The Empress -

Tarot Card Meaning

Part of a full-series guide of all 78 Tarot Cards. See the full guide here.

Written by Made Musings

3. THE EMPRESS

At a glance:

The Empress is a very powerful symbol of giving, receiving, and nurturing love. Connecting with her essence promotes an environment that fosters growth and abundance.

Upright Keywords:
Love, nurturing energy, fertility, trust in self and creativity

Reversed Keywords:
self-negligence, uninspired, relying on control

Numerology:
3 - creativity, expansion, imagination, communication, and social interactions

The Empress: Upright Meaning

The Empress rests serenely in a lush forest, surrounded by the abundant beauty of Mother Earth herself. The Venus symbol at her side showcases her deep connection to love and fertility. Her crown of 12 stars represents the zodiac signs, emphasizing her universal nurturing energy that extends to all aspects of life. 

The Empress is a very powerful embodiment of giving and receiving love. She is a reminder that you should nurture the things you care about - whether it’s a relationship, savings account, or your body. It is important to “nurse” these things in order to give them the best chance to thrive. When the Empress appears in a reading, this means prime time for honing your creative abilities and pursuing projects that excite you.

The Empress also signifies fertility, which can literally mean pregnancy or can metaphorically represent similar nurturing energies, such as cultivating a passion project. There is an energy shift from taking action (The Magician) to embracing the beauty and abundance already present in your life. This card invites you to bask in the warmth of love in order to pave the way for an environment where growth and prosperity can safely flourish.

In numerology, The Empress is connected to the number 3. This is linked to creativity, expansion, imagination, communication, and social interactions. This energy encourages growth and the blossoming of potential, aligning with The Empress's role in nursing development and harmony in various aspects of life.

Love/Relationships

The Empress love meaning signifies a time to open your heart fully. It suggests that you should embrace the love around you, whether it's romantic, familial, or self-love. Her presence indicates a nurturing and supportive relationship, or it might be a call to become more nurturing and supportive yourself. This card can also hint at the possibility of pregnancy or the arrival of a child. If you're in a relationship, it's a great time to deepen your bond and express your affection more openly. If single, focus on loving and caring for yourself, creating a fertile ground for new love to enter your life.

Money/Career

When The Empress appears in a career or financial reading, it signals a period of growth and abundance. Your career might be flourishing, and you could find yourself in a creative and productive phase. If you find yourself in a leadership role, The Empress encourages you to lead with compassion and support your team. Use this time to cultivate your skills and invest in projects that resonate with your creative passions.

Spiritual/Self

The Empress urges you to connect with energies related to creativity, wellness, and care. It’s a perfect time to nurture your soul and cultivate your spiritual garden. Engage in activities that make you feel connected to beauty and your own creativity. Meditate, practice mindfulness, and allow yourself to indulge in the simple pleasures of life. This period is ideal for personal growth and self-discovery as you tap into your intuitive and nurturing side.

In addition, The Empress may encourage you to think about other ways you can better take care of yourself to better thrive. Think about your body (exercise) or even the food you consume (diet). Are there opportunities for improving health? Remember that self-care is also a high expression of love, especially, if it allows you to continuously show up for others.

“Use this time to cultivate your skills and invest in projects that resonate with your creative passions. This period is ideal for personal growth and self-discovery as you tap into your intuitive and nurturing side.”

Astrology

The Empress is closely associated with Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and creativity. Venus's influence in astrology highlights the themes of affection, artistic expression, and harmonious relationships, which align perfectly with The Empress's nurturing and affectionate energies. Understanding this astrological connection can deepen your appreciation of The Empress's role in promoting love, beauty, and personal growth in your life.

Note: It's important to recognize that not everyone incorporates astrology into their Tarot readings. The extent to which astrological references are used can vary greatly among readers. Each reader has a unique approach; some may draw heavily on astrological archetypes, while others might not use them at all. This information is meant to offer an additional perspective that could be helpful in your interpretations by highlighting parallels between Tarot and Astrology.

Although some argue that astrology wasn't originally part of Tarot, more modern interpretations like the Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks may have integrated astrological concepts to align with their modern time mystical beliefs. Many contemporary decks made in this current decade also feature astrological references. Ultimately, every individual develops their own unique relationship with both Tarot and Astrology.

Reversed Meaning

When The Empress appears reversed, it may indicate that you are not fully opening yourself up to love, praise, or creativity. Reflect on whether you have been shutting yourself off from emotional connections. Is there a lack of affection causing stress in your relationships?

Conversely, this reversal could suggest that someone in your life is being overbearing. Such energies can literally “smother” you and hinder organic growth..

To address these challenges, it's essential to engage with more uplifting activities and habits. Be aware of your own needs and allow yourself to receive support and love. Remember, you need to be your best self in order to show up effectively for others. Prioritizing your well-being will enable you to nurture those around you more authentically.

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CARD SUMMARY

By focusing on love and care, you can create a fertile ground for abundant harmony to enter your life.

Learn More about Tarot.

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  • Get a FREE digital Tarot cheatsheet.

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