The Empress: A Fresh Perspective on Divine Feminine Power

The Empress is indeed a unique force of nature—an embodiment of divine feminine energy, creativity, and life’s abundant cycles. Whether you’re pulling cards from the classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck or a modern, reimagined version, The Empress stands out as a symbol of nurturing power, sovereignty, and boundless potential. 

Let’s dive into what makes her so compelling and why she matters in the tarot and in modern life.

In the Rider-Waite depiction, she sits gracefully in a lush, fertile landscape, draped in a gown adorned with pomegranates. Each symbol around her tells a story. The pomegranates speak of fertility, the sacred feminine, and the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. Nearby, a shield bearing the symbol of Venus represents love, beauty, and the magnetic pull of feminine power. Her crown is studded with twelve stars, a reminder that she is both earthly and divine, connected to the cosmos. The golden wheat fields and the river surrounding her are symbols of harvest, growth, and the nurturing power of nature. This Empress is the archetypal mother and creator, sensual and grounded, entirely at home in her power to manifest and nurture.

Now, consider a contemporary take on The Empress

In my new deck, she is portrayed with deeper layers of symbolism, leaning into the cosmic and mystical aspects of the feminine. The crown she wears is three-tiered, representing the Maiden, Mother, and Crone—the triple goddess that embodies the full spectrum of feminine wisdom. The twelve stars remain, but now they shine as a reminder of our interconnectedness within the cosmos. 

Rather than holding a sceptre or shield, she cradles a cornucopia overflowing with fruits and flowers—a direct symbol of limitless prosperity, creativity, and nourishment. Fields of golden wheat still surround her, emphasising the cyclical nature of growth, a reminder that what we nurture flourishes. Her sceptre signifies compassionate governance, a call to lead with love and wisdom rather than dominance. 

This version of The Empress moves beyond sensuality, inviting a broader, more inclusive understanding of feminine power that transcends earthly realms and touches the stars.

The Empress embodies universal themes that resonate regardless of artistic interpretation. She speaks to creative fertility, encouraging us to view our ideas as seeds that require time, attention, and care to bloom. Whether it’s a new project, a business venture, or a personal transformation, the Empress reminds us to cultivate our dreams with patience and intention. She also represents abundance and nourishment, symbolising the horn of plenty and teaching us that the universe provides when we align ourselves with the natural flow of life and give as generously as we receive. Her nurturing power is a comforting reminder that we are not alone in our journey.

Her power isn’t confined to femininity alone. The Empress invites all of us, regardless of gender, to embrace yin energy—intuition, compassion, and the strength found in gentleness. She governs her realm unapologetically, a symbol of sovereignty and self-care. Her presence is a call to set boundaries, to prioritise our own needs without guilt, and to reclaim our power as creators of our own experiences.

Not Just a Symbol

The Empress is more than just a tarot symbol; she is a blueprint for thriving in today’s world. In daily life, her message of creative fertility encourages us to treat our dreams like seeds, nurturing them with patience and care. Whether we are starting a business, writing a book, or pursuing a personal passion, she reminds us that growth takes time and that what we invest in consistently will eventually bear fruit.

In a society that often promotes scarcity, the Empress shifts our focus to recognising the abundance already surrounding us. This abundance isn’t just monetary—it’s found in opportunities, connections, and the small moments of beauty that often go unnoticed. Her gentle yet powerful energy reminds us that true power doesn’t need to shout. Instead, it can be quiet, steady, and unwavering, a testament to the strength found in softness. Her message of abundance is a beacon of hope, reminding us that there is always more than enough to go around.

What the Empress Teaches us

The Empress also teaches us about sovereignty. In modern life, this means asserting ourselves without apology, setting clear boundaries, and taking care of our own needs as fiercely as we care for others. She rules her world with grace and compassion, showing us that leadership is about serving with love, not dominance. Her call for self-care is a powerful reminder that we have the right and the responsibility to prioritize our own well-being.

I like to see the Empress as a cosmic queen, integrating the cycles of womanhood and emphasising the sacred feminine as a force that transcends earthly limitations.

The Empress asks you to reflect. What dreams, projects, or aspects of yourself are you nurturing? Are you giving them the same attention and care you give to others? If the Empress were ruling your life right now, what would she want you to cultivate?

Step into Sovereignty with Every Shuffle

The Empress reminds us that true power is nurtured, not forced. Our hand-drawn deck brings this cosmic queen—and every archetype—to life through rich symbolism and intuitive artistry.

Pre-order now and claim your space in the cycle of creation.