What Is the Empress Tarot Card? All About the Nurturing Card, What It Means and How You Can Interpret It

The third card in the Major Arcana, the Empress card is a necessary presence in the tarot deck. Find out what it means, according to an expert

In a tarot deck, the Empress card is the third card in the Major Arcana.

The Empress is affiliated with the planet Venus, as they both promote tenderness and empathy for oneself and others. The Empress is the maternal force in our lives, sympathetic and doting to those we love. It’s the co-creator of life and the bounty we see on earth.

As the mother figure, the Empress is always there, watching and encouraging people to be their best and in return, she expects the same sentiment.

The downside to the Empress is that when it’s reversed, it can denote the negative aspects of Venus, such as laziness, meanness and excess. To transform that energy, one must connect with nature, meditate and be present. This card is about being grounded, therefore, we must align with our innate being to transcend its energy.

Related: Here's What Venus Entering Leo Means for You, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

What does the Empress tarot card mean?

Because the Empress is a Major Arcana or trump card, her presence in the tarot is necessary. This card portrays fertility and maternal energy due to the baby bump on her belly (this translates to the notion that she's pregnant with a baby, idea or love).

The Empress is considered the source of life and is a figure most connected with nature and the world. Several people claim that the Empress is the ruler of the land and more potent than the Queen suit in the tarot. Her beauty, charm and grace allow her to be the ultimate creator of life, empowered and strong by her duty.

The Empress represents everything good and proper. She is the personification of unconditional love and teaches us how to extend ourselves unselfishly to others. In other words, the Empress is the mama bear of the tarot. She can be protective of those she loves because she doesn’t want to see them (or anyone for that matter) in pain.

What does the upright Empress tarot card represent?

The Empress dictates the need for security and companionship. If it shows up in a reading, it’s a call to give oneself and others more TLC and compassion. As the third Major Arcana card, the Empress resides between the High Priestess and the Emperor and reminds one to utilize spirituality and faith to cultivate a fantastic life.

If you look closely at the card, you see her pregnant belly, the symbol for Venus on a heart (which is the divine feminine) and a starry crown (which is what Venus wears). You'll also notice that she is surrounded by lush greenery and a waterfall, which again, represents life.

The Empress is often associated with the Death card since they both depict the circle of life together.

Related: What Is the World Tarot Card? All About the Dualistic Card and What It Means for You

What does the reversed Empress tarot card represent?

In reversal, the Empress shows the juxtaposing qualities of the upright meaning. The desire to control another and feelings of insecurity and jealousy come to light. Misdirected anger can be projected toward people who aren't stepping up.

The Empress reversed can also represent that there are complicated relationship dynamics abound — a failed relationship or romance, two people not being on the same sexual and emotional page, a lack of confidence, infertility, cheating, lack of knowledge, etc.

Overall, it’s a warning to watch out for manipulative and destructive behavior. 

What does the Empress tarot card represent in astrology?

Venus is the planet that represents the Empress card. Since this Major Arcana card is closely related to the planet of sensuality, ingenuity, resourcefulness, safety, love and social standards, it yields a lot of weight in a reading.

Venus radiates positivity, good vibes, beauty, indulgence, and pleasure and the same applies to the Empress card. It’s a great omen and means that amazing things are happening or beginning to happen. Who wouldn't want to luxuriate on a throne and the beholder of the divine feminine energy? After all, the Empress can manifest anything and everything she wants. The universe is at her fingertips.

Related: What Is a Venus Star Point? All About Its Meaning and When It Occurs

What does it mean when you pull the Empress tarot Card?

Generally, the Empress focuses on love and creativity. What you do with the knowledge you’re receiving from the tarot is up to you. Also, it shows how we care for ourselves and others. These are the most common areas to seek clarity in during a tarot reading:

Career: If you're up for a promotion, the possibility of attaining it is incredibly high. A new job might come to you from a colleague or networking. Regardless, success is coming — so don't get discouraged.

Finances: Your financial situation is evolving, bringing in more cash flow. If you want to invest, now is the time to do your due diligence and start playing the stock market, as you may yield high results.

Love: A new relationship is forming that can grow over time. If you're committed, you and your partner will want to take care of each other. The only warning is to not take this sentiment for granted.

Friendship: The bonds you share with your best friends aren’t easily broken. They’ll always have your back and stand by your side — no matter the obstacles. You can always rely on their loyalty, generosity, support and kindness.

Family: Much to your surprise, your family might be expanding soon. Whether it’s planned or not, new additions to your dynasty will be welcomed with loving arms and hearts. In the meantime, it is brimming with happiness and joy. Have fun with your brood and make memories that will last forever.

Health: You are beginning to see improvements in your health. Disconnecting from life's stresses and decompressing to feel better quickly is crucial. Again, if you want to have a child, a pregnancy may happen sooner than later.

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