Understanding the Empress

The Empress is a profound symbol of fertility and the natural cycle of life. She represents the birth of a new idea or phase of life. Unlike the spiritual aspect of her predecessor, The High Priestess, her power comes from an instinct to nurture. The abundance and fulfillment she offers is the blended balance of active and passive approaches. She radiates a natural beauty found in the heart and souls of compassionate people. Additionally, she is said to represent a pregnancy.

The Empress Numerology

3’s have long been revered in many traditions, they have been shown to represent the threefold nature of life, as well as the body, mind, and spirit connection. For our purposes, we’ll focus on their dynamic creative potential that seems to flourish on its own accord. Other aspects of this card involve natural rhythm and charisma which is better expressed in the 3’s in minor arcana, which principle deals with communication.

The Empress Symbolism

The most important aspects of symbolism for this card are as follows:

• Starry Crown: Nurturing aspects of each Zodiac

• Laurel wreath: Peace and success

• Pomegranates: Fertility, Death, Rebirth.

• 7 Pearl necklace: Wisdom, Balanced Chakras, 7 Planets

• Sheild with the symbol of Venus: Love, beauty, creativity
  

The Empress Meaning

Growth requires equal parts of active and passive energy. This card shows stepping back and allowing the fruits of your labor to mature on their own. While your tendency may to be keep a close eye on things you are nurturing, it’s important that you take time to actually embrace the process that is unfolding. While you can be a witness in action, witnessing from a more reserved space is a wiser move.

Projects will flourish, rewards will be coming in and it may even be a sign that a new baby is on the way. Despite the over-emphasis on passivity in this card and this part of the process, it’s important that we don’t forget a key aspect. Much of the work has already been done, now it’s just a matter of waiting for the fruits to ripen.

The Empress Reversal Meaning

A lack of attention has caused things to suffer. Sometimes this isn’t from lack of presence but lack of adapting to the shifting signals life gives you. While passivity has a role, everything has its season, and sometimes there are consequences for not acting swift enough. Fortunately, this card is by nature cyclical, while you may have a bitter harvest, you can always learn from your mistakes and be better prepared when the next cycle starts!

Self Reflection

The Empress is asking you to consider the following questions:

• How are you embodying abundance?

• How can you use your resources wisely?

• When have you gotten good results from patiently nurturing something?

• Sit back and reflect on your accomplishments!