, envision the Empress in her garden. Incorporate more vegetables into your meals and spend as much time as possible outdoors in beautiful, natural surroundings. After putting in the work of planting and nurturing the seeds, you can relax like her.
Reversed
When it comes to your health, the reversed Empress often indicates that your subconscious is sending you signals that you’re not picking up on. Quiet your mind and pay attention. Sometimes health-related insights come to you in the most unexpected ways; for instance, a neighbor might mention someone who was “allergic to ketchup, but loved it…” Be on the lookout for signs to improve your health, both internally and externally.
Meaning for Finances
Upright
The Empress can help you acquire more money, resources, energy, time, or anything you desire. However, keep in mind the work-related advice mentioned earlier. You must first put in the effort before the Empress rewards you with abundance. Simply sitting around and hoping for the best won’t suffice. The Empress requires action, creativity, and initiative before she can deliver.
On the other hand, if you engage in something that aligns with your inherent talents and passions and benefits others, the Empress—and the Universe—will shower you with financial and other rewards, as she desires nothing more than your abundant success.
Reversed
There are times in life when you don’t need to understand the mechanics of how certain things work; all you need is the appropriate spiritual insight. This is one of those moments. When this card appears reversed in a financial reading, pay close attention to your prosperity consciousness. Trust that the Universe will provide for your needs. Acknowledge that this is an abundant Universe. Then simply do your part; that’s all it takes. Relying solely on crunching numbers will only give you a partial picture at this time.
Timing
The Empress foresees a significant occurrence within the next 30 days.
Yes or No Questions
The Empress represents the epitome of maternal energy. As a nurturing and loving problem-solver, she foresees prosperous business ventures or other positive, fruitful opportunities. She encourages you to move forward to reach your full potential, confirming that the answer you seek is ‘Yes’.
The Empress can also symbolize abundant wealth in various forms. She offers an array of delights, particularly those related to the senses—comfort, pleasure, and beauty. While she may suggest financial rewards, it’s crucial to understand that wealth accompanies a generous and open mindset. The Empress invites you to embrace life’s essence and savor its abundance.
