Upright keywords
Abundance, inspiration, emotional fulfillment, nurturing, communion with nature, fertility, pleasure
Reversed keywords
Unrecognized potential, vacillation, creative block, delays
As the old saying goes
Nature is stronger than nurture.
Planet
Venus
Flowers
Wheat
The Empress description
The Empress is Mother. She is source, ageless wisdom, and the cycle of life. She is crowned with twelve stars representing the twelve zodiac signs because a woman can give birth to all of the signs. She is linked to the heavens. She holds her scepter high, a symbol of her authority. The pearls of wisdom adorn her neck. The pomegranates on her robe are a sign of her fertility, abundance, limitless possibilities. She brought pillow and blankets outside to make everything cozy. She is a nurturer. At her feet lies a heart-shaped shield with the Venus symbol. Hearts symbolize love and romance, while shields offer protection. The wheat in the foreground shows that nature provides for her and she is surrounded by abundance.
Upright meaning
The Empress is the material feminine and can imply that you are creating something new, coming up with new ideas, or conceiving a plan. You may be caring for other people or animals. The card can also be associated with motherhood or represent a mother figure in your life. When the Empress appears, she is a sign that you have everything you need to live a comfortable lifestyle. Spend time in nature, connecting with the Earth’s energy will help center your own. Marvel in the beauty of your surroundings.
Reversed meaning
If the upright meaning of the card means you are expressing new ideas, then in reverse, your thoughts are coming together but you have not yet expressed them. The inspiration may still be private as you conceptualize what this means. Or, you may be experience a case of creative block. Be gentle with yourself. You have a great deal of love for others and you need to remember to take care of yourself first so that those you love get to experience the best version of you. Take time to make yourself feel at ease, possibly spending time connecting with nature and animals.
The Empress quote
“You philosophers are lucky men. You write on paper and paper is patient. Unfortunate Empress that I am, I write on the susceptible skins of living beings.”
-Catherine the Great
Want to check in with your higher self?
Tarot helps you step back and consider the bigger picture. This is just a snapshot in time. All things shall pass! Let’s take a look at past, present, and future themes in your life and consider a new direction.