Symbolism & Imagery:
We will kick things off with my favorite deck, the Rider – Waite.
The empress card has clear feminine authority energy. The card imagery has a voluptuous woman on a throne, which is the clear image in the foreground. After closer inspection, we see nature thriving around her.
With such abundant nature around her, it seems as though the empress card is symbolic of Mother Earth, the divine feminine herself.
A goddess of fertility, a symbol of abundance, divine feminine, and love, the empress card signifies all that is in harmony in the natural world. The accompanying ruling planet is, you guessed it, Venus. This is all connected to fertility, love, and harmony. The cushions the Empress is seated on are embroidered with the sign of Venus.
When we take a closer look at the Empress, we see your blonde locks adorned with a crown of stars. While this makes a pretty picture, it also symbolizes the bridge between the earthly realm and the stars.
This crown of stars is letting us know of her mystical wisdom and the divine connection with heavenly bodies. The empress’s robe is patterned with pomegranates, a symbolism that is not lost to the discerning eye.
Pomegranates are symbols of fertility- maybe not a popular symbol in the modern-day, but when the cards were initially designed the pomegranates were the trademark symbol for fertility.
We see fertile forestry and lush greenery surrounding her throne. This further alludes to the fertile and abundant nature of this card. The forest is not only lush and enchanting but has a river that runs through it, and the water is symbolic of emotions.
The streaming river also lets us know of the blessings on the way as well as the abundance already present. Her necklace is made of pearls, and she has a short scepter. This scepter not only commands respect but also depicts the power that comes with both charm and beauty.
Her facial expression is serene, and it is clear that the Empress is comfortable- not only in her surroundings but with who she is. At her feet are wheat sprouts, and this simple imagery holds all the key elements of the divine feminine nature of abundance, fertility, ease, gentle power, and beauty.
If we look at the Everyday Tarot Deck, the imagery is different. But, the symbology remains congruent. In this deck, the Empress is depicted as a pregnant lady with long and luscious locks flowing around her body. In her arms, she is holding fruits, which is symbolic of the abundance that comes after labour.
But in all the decks, there is one thing that always strikes me; her expression. Not only is her facial expression serene, but she has an incredible depiction of tenderness and grace.
Only such an expression can come from knowing who one is, understanding the cycles of life and nature, and the peace that arrives with knowing life is miraculous. The Empress is the mother figure, and as such, conveys love for all even the perceived flaws.
The main message is to acknowledge the feminine power within ourselves (no matter your gender) and embrace all of life wholeheartedly, restful in the knowledge that the nature of life is balance and abundance, supported by universal and ever-present love.
Another word used to accurately describe the Empress is vitality. As she sits on her throne, she is radiating with harmony, grace, and elegance. She is the supreme mother nurturer. She rules with compassion and encourages desire, sensuality, love, and the celebration of life.
This guide takes a comprehensive look at the Empress. I will offer you an in-depth look into the meanings, imagery, and different positions.