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III. The Empress

Mother Nature, Fertility and Abundance

The Empress Tarot card

Symbolism and Meaning

The Empress is the archetype of the Great Mother. While the High Priestess is the guardian of secret knowledge, the Empress is the gateway through which life enters the material world. She is the embodiment of nature, which gives birth, nourishes and cares for its children. She represents the fullness of femininity, sensuality and harmony with the physical world.

The sceptre in her hand is a symbol of power over earthly life, and the shield with the eagle refers to strength of spirit and protection. Yet her true power is not the sword but love and creation. She is surrounded by nature, which points to the cyclical nature of life and an unbreakable bond with Mother Earth. The Empress teaches us to take joy in the senses and in the beauty of the world around us.

In a psychological sense, this card speaks of "giving birth" to ideas. It is the moment when plans (the Magician) and intuition (the High Priestess) take on real shape. It may mean a literal pregnancy, but more often it points to the birth of a project, artistic inspiration or a period of prosperity in which "everything you touch turns to gold".

Interpretation of the Card

The Empress in a spread is a wonderful omen. She heralds a time of abundance, health and emotional fulfilment. She suggests taking care of yourself, surrounding yourself with beauty and not being afraid to express your feelings. It is a time to reap the harvest of your work.

Upright
  • Fertility, pregnancy, birth
  • Material abundance and success
  • Creativity and creative expression
  • Nurturing, motherly love
  • Sensuality, beauty, luxury
  • Harmony at home and in the family
  • Contentment with life
Reversed
  • Creative block, stagnation
  • Problems at home or with your mother
  • Possessiveness, overprotectiveness
  • Materialism and vanity
  • Laziness, neglecting yourself
  • Difficulty getting pregnant (symbolic or literal)
  • Loss of a sense of security

Card Attributes

Number: III (Three)
Archetype: The Mother, Nature, the Queen
Element: Earth (matter and nature)
Keywords: Creation, growth, the senses, nature, love, care, luxury.
Astrology: Venus (the planet of love, beauty and art)
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