The Empress Tarot Card Meaning Upright & Reversed

General Message of The Empress Card:

Embrace your feminine energy and tap into your intuition/ Nurture yourself and the relationships in your life/ Take charge of your own destiny and create the life that you want for yourself/ Remember that you deserve abundance and success, so go after it with confidence/ Connect with the natural world and find peace within yourself.

Herbs:

Rose, Lavender, Jasmine, Rosemary, Chamomile.

Crystals:

Rose Quartz, Emerald, Moonstone, Carnelian, Green Aventurine.

Deities and Myths:

Demeter, Gaia, Aphrodite/Venus, Freyja, Ceres.

Zodiac Sign: Taurus.

Planet: Venus.

Season: Spring.

The Empress Card and Its Association with Taurus

The Empress card is associated with Taurus and the planet Venus, which rules over this zodiac sign. The Empress, Major Arcana No. 3, is a symbol of fertility, abundance, and nurturing. She represents the bounty of nature and all its creations, providing nourishment and care to those around her.

Taurus, known as the Bull, is a zodiac sign of stability, practicality, and sensuality. The association between The Empress and Taurus season reveals a deep connection to the Earth and its natural cycles. This alignment is demonstrated in The Empress card through the prominent garden behind her, which represents a connection to nature.

Furthermore, The Empress embodies Taurus’s desire for comfort, security, and the good things in life. The message here is to take care of oneself and appreciate the simple pleasures of life, such as quality food, beauty, and love.

Lastly, The Empress is a symbol of nurturing and care, which resonates well with Taurus’s compassionate nature. Taurus is known to be a loyal friend, supportive partner, and caring family member. The Empress reminds us to take care of those around us, just as we would take care of the Earth and its creations. In conclusion,  The Empress card and Taurus, together, create a harmonious union that speaks to the richness and fulfillment of life.

The Symbolism of The Empress

The symbolism of The Empress card is deeply connected to the concepts of motherhood and nurturing and the archetypal feminine energy that permeates all aspects of life. The card is typically depicted with a woman seated on a throne, holding a scepter in one hand and a shield adorned with the symbol of Venus (the goddess of love and beauty) in the other. The scepter held by The Empress represents her power and authority, while the shield represents her ability to protect and defend, as well as the importance of embracing our own inner beauty and radiance. The woman is surrounded by lush vegetation, symbolizing the fertility and abundance of the natural world. It is a reminder of the importance of connecting with our natural environment and of our role as caretakers of the earth. At her feet, there are often symbols of the cycles of life, such as the phases of the moon or the changing seasons. The waxing and waning of the moon symbolize the ebb and flow of life, while the changing seasons remind us of the impermanence of all things.

Previous and Following Cards

In the tarot, The Empress comes right after The High Priestess (Major Arcana No. 2), who serves as a kind of bridge between the masculine and feminine energies of The Emperor (Major Arcana No. 4) and The Empress. The High Priestess represents intuition, hidden knowledge, and mystery. She embodies the idea that wisdom comes not just from external sources, but from within ourselves as well.

As The High Priestess precedes The Empress, she can be seen as a symbol of the internal preparation and reflection necessary before one can truly embrace the nurturing, creative energies of the Empress. The High Priestess encourages us to look within ourselves for answers and to trust our intuition, which can guide us down new paths.

The Empress represents the feminine principle of creativity and growth, reminding us of the power of nature and the cycles of life.  Together, The High Priestess and Empress can be seen as a progression from internal reflection and intuition to the outward manifestation of that wisdom and nurturing energy in the world. The High Priestess reminds us to trust ourselves and our inner voice, while The Empress encourages us to put that wisdom into action and create something new and beautiful in the world.

Lastly, following The Empress is The Emperor (Major Arcana No. 4), representing structure, discipline, and authority. While The Empress represents the nurturing and creative energies of the feminine, The Emperor embodies the corresponding energies of the masculine. He is a symbol of stability and order, and can represent the need for structure and boundaries in our lives.

The progression from the Empress to the Emperor can be seen as a journey from creativity and growth to the implementation of those energies in a structured and organized way. The Empress reminds us of the power of creativity and nurturing, while the Emperor encourages us to find a way to ground those energies in our everyday lives.

The Empress Upright Meanings

The Empress Upright Keywords

Beauty/ compassion/ support/ abundance/ potential/ emotional depth/ creativity/ artistry/ fashion/ intuition/ patience/ motherhood/ nutrition/ food/ cooking/ fertility/ growth/ renewal/ self-care/ self-love/ the environment, herbs and gardens/ Mother Nature/ fulfillment/ healing/ balance/ rest.

