III. THE EMPRESS  

Primary principle--Relating

Planetary correspondence—Venus

Description-The Empress is a very regal-looking figure who radiates a sense of peaceful self-confidence. She is wearing a crown of twelve stars, representing her understanding of the twelve primary patterns and archetypes that make up the forms of the world (the zodiac). Next to her is a heart-shaped shield embossed with the symbol of Venus. This stands