Among the vibrant tapestry of archetypes, the Empress reigns supreme as the Matriarch, embodying the essence of femininity, creativity, and abundance. She calls upon us to nurture our dreams, cultivate abundance, and embrace the cycles of life with grace and gratitude. Whether she appears in a tarot reading as a beacon of fertility or a call to nurture yourself and your creations, the Empress invites us to awaken to the beauty and abundance that surrounds us. Let’s talk Tarot as we delve into the symbolism, history, and mystical insights of the Empress card.

Numerology

After the union of two, a third is born. In the realm of numerology, the number 3 represents creativity, community, and expression. As the third card in the tarot's Major Arcana, the Empress embodies the harmonious union of the divine feminine with the creative forces of the universe. Her energy is one of fertility, growth, and nurturing abundance in all its forms. Three receives inspiration from two to give back to others with four, this is a number of flowing energy that creates movement.

Pythagorean numerology:The number 3 is a triad, and the Pythagoreans believed that the world was composed of three elements: the monad (1), the dyad (2), and the triad (3). The triad was seen as the completion of the first two principles. Pythagoras considered it the noblest of all digit, a symbol of the divine.

The symbology behind the card

In traditional tarot decks, she is depicted as a regal figure seated upon a throne adorned with lush vegetation, symbolizing fertility and growth. Crowned with stars and wearing a gown adorned with pomegranates, she embodies the cycles of nature, nurturing life and creativity.

Crown: The crown atop the Empress's head is adorned with twelve stars, representing the zodiac signs and the cosmic influences guiding her. It symbolizes her connection to the celestial realms and the intuitive wisdom she possesses.

Scepter and Shield: The Empress holds a scepter in one hand and a shield in the other, symbolizing her authority, power, and protective nurturing nature. The scepter represents her sovereignty and creative authority, while the shield signifies her role as a protector and guardian of life. Her sheild is marked with the symbol of Venus.

Gown: The pattern on the Empress's gown is adorned with pomegranates, which hold symbolic significance as a symbol of fertility, abundance, and the cycles of life and death. They represent the fruitful abundance and potential for growth inherent in the natural world.

Flowing Stream: In the background of the card, a flowing stream symbolizes the nourishing waters of life, fertility, and emotional abundance. It represents the constant flow of creativity, intuition, and emotional energy that the Empress embodies.

Fields of Corn: Surrounding the Empress's throne are fields of corn, symbolizing fertility, growth, and abundance. They represent the bounty of the earth and the abundance of resources available to support life and nourish the soul.

Cushion: The Empress sits upon a comfortable cushion, symbolizing her role as a nurturer and provider of comfort and security. It represents the supportive and nurturing environment she creates for herself and others.

Examples

Lets take a deep dive into what this card might mean in different spreads and positions

Relationship:

Upright:

In a relationship reading the Empress reflects nurturing relationships, emotional abundance, and deep connections. If this is a friendship reading it is likely the querent or their friend will take on a maternal role. If this is a love reading the couple could be expecting a child. No matter the dynamic of the relationship, the Empress hints this relationship will be a fertile one with both parties feeling cared for.

Reversed:

When the Empress is reversed in a relationship reading there is likely codependency, lack of emotional fulfillment, or strained relationships. In a love reading this could highlight that you are more of a mother to your partner than a lover, or vice versa. In a friendship reading this could highlight unhealthy attachments or feeling smothered. No matter the dynamic of the relationship, the Empress hints this relationship may leave one, or both, parties feeling drained.

Obstacle:

Upright:

In an obstacle position the Empress hints at overindulgence and complacency. The querent may be relying too much on comfort and this could be hurting their outcome. There may also be a need for detachment or separation for the outcome they want to be achieved.

Reversed:

When the Empress is reversed in an obstacle position lack of self-care, creative blockages, or feeling disconnected from intuition are the most likely culprits. The querent may be expecting to give more than they receive or may be draining their assets in an attempt to force something into existence.

Health:

Upright:

In a health reading the Empress portrays fertility, vitality, and overall well-being. The querent could be expecting soon or may be taking a new approach to their health based on nourishment and nurturing.

Reversed:

The reversed Empress in a health reading sheds light on neglect of self-care, hormonal imbalances, or reproductive health issues such as infertility, STDs, or even cervical cancer.

Finance:

Upright:

In a finance reading the Empress is someone we want to see! She implies abundance, prosperity, and financial growth are cooking!

Reversed:

When the Empress is reversed in a finance reading one might expect financial instability, overspending, or lack of abundance. This is typically due to how they were taught to spend money by the mother figure growing up or the querent simply does not know how to nurture their finances.

Self:

Upright:

In a self-position the Empress shows the querent is nurturing themselves or their environment, connecting with creativity and intuition, and/or embodying the divine feminine energy within. The querent could be considered the “Mom” in their friend group or have natural maternal instincts. Or the querent could be in a creative energy and are “giving birth” to their ideas.

Reversed:

When the Empress is reversed in a self-position, the querent is likely neglecting self-care, feeling disconnected from intuition, or struggling with issues related to femininity and nurturing abilities within oneself. They could also be reflecting mother wounds in their actions towards themselves or those around them.

Hobby/Career:

Upright:

In a hobby or career reading the Empress is on a pursuit of creative passions, entrepreneurial opportunities, and fulfillment. There are few cards that would make me more excited than the Empress in a hobby/career reading as it reflects the querent will successfully bring their creations Earthside from the Ether.

Reversed:

When the Empress is reversed in a hobby/career reading than our querent is facing creative blockages, lack of fulfillment, or dissatisfaction in career or hobbies. It is possible these things could be turned around with more tlc.

Advice:

Upright:

In an advice position the Empress encourages the querent to nurture self-care practices, cultivate creativity, and trust in the ebb and flow of life's cycles.

Reversed:

When the Empress is reversed in an advice position it is recommended the querent reconnects with themselves, address their neglected needs, and release control over outcomes.

Want to work with the energy of The Empress?

Try these questions for your next reading:

Some brief ramblings from the author:

The Empress holds a special place in my heart as she was the card that gave me the courage to do health readings. When she came out reversed, I told the querent I suspected cervical cancer, and we were both shook as they informed me they had just started treatment. It was easy to only see her as the mother but the more I worked with the card and learned about it, I began to see the Empress as the necessary fan to make the flame spark. She knows exactly how to nurture something for it to grow. She knows too much wind would put out the fire she is building, and with too little the flame has no chance of starting. She is the perfect balance. She is the safe spot for the Fool to grow. She is Gaia, and Gaia is way more than just a mother.

What does the Empress mean to you? Share in the comments.

Stay Magical.