The Empress Upright as a Person

As a person, The Empress embodies the qualities of a caring and nurturing mother figure. She is warm, compassionate, and supportive, and has a deep connection to nature and the earth. The Empress is also highly creative and artistic and often has a talent for creating beautiful works of art or music. She is a natural leader and is able to inspire and motivate others to reach their full potential.

The Empress symbolizes the nurturing and supportive energy that we all have within ourselves. So a person who is represented by The Empress is someone who makes themselves a priority and is able of taking care of their own needs, knowing that this is the first step towards growth and change.

The Empress card often represents a person who is going through a time of great potential. Moreover, The Empress may represent a person who is going through a healing and transformation process or a person who has an opportunity to restore their strength and overcome a difficult situation. For example, it can often indicate someone who has started a diet, is learning to train at the gym, or is going through a weight loss journey.

The Empress card may also indicate that the querent is someone who provides support and care to other people. This may involve sharing their talents and abilities with the world or simply offering care and compassion to someone in need through good deeds, affection, or encouraging words.

The Empress as a Profession

Artist/ Musician/ Writer/ Designer/ Gardener/ Midwife/ Nurse/ Teacher/ Therapist/ Chef/ Baker/ Florist/ Herbalist/ Interior designer/ Fashion designer/ Makeup artist/ Spa owner/ Yoga instructor/ Pilates instructor/ Massage therapist/ Acupuncturist/ Doula/ Nutritionist/ Naturopathic doctor/ Homeopath/ Aromatherapist/ Tarot reader/ Astrologer/ Holistic healer/ Animal caretaker/ Environmentalist/ Sustainability educator.

The Empress Upright in a General Context

In a general context, The Empress points to a time of fertility and creation or a period of healing and renewal. The Empress is a symbol of the natural world and the cycles of life, reminding us of the beauty and abundance that surrounds us.

When The Empress appears as a situation, it suggests that it is a time of growth and great creativity, where the querent is able to tap into their natural talents and abilities. They may find themselves drawn toward artistic pursuits, such as painting, music, or writing. Alternatively, they may be drawn towards nurturing activities, such as gardening, cooking, or caring for others.

This situation may also be characterized by a sense of fulfillment and contentment. The querent may feel a deep connection to the natural world and to the cycles of life. They may find themselves drawn towards activities that promote growth and renewal, such as meditation, yoga, fitness, or spending time in nature.

At the same time, if the querent has gone through a difficult time, such as a breakup or a period of illness, The Empress reminds us that these difficult periods are also opportunities for growth. By taking time for self-care and focusing on our own needs, we can heal and become stronger than ever before.

In a tarot reading, The Empress may also represent a situation in which the querent is being called upon to offer care, support, and compassion to those in need in a time of crisis. The Empress reminds us of the power of our natural feminine energy and that by nurturing ourselves and others, we can create a more harmonious and loving world.

The Empress Upright in Love Readings

For singles, The Empress suggests that the querent is at a stage in their life where they are ready to embrace love and all of its pleasures. They are likely to attract partners who are nurturing and supportive, and who value creativity and artistry. The Empress encourages the querent to focus on their own growth and self-care, reminding them that the right person will come along when they are ready.

For couples, The Empress indicates a time of harmony and balance in the relationship. This is a period where the couple can grow together, using their creativity and nurturing qualities to create a loving and supportive environment. The Empress also reminds us to take time for self-care, encouraging couples to prioritize their own needs and desires in the relationship.

After a breakup, The Empress can indicate a time of healing and self-care. She encourages the querent to take time for themselves and focus on their own needs and desires. This is a time to embrace one’s creativity and artistic talents and explore new interests and hobbies. The Empress reminds us that endings can be a powerful opportunity for new beginnings and that there is always the potential for growth and abundance in our lives. The Empress can also suggest the possibility of a new relationship in the future, one that is nurturing and supportive.

The outcome of a love reading with The Empress is typically positive. She suggests that the querent is on the right path towards finding a loving and fulfilling relationship.

The Empress Upright as Feelings for Someone

The Empress card in Tarot upright as feelings for someone indicates that we feel a great sense of warmth, nurturing and comfort when we are with the other person. We see them as motherly or as a caregiver and feel a deep sense of compassion and tenderness toward them.

We see the other person as someone who is caring, loving and kind towards us. They provide us with a sense of security and stability, and we feel protected and safe in their presence. The Empress also indicates that we find the other person very attractive, but there is more to our feelings than just physical attraction.

