The Empress: Nurturing Growth
Often depicted as a pregnant woman, the Empress archetype in tarot can be difficult for many of us to relate to due to the aggressively gendered society we live in.
I believe gender is an authentic form of self-expression; society on the large sees only two binary sides of the spectrum, and those of us who don't fit neatly into these boxes are often ostracized. Anyway, that's a topic for another day. If anyone is interested in learning more about the ways we are making tarot more accessible for queer identities and the broad spectrum of human experiences, let me know!
Like all traditionally gendered cards in the tarot, I invite myself and others to dive into the archetypal energies rather than the surface level judgements of the initial imagery. All of us have an inner Empress, ready to awaken and flow. For me, this energy began to arise after the darkest times of my life, when like the High Priestess, I delved down into the shadows of my intuition and gifts to uncover who I really was. I had to uncover my gifts before I could nurture myself further and grow.
Now, I recognize the Empress as a part of the balancing act of human life. She represents the "femme" or "lunar" aspects in contrast of the Emperor (who I will discuss more tomorrow). The Empress is the nurturing and receiving component, while the Emperor is more about action and giving. We all possess both of these parts within us (on top of so many other powerful energetics).
In embracing the wisdom of my Empress, I've found ways to nurture and nourish myself, recognizing the abundance of opportunities that exist at all times to care tenderly for myself. Nurturing myself looks like morning, afternoon, and evening tea, set sleep schedules, and walks in the park. I feel nourished from painting, writing, hosting rituals, and having good conversations. I love honoring the beauty that I am, knowing there is no creation in the Universe just like me. This is how my Empress shows up!
How do you nourish yourself? Where do you find your own wellspring of inner abundance? That is where you will find your inner Empress!
Symbolism & Interpretations
The third Major Arcana card, the Empress, often signifies fertility, growth, nurturing, and abundance. The Empress is depicted as a woman seated on a throne, surrounded by the beauty of nature and with a crown of twelve stars on her head. She holds a scepter in her hand, symbolizing her authority, and a shield bearing the symbol of Venus, the planet of love and beauty. In this blog post, we will explore the symbolism of the Empress card in more detail.
The Empress represents the abundance of life and the creative energy that flows through us all. She is the embodiment of the divine feminine, representing the power of creation and nurturing. The Empress is a reminder that we have the ability to create and manifest the life we desire through our thoughts and actions.
Surrounded by the beauty of nature, she sits on a throne amidst a lush garden with trees, flowers, and a river flowing in the background. This symbolizes the abundance of nature and resources that exist all around us. The Empress encourages us to connect with nature, appreciate its beauty, and find inspiration and healing in its natural cycles.
As the mother figure of the tarot, the Empress unconditional love and support that we all need. The Empress reminds us to be kind and compassionate to ourselves and others. She encourages us to nurture our own growth and the growth of those around us.
The scepter the Empress is often depicted holding represents her inner authority and power. This reminds us we have the power to create and shape our own lives. The archetype's wisdom encourages us to take control of our lives, to trust our instincts and intuition, and to use our power and authority to create the life that is right for us.
The Empress encourages us to embrace abundance in all areas of our lives, both materially and spiritually, and to trust that there is enough for everyone. How amazing would life be if we could all acknowledge this abundant reality?!
Affirmation: "I manifest my desires."
Keywords: Fertility, Nurturing, Abundance, and Material Comfort.
Reflection Questions:
How can you nurture yourself?
What is abundant in your life at this time?
What material small material item brings you joy?
How can I tap into my own creativity?
In what ways can I connect with nature and the natural world around me?
What aspects of motherhood or nurturing do I embody in my own life?
How can I cultivate the abundance and prosperity in my life?
Here in the Living LUNA community, our theme for April is “Sowing the Seeds of Curiosity!” Throughout the month of April, we'll explore the journey of the Fool alongside the symbolism of the Major Arcana cards from Tarot. Each archetype offers opportunities for self-reflection! Follow along or participate in our community by joining our Discord server at: https://discord.gg/5UkGZb9kYp
