How to Interpret Your Tarot Cards: The Empress

Always Be Traveling
7 min readNov 7, 2023

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Also Known As: The Mother

Wisdom to Share: Life overflows with abundance

Key Insights: Abundance, generosity, creativity

Amidst a sun-kissed meadow teeming with life, The Empress reigns as nature’s eternal sovereign, a living testament to the abundance of existence. Her throne, a tapestry of emerald and gold woven from the forest’s embrace, seamlessly melds with her golden tresses. Cloaked in a robe that weaves tales of unending prosperity, a radiant diadem adorns her regal head, glistening like the universe’s brightest stars, while a pearl necklace graces her neck, a symbol of wisdom and inner harmony. The scepter she holds reflects her love for all creations, its orb echoing the sign of Venus.

At her feet, endless fields of ripe corn sway, embodying life’s boundless rewards and fertility. In her presence, one can’t help but feel the flourishing essence of prosperity, a reminder that beauty and abundance are not distant dreams but an integral part of life’s ever-turning cycle.

The Empress is the living embodiment of life’s plentiful blessings, inviting us to embrace the profound secrets of abundance, generosity, and creativity. It’s a timeless reminder that nature’s rhythms and the power of creation reside not only around us but within us.

Her story enchants all who encounter her, offering a unique and timeless perspective that resonates with the abundant essence of life in all its forms.

Breaking Down The Empress Symbols and Their Meanings:

Delve into the concealed wisdom carried by The Empress and embark on a captivating journey through the intricate symbols that embellish her narrative. Unveiling these symbols is not merely an exploration; it’s a key to unlocking the deeper meanings within the tarot deck.

The Starry Crown

The Empress dons a half-crown adorned with twelve stars, reminiscent of celestial forces and cosmic unity. This radiant diadem connects her to the divine, echoing the symbolism of the Virgin Mary mentioned in the Book of Revelations (12:1–2). The twelve stars signify unity and a harmonious balance.

The Laurel Wreath

Beneath her crown, The Empress wears a laurel wreath, symbolizing peace and success. It’s a victory emblem, a recurring symbol on other tarot cards like the Six of Wands, the Two of Cups, and the Seven of Cups, signifying triumph and achievement.

The Pearl Necklace

Seven pearls adorn The Empress’s neck, embodying wisdom and harmony. These pearls correspond to the seven major chakras, aligning with the base, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown chakras. They also resonate with the seven classical planets, infusing cosmic wisdom into her nurturing energy.

The Scepter

The scepter she holds is a symbol of authority and state. It signifies that The Empress is a ruler in her own realm, secure in her power. The orb atop the scepter, coupled with her hand’s position, mirrors the shape of the sign of Venus, reinforcing her connection to love and creativity.

The Shield with the Sign of Venus

Holding a shield bearing the sign of Venus — a circle with a cross beneath — The Empress channels the essence of the goddess Venus. Venus represents love, beauty, and creativity and symbolizes the union of the sun and Earth. This sign encapsulates the fertile and creative facets of her energy.

Pomegranates

The pomegranate pattern on her dress symbolizes fertility, death, and rebirth. It harks back to the tale of Demeter, the Greek goddess of the harvest, and her daughter Persephone, whose destiny was influenced by consuming pomegranate seeds in the underworld. This motif also connects to card II, The High Priestess, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life.

The Corn

At her feet lies ripe corn, ready for harvest, symbolizing rewards, fertility, and abundance. This golden bounty reflects the nurturing and bountiful energy she embodies.

Yellow Background

The vibrant yellow background radiates consciousness, clarity, and support. This hue is present in other tarot cards like The Magician, The Chariot, Strength, and Justice, linking The Empress’s abundant energy with these cards’ themes.

Card Interplay

The Empress, a radiant embodiment of the number III, is a powerful symbol representing the creative triad of mother, father, and child. In the ancient Visconti-Sforza tarots, she proudly shares her identity with the majestic black eagle, distinguishing her as more than just a queen — she is the grand empress, and the four Queens in the deck are facets of her rule.

As the cherished counterpart of card IV, The Emperor, the Empress represents enduring and timeless relationships, harmonizing the energies of yin and yang. Her numerological ties also reach card XII, The Hanged Man, where time seems to pause, mirroring the sacred period of pregnancy. Furthermore, her influence extends to card XXI, The World, marking the celebration of boundless joy in birth and the act of creation. Recognizing these symbols is paramount, as they are intricately woven throughout the deck, facilitating the interpretation of other cards.

