The Empress Tarot Card Meanings

Unlock your Divine Feminine with the Empress.

The Empress Tarot Card Meanings

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The Empress Keywords

Upright Keywords


fertility, abundance, creativity, Divine Feminine, nurturing, compassion, feminine power, creation, growth

Reversed Keywords


Blocked creativity, insecurity, self-esteem issues, stagnancy, controlling, disharmony, lack of self care, need for self love

In the tarot deck, the Empress represents the number three and is the card of growth, abundance, and fertility. She is connected to Venus and represents the need for compassion, self-love, and returning to nature.

If she appears in your tarot reading, this Major Arcana card indicates that there is room for creation and possibility. And that if things aren’t going well now, they likely will in the future.

The Empress Description

The Empress tarot card is the embodiment of fertility, abundance, and Divine Feminine energy. She sits upon a throne and exudes a serene aura. Her regal presence is accentuated by her crown and the scepter she wears.

In earlier decks, such as the 15th century Visconti-Sforza deck, she also held a shield, emblazoned with the symbol of an eagle with symbols of three interlocking rings on her dress. For, lest us not forget, the feminine is powerful.

Her crown adorned with twelve stars arrives in 1887 with the Oswald Wirth deck and comes from the Empress on the Apocalypse of St. John in Revelations: “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.” The crown symbolizes her connection to the celestial realm and the 12 zodiac signs.

In the Rider-Waite deck, she has the celestial crown, but the moon at her feet has moved to the High Priestess card and replaced by a heart-shaped pillow at her feet. The pillow has Venus’s symbol, representing love and creativity. She also wears a gown with a pomegranate pattern. These signify fertility and are perhaps a nod to Persephone, the Spring goddess.

She is surrounded by a lush forest, a flowing river, and fields of wheat, all representing abundance as well as her connection to the Taurus zodiac sign and the Earth.

The Empress Card Correspondences

Numerology: 3

Planet: Venus

Day of the Week: Friday

Element: Earth

Plants: Myrtle, Rose, Clover

Stones: Emerald, Turquoise

Path on Tree of Life: 14th path, Illuminating Consciousness. It connects Chokmah to Binah (Wisdom to Understanding).

Hebrew Letter: Daleth (The Door)

Golden Dawn Name: The Daughter of the Mighty Ones

Yes or No: Yes

The Empress Upright Meaning

The Empress card is all about creativity, love, and Divine Feminine. She reminds you to find the balance between the strong and gentle parts of yourself to living a fulfilling life. She’s there to remind you to tap into nurturing energy, and be kind and compassionate with yourself and others.

The tarot card is a good sign when it comes to all things connected with growth, abundance, creativity, and pleasure. The Empress card also nudges you to ground yourself in nature and foster a deeper connection with the earth. Basically, she’s saying, “Why spend all day cooped up inside when you could be frolicking in a field of wildflowers?” Seriously.

The Empress is the ultimate symbol of fertility and motherhood. She’s all about growth, whether it’s bringing a new life into the world or nurturing your ideas until they bloom. It’s like a gentle reminder to trust in the natural flow of things, and to keep on growing, both personally and spiritually.

All that said, don’t let her soft and serene exterior fool you. The Empress is one powerful woman. (Remember, she used to wield an eagle shield.) She knows success isn’t just going to fall into your lap if you sit there scrolling TikTok. Instead, tap into your creative side, and go after what you want with all the fierceness and power of a queen.

The Empress from Modern Witch Tarot Deck

The Empress Reversed Meaning

The reversed Empress is all about feeling like you’re stuck in a control freak’s version of Groundhog Day. Think self-doubt, toxic relationships, and maybe a sprinkle of overprotective tendencies thrown in for good measure.

When the Empress card decides to flip itself upside down, it’s like the universe saying, “Hold up, we need to talk.” Because all that nurturing and creative energy got a little wonky, and instead of feeling like the queen of your own domain, you’re more like a hot mess.

But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom. The reversed Empress is a wake-up call to stop neglecting yourself and start prioritizing self-care. Plus, even upside down, it’s a reminder to reconnect with nature and let go of all that negative self-talk and embrace self-love. Because let’s be real, life’s too short to be your own worst enemy.

Empress - Bunny on Pillow with Roses

The Empress In Love and Relationships

When the Empress tarot card appears upright, it’s like the universe giving your love life a big thumbs-up. It’s all about feeling secure and stable in your relationships, nurturing the bonds you have, and maybe even starting something new and exciting. Whether you’re basking in the glow of a budding romance or feeling the love in a long-term partnership, the Empress symbolizes that deep, meaningful connection we all crave.

The Empress reversed suggests losing your own strength by focusing too much on others’ needs. It can lead to neglecting yourself or being overly protective of loved ones, which might hold you back. If you’ve think you’re being co-dependent, people pleasing, or have lost yourself in the relationship, the reversed Empress can underscore this. Remember to take care of yourself and make an effort to regain your confidence.

The Empress Dark Mansion Tarot

The Empress in Career

When it comes to career and finances, the Empress upright is a green light, signaling growth and abundance ahead. It’s like your projects are ready to bloom, and your hard work is about to pay off big time. This card encourages you to tap into your creative side and trust your instincts, as they’ll lead you to success. Whether you’re starting a new job, expanding your business, or just feeling good about your financial situation.

If the Empress is reversed, you might find yourself going overboard with spending or relying too much on others for financial support. It’s like a warning sign to take a step back and reassess your priorities. Maybe there are some creative blocks holding you back at work, or perhaps you’re feeling a bit too comfortable in your current job. Whatever the case, the reversed Empress says it’s time to regroup, get back in the driver’s seat, and steer your career and finances in the right direction.

The Empress Tarot Card - queen holding bunny