We appreciate the other person’s qualities such as their creativity and nourishment, and see them as a source of inspiration. We admire their strength, perseverance, and ability to create abundance in their life, and we are drawn to these qualities.

The Empress card also indicates that we feel a strong sense of harmony and balance when we are with the other person. We feel like they complete us in some way, and their presence in our life brings peace and tranquility. We may also feel that they bring out the best in us, and we see the potential for growth and expansion in this relationship. When The Empress appears in a love reading, it shows that we have a deep connection with someone who is nurturing, compassionate, and good towards us.

The Empress Upright in Career Readings

In career readings, The Empress can signify a time of growth and abundance in the workplace. She suggests that the querent is on the right path towards achieving their goals and is likely to experience success and recognition in their chosen field. The Empress encourages the querent to use their creativity and nurturing qualities to achieve their ambitions. This is a time to focus on nurturing relationships with colleagues and clients and to prioritize self-care and work-life balance.

The Empress card can also suggest a potential for entrepreneurship or owning one’s own business. This is due to the card’s association with abundance and creation. Practical examples of this could include starting a new project, opening a business, or taking a leadership position within a company. It is important for the querent to trust themselves and their instincts during this time and to not be afraid to take risks or try new things.

The Empress Upright in Health

When The Empress appears upright in a health reading, it is generally a positive sign. This card is associated with nurturing, fertility, abundance, and maternal energy. It suggests that the querent is experiencing good health and may be feeling more connected to their body and its needs. It also suggests that the querent may be experiencing an increase in vitality, energy, and overall well-being.

The Empress card can indicate that the querent is taking good care of themselves, both physically and emotionally. They may be practicing self-care and self-love, prioritizing rest and relaxation, and nurturing themselves with healthy foods and activities. The Empress may also represent pregnancy, birth, or new beginnings in the realm of health and wellness.

For example, if someone were to draw The Empress in a health reading, it could mean that they have recently started a new workout routine or have made changes to their diet that are benefiting their health. Alternatively, it could suggest that they are taking better care of their emotional well-being and are experiencing less stress and anxiety as a result.

Another case could be that of someone who has been struggling with fertility issues. The Empress could indicate that they are entering a more fertile period and may have a greater chance of conception. Alternatively, it could suggest that they are taking steps to nurture their reproductive health, such as seeking medical advice or exploring alternative therapies.

The Empress Upright in Spirituality

When this card appears upright in a spiritual reading, it suggests that you are being called to connect with your feminine energy and tap into the abundance of the universe. This could mean opening yourself up to new experiences and opportunities, or simply taking the time to appreciate the blessings you already have in your life.

One of the most important aspects of The Empress card is her ability to create and nurture life. If you are feeling stuck or stagnant in your spiritual journey, The Empress encourages you to tap into your creative energy and allow new ideas and experiences to flow through you. This could mean starting a new hobby, exploring a new spiritual practice, or simply spending more time in nature.

The Empress could indicate that you are on the cusp of a new phase in your life, one that is full of potential and growth. It is important to remember, however, that growth often requires patience and perseverance. Just as a seed needs time and care to grow into a strong, healthy plant, so too does your spiritual journey require time and attention in order to blossom.

Ultimately, the Empress represents the power of the feminine, and the importance of nurturing and caring for ourselves and those around us. When this card appears in a spiritual reading, it is a reminder to connect with your inner strength and tap into the abundance of the universe. By embracing your creativity, nurturing your relationships, and cultivating patience and perseverance, you can unlock the full potential of the Empress energy in your life.

The Empress Upright as Advice

As advice in a tarot reading, The Empress suggests that we should focus on nurturing ourselves and others. She also encourages us to embrace our creative side and to use our talents to create beauty and abundance in every area of our life. For example, if you are feeling stuck in your spiritual journey, you could try starting a new creative project, like painting or writing. This will help you tap into the Empress’s creative energy and allow new ideas to flow through you.

Alternatively, if you are struggling in a personal relationship, the Empress reminds you to approach the situation with compassion and nurturing energy, rather than anger or frustration. By embodying the Empress archetype in your daily life, you can tap into a powerful source of abundance and growth, and cultivate a more fulfilling life journey.

Ultimately, The Empress also reminds us to connect with nature and to appreciate the cycles of life and growth. She encourages us to spend time outdoors, cultivate a garden, or simply enjoy the beauty of the natural world around us. By connecting with nature, we can tap into the Empress’s nurturing energy and feel more grounded and centered in our daily lives. The Empress reminds us that we are all connected to the earth and to each other and that we have the power to create beauty and abundance in our lives and in the world around us.

The Empress Card Pairings

• When paired with The Empress, The Star suggests manifesting dreams and nurturing oneself. It hints at a period of increased creativity and productivity.
• Together with The Chariot, The Empress can indicate a powerful combination of both nurturing energy and determination to push forward towards success. However, when coupled with the Seven of Wands, The Empress may suggest struggles to maintain a balance between nurturing oneself and fighting for what one wants.
• Paired with The Empress, the Four of Cups can indicate the need to take time for self-care and recharge in order to fully utilize one’s potential.
• With the Page of Cups, The Empress can represent a budding creative idea or project that needs nurturing to grow and thrive.
• Alternatively, in combination with the Four of Pentacles, The Empress can suggest holding onto material possessions and wealth. It can indicate a need to set boundaries and focus on one’s own personal growth and expansion rather than seeking external validation or wealth. This pairing might also suggest issues around possessiveness or a fear of letting go of control.
• When paired with the Knight of Pentacles, The Empress can suggest a nurturing and fertile environment for a new business venture or financial opportunity.
• The Empress may also indicate a strong connection to motherhood or family when paired with the Queen of Cups or the King of Pentacles. Additionally, when paired with The Sun, The Empress can represent the joy and abundance that comes from a happy family life.

The Empress Reversed Meanings

The Empress Reversed Keywords

Control issues/ manipulation/ selfishness/ dependence/ lack of nurturing/ power struggles/ fragile ego/ indecision/ broken relationships/ creative blocks/ burnout/ emotional instability/ insecurity/ disconnection from nature/ neglect of home/ unhealthy boundaries/ intensity overload/ impatience/ inability to rest/ stagnation.

The Empress Reversed as a Person

The reversed Empress symbolizes an individual who has lost their nurturing qualities and is now out of touch with their emotions. They may be feeling disconnected from their intuition and inner guidance. As a result, they can become controlling and manipulative when it comes to their loved ones.

The Empress reversed represents an individual who has become selfish and dependent, neglecting the needs of others around them. They may exhibit power struggles and may be dealing with control issues, leading to broken relationships and a lack of fulfillment in the long run. They need to regain their emotional balance and possibly prioritize self-care instead of trying to control other people’s feelings, behaviors or reactions.

The Empress Reversed in a General Context

When the Empress card is reversed, it can indicate a difficult period in a person’s life where they are experiencing a lack of creativity, fertility, or growth. It can represent a stagnant relationship, a creative block, or feelings of depression.

If the Empress card is reversed, it can indicate a creative block that has resulted in burnout. The card represents emotional instability and insecurity. We may also be experiencing disconnection from nature or neglecting our personal space or home.

The reversed card can highlight unhealthy boundaries, as we may have to cut ties or finally say no to people or situations that are depleting us of our energy.  The Empress reversed is also a sign of impatience, and an inability to take proper rest. We may be feeling overwhelmed by our duties and responsibilities, and it may be time to indulge in some form of relaxation and pleasure.

The Empress Reversed in Love Readings

The Empress reversed in a love reading indicates that a relationship is going through a difficult period. There may be a lack of intimacy or affection. The reversed card suggests that the relationship has lost its nurturing qualities, and both parties may need to work on rebuilding their connection. The card can also indicate that one or both partners are struggling with power and control issues.

Alternatively, partners may need to put more effort into the relationship otherwise it will lead to stagnation, discontent, or breakup. To address this, couples can work on improving communication and showing affection towards each other. They can also try new activities together, spend quality time to rekindle their romance and seek therapy if needed.

For example, if a couple has been together for years and they feel that their connection has become stale, they can plan weekend getaways or surprise each other with small, thoughtful gestures. Additionally, if the relationship has been affected by power struggles, both partners can attend couples therapy sessions to work through their issues and find a healthier balance of power.

The Empress Reversed in Career Readings

The Empress reversed can symbolize a loss of creativity, and a lack of initiative or productivity in a person’s career. It can indicate that the work environment is toxic or not supportive, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction and frustration. Also, we may be struggling with creative blocks and power struggles in the workplace, or we may simply need to seek a better work-life balance.

The same applies to education, as we may be struggling to write our thesis, we not feel up to the challenge, or feel like we lack the ability to move forward in our endeavor. We may just lack creative inspiration, whatever we may need to do, whether it’s writing, painting, singing, and so on so forth. Possibly, we have just exhausted ourselves and need some time out to replenish our energy.

The Empress Reversed as Feelings for Someone

The Empress reversed can signify that someone’s affection is not being reciprocated. The card can suggest that a person is feeling unworthy or undervalued in a relationship. The Empress reversed can signify that a person is feeling disconnected and unfulfilled in a relationship. They may be struggling with power imbalances and a lack of nurturing, leading to feelings of insecurity and unworthiness.

For example, imagine someone who has been in a relationship for a long time but feels neglected by their partner. They may feel unimportant and undervalued, as if their needs and desires are not being acknowledged. This can lead to a sense of distance and disconnection in the relationship.

The Empress reversed can also indicate that one partner is dominating the other, creating an unhealthy power dynamic. In this case, the person who draws this card may need to examine their own role in the relationship and work to establish more balance and mutual respect.

Overall, the Empress reversed can signal a need for care, nurturing, and self-love, as a way to build a more harmonious and fulfilling relationship.

The Empress Reversed in Health

The Empress reversed can indicate that a person’s health may be in decline, possibly due to neglecting their physical and emotional needs. In the long run, this can lead to burnout and exhaustion. Overall, The Empress reversed in health can highlight the importance of self-care and nurturing for both physical and emotional well-being.

Some practical examples of neglecting self-care may include a lack of exercise, poor eating habits, or ignoring symptoms and not seeking medical attention. Emotional neglect may include ignoring stress and not addressing it, neglecting to practice relaxation techniques, or not seeking therapy or counseling for mental health issues.

The Empress reversed in health can also indicate issues related to fertility or pregnancy. There may be difficulties in conceiving or carrying a child to term. Additionally, the reversed Empress can indicate a lack of support or care during pregnancy or childbirth, leading to complications or postpartum depression.

Basically, The Empress reversed in health serves as a reminder to prioritize self-care and nurturing for overall well-being, in both physical and emotional aspects of life.

The Empress Reversed in Spirituality

The Empress reversed can suggest a disconnection from one’s spiritual beliefs and practices. The card suggests the need to reconnect with one’s intuition and inner guidance, possibly through meditation, yoga, or other practices, in order to overcome feelings of stagnation and disconnection.

In addition to these practices, seeking guidance from a spiritual teacher or mentor may also be beneficial. It may also be helpful to examine any negative self-talk or limiting beliefs that may be impeding spiritual growth. For example, if someone is struggling with feelings of worthlessness or not feeling worthy of connecting with their spirituality, they may need to work on building self-esteem and self-worth in order to fully embrace and connect with their spirituality.

Similarly, if someone is holding onto past traumas or hurts that are preventing them from moving forward spiritually, they may need to seek therapy or counseling to address these issues and work through them in a healthy way. The Empress reversed urges individuals to prioritize their spiritual well-being and take active steps towards re-establishing their connection to their intuition and inner guidance.

The Empress Reversed as Advice

The Empress reversed can suggest the need to break free from rigid structures and embrace creativity and vulnerability. It can indicate the need to reconnect with one’s emotions and learn to trust one’s intuition. The reversed card can highlight the importance of self-care, nurturing one’s relationships, and prioritizing one’s well-being.

For example, if someone is feeling burnt out from work and constantly putting others’ needs before their own, The Empress reversed may suggest taking a break to engage in activities that allow for self-expression, such as painting or dancing. If someone is in a toxic or manipulative relationship, The Empress reversed may advise setting healthy boundaries and focusing on building positive connections with others.

In terms of business or finance, The Empress reversed can indicate the need to let go of strict financial plans or structures that may be holding the individual back from taking risks or pursuing new opportunities. It can also suggest the need to balance the financial aspect of a project with the emotional aspect, such as considering the impact it may have on the community or environment.

Overall, The Empress reversed reminds us that connecting with our emotions and prioritizing our well-being is essential in both personal and professional aspects of our lives.

Summing Up

The Empress card in tarot is a powerful symbol of nurturing, fertility, abundance, and creativity. This card speaks of the divine feminine, representing a mother figure who is loving, supportive, and caring. The Empress reminds us to cultivate a sense of abundance and richness in our lives, and to channel our inner creativity to foster growth and prosperity. This card is a reminder to slow down and take pleasure in the simple, beautiful things in life, to connect with nature, and to find joy in nurturing others. The Empress also encourages us to be gentle with ourselves, to be patient, and understanding. In a sense, The Empress is a reminder to honor our feminine aspects, embrace our intuition and emotions, and trust in our nurturing and loving nature. In a reversed position, The Empress suggests the need to break free from outdated patterns and to explore new ways of nurturing and expressing our creativity. By doing so, we can bring more balance and harmony to our lives and relationships, and foster a sense of abundance and flourishing.