The Empress and Her Numerology Magic: III

Exploring the essence of the number 3 in Numerology reveals a vibrant, youthful energy brimming with positivity and creativity. This number embodies an unwavering zest for life and a talent for communication, fostering connections with a wide circle of friends and kindred spirits.

At its core, the number 3 thrives on originality, embracing unique thinking and creative expression, making it a powerful conduit for abstract ideas and innovative solutions. Like a child at heart, the number 3 exudes joy and love, enjoying every moment to the fullest. While its strengths lie in communication, artistry, and charisma, the number 3 may sometimes display naivety, an unfocused approach, and a preference for surface-level experiences rather than delving into the depths of life and relationships.

The Empress Upright:

Bask in the radiant blessings of The Empress as she pours abundance and material comfort into your life. A sensuous and secure aura surrounds you, cradling you in the warm embrace of emotional support. Within her realm, domestic harmony thrives, making this card a beacon of hope for those aspiring to expand their families, as it symbolizes both fertility and the embodiment of femininity. Your creative endeavors flourish under her gaze, bringing financial prosperity along for the ride. The Empress is a wellspring of resourcefulness, ensuring your every need is met. Her presence signifies the nurturing influence of a motherly figure, reflecting your own ability to nurture those around you, including yourself.

The Empress Reversed:

When the Empress takes a reversed stance, financial concerns cast their shadow, and domestic harmony wanes. You might find yourself entangled in a web of controlling and disruptive influences within your home, creating turmoil. Creative endeavors face a daunting blockage, and a demanding presence emerges, depleting your energy and resources. The culmination of these challenges bears the weight of stress, potentially impacting fertility, whether it be the physical aspect of conceiving or the figurative struggle to nurture and develop your ideas.

Embrace the Earth Element

The Earth Element whispers to us the profound wisdom of stability and groundedness. It extends its sturdy hand, guiding us to hold onto our true selves amidst the ever-changing tides of the world. Within human existence, this Element plays a pivotal role in our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When we harmonize with the Earth’s natural equilibrium, we find the keys to health and vitality. Yet, the moment we stumble from this balance, challenges and frustration stand as our companions.

The Earth Element’s cherished gifts include:

Groundedness and Stability: In a world that incessantly pulls us in various directions, the Earth Element keeps us rooted in our authentic selves .

Seasons of Change: The Earth dances with the ever-changing seasons, remaining steadfast and unwavering while nature transforms itself.

It inspires us to mirror its enduring strength, bestowing upon us the gifts of creativity, expansiveness, and a willingness to embrace life’s endless possibilities.

The Empress and Venus: A Celestial Dance of Love and Abundance

Discover the cosmic connection between The Empress and Venus, the planet of love and abundance. Venus encourages shared pleasures, harmonious relationships, and an appreciation for beauty in all its forms. In her radiant energy, life blossoms with romance, emotional equilibrium, and the grace of human connections.

This celestial body inspires us to attract kindred spirits and revel in the world’s beauty.

Indulge in irresistible charm, savor sensory delights, and explore the arts, from captivating creations to melodious tunes. Beauty, both within and around us, flourishes under Venus’s rule, reinforcing the timeless connection between love, abundance, and artistic expression.

The Empress’s Chakras: Heart & Sacral

Within the radiant realm of The Empress, two vital chakras find their home: the Heart and Sacral.

The Heart Chakra, often referred to as Anahata, rests at the center of your chest, awash in gentle green hues. Love is its essence, nurturing self-compassion, empathy, and gratitude. An open heart chakra fosters unconditional love, emotional stability, and deeper relationships. It paves the way for meaningful connections, promoting respect and forgiveness. Embrace the harmony it brings to your life.

Nestled below the navel, the Sacral Chakra, known as Svadhisthana, radiates vibrant orange energy. It symbolizes pleasure, creativity, and joy. Sensuality and unbridled expression are its realm, celebrating the divine feminine and synchronicity. It beckons you to release wounded emotions, fears, and inhibitions, allowing the flow of intimacy and creative energies.

Embark on a journey through these chakras, guided by The Empress, to nurture love, creativity, and emotional well-being.

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