MOTHER HAS ARRIVED! Yes, mama! Come through! The third card in the Major Arcana is The Empress, the archetypal Mother, and ruler of the suit of Pentacles. Gritty, raw, and back-to-basics, The Empress is very much a down-in-the-dirt kind of broad. Sure, she’s regal, royal, and means business, but she also knows how to stay grounded and stay in tune with the things that matter most.
Looking at The Empress from the lens of a parent, it’s easy to see their role and position as “Mother,” warm and comforting, and very much the emotional equivalent of a warm loaf of fresh bread. They’re a “giver” and want to make you feel welcome and at home. I honestly can’t help but often think of a stereotypical 1960s-esque hippie, living barefooted in a commune, rooted in nature and giving. They thrive on creativity and sharing, wanting everyone to feel happy, healthy, and provided for. She’s also the kind of person who runs their hands through the dried beans and lentils in the supermarket.
The Empress – usually depicted as a woman – is also often illustrated as being pregnant, a symbol of her fertility and, a word I really don’t like, fecundity. Of course, this isn’t necessarily about the literal spawning of offspring like a rabbit in Spring; it’s more about bringing forth new ideas, beliefs, and understanding.
I titled this post “Grounded by The Empress” as a play on both being “grounded” by a parent (and to help calm their ass down), but also emotionally grounding yourself, keeping yourself in the physical plain instead of stressed out and anxious (helping to calm YOUR ass down); it’s very easy for all of us to get lost in the day-to-day. Keeping one foot rooted on earth (and in reality) is the story of The Empress.
The Empress, as an individual, is someone who has an immense amount of experience (they are an Empress after all, not a Queen), and understands the cyclical nature of all things, the ebb and flow of emotion, and the importance of balance.
In The Fool’s Journey, this is the point where The Fool begins to grow and become emotionally aware, guided by The Empress to ground themselves and be open to their emotional growth. This is a period of creative freedom and expression, encouraged by the artistic and creative nature of The Empress.
About The Empress
Traditionally, The Empress calls on us to embrace our feminine energy and ground ourselves in the world around us. As I mentioned, they rule over the suit of Pentacles (earth energy), and all things physical. They encourage the birthing of new ideas, projects, hobbies – anything that creates new beauty in your life. They also encourage you to bring out your “motherly” energy by being more nurturing and emotionally sensitive to those around you.
Of course, you don’t need to be a woman or a mother to have these traits. Tarot, as I’ve mentioned before, is not gender-restrictive, even though The Empress is often illustrated as a woman. As a parent (male or female), having the ability to channel The Empress and their motherly nature can only help bring balance and growth to your relationships.
The Empress also understands the natural cycles of life, those beginnings and ends, and all the unpredictable excitement that comes in between. The Empress knows that while seeds bring growth, not all seeds are destined to bloom. Learning to appropriate failure and use it as a means for future growth is very much an Empress-ive thing to do. Those failed experiments, experiences, and energies enrich the soil for other ideas and experiments to thrive.
The Empress in Modern Decks
There are thousands of different representations of The Empress in Tarot. Below are a few examples of The Empress from various decks and art that show the variety and vastness of creative freedom within the Tarot community.
- Stevie Nicks as The Empress: Website
- Amber Tarot: Website
- Be With Your Body Tarot: Website
- The Forest of Enchantment Tarot: Website | Amazon
- The Drifting Moon Tarot (Major Arcana Deck): Website
- Tarot 108: Website
Symbolism in The Empress
The Empress card, as illustrated by Smith, centers around the title figure sitting comfortably on a pillowed chaise that rests in a wooded grove. She is dressed in a flowing gown decorated with fruits, most likely pomegranates, symbolizing fertility and abundance. In her right hand, she holds a scepter, signifying her power and dominion. Atop her head is a crown adorned with 12 stars, representing her connection to the celestial realm and the cycles of nature.
The card’s background features lush greenery and a serene river, further emphasizing themes of growth, fertility, and the nurturing aspects of nature.
The Crown of Stars
That there are 12 stars in The Empress’ crown is no accident. Many things come into our lives as 12s: The number of signs in the Zodiac; 12 months in a year; 12 hours on a clock. There were also 12 principal gods in the Greek pantheon; 12 Titans; and Hercules had to carry out 12 labors for King Eurystheus. 12 Tribes of Israel; 12 apostles; 12 days of Christmas. There are even only 12 hues in the standard color wheel.
The number 12 itself is all over the place with particular spiritual representation. The number 12 is influenced by the qualities of both 1 and 2. The presence of 1 in 12 brings attributes such as initiative, ambition, and the ability to start new projects. The 2 in 12 contributes qualities like diplomacy, sensitivity, and the ability to work well with others.
As a parent, the crown of stars, to me, is a reminder of all things cyclical. As our children grow, their emotions, behaviors, and interests will ebb and flow. It is our responsibility as parents to adapt and provide continued direction and support, helping them navigate the complexities of life. Perhaps it’s also worth mentioning that young children need 12 hours of sleep a day for proper growth.
Gown with a Pomegranate Pattern
Pomegranates are often associated with fertility and abundance, a representation of the initiation of creativity and a source of life. Historically, the pomegranate has also been a symbol of prosperity and wealth. Its association with abundance makes it a fitting emblem for the Empress, who embodies growth, nurturing, and the bountiful rewards of nature.
The pomegranate-patterned gown represents the nurturing and fertile environment parents create for their children. It signifies the abundance of love, care, and opportunities that parents strive to provide, fostering their child’s growth and development.
A Heart-Shaped Shield with the Symbol of Venus
The shield itself underscores the Empress’s connections to love, beauty, femininity, and protection. The fact that the shield is heart-shaped paints The Empress as a guardian of love, symbolizing their nurturing and protective qualities. They embody unconditional love and the capacity to provide emotional support and care. (I also see this as a planchette, like with a Ouija board – because, let’s be honest, maybe The Empress needs a little help understanding why kids do the things kids do.)
The symbol of Venus (♀) is also associated with balance and harmony, particularly in relationships. The Empress, by holding this symbol, signifies their ability to create and maintain harmonious environments, whether in personal relationships, family life, or the natural world. Venus was also the goddess of beauty and the arts, emphasizing The Empress’ role as a muse and a creator, fostering beauty and artistic endeavors.
The heart-shaped shield with Venus symbolizes the unconditional love and protective instincts of parents. It reflects the deep emotional bond and the desire to safeguard and protect our children’s well-being, ensuring they grow up in a loving and secure environment.
Natural Surroundings
The Empress chooses to be in Nature. She surrounds herself with life. This setting is lush and vibrant, free of mosquitos and ticks, and represents fertility, prosperity, and abundance. It is also a representation of The Empress’ connection to the earth and being rooted in the natural world, utilizing its resources in a sustainable and nurturing way.
The natural surroundings represent the nurturing and supportive environment that parents strive to create for their children. It highlights the importance of providing a stable and harmonious home where children can thrive and develop naturally.
Flowing Water
Water represents the flow of emotions, intuition, and the subconscious. It signifies purification, renewal, and the source of life. The presence of water indicates the Empress’ connection to emotional nourishment and the flow of creative energy. They recognize its necessity, but likewise do not allow it to consume or overwhelm them.
The flowing water symbolizes the emotional connection between parents and children. It represents the continuous and nurturing flow of affection, understanding, and empathy that parents provide, essential for a child’s emotional and psychological development.
Cushioned Throne
The cushions on The Empress’ throne symbolize comfort, luxury, and abundance. This aligns with The Empress’s association with material wealth, prosperity, and the ability to provide for others. The plush throne suggests a life of ease and the pleasures that come with abundance.
The cushioned throne can represent the stable and secure foundation that parents provide for their children. It signifies the comfort and support that parents offer, ensuring their children feel safe and valued as they grow and explore the world.
The Scepter
The scepter that is held by The Empress is perhaps the one true element that defines The Empress as a person of power and authority. While they may appear grass-roots, they are, nonetheless, a ruler and leader. There is a sense of confidence and compassion in her reign, someone who rules with kindness and grace.
The scepter symbolizes the guiding influence and authority of parents in their children’s lives. It reflects the responsibility parents have to lead by example, provide guidance, and instill values that will shape their children’s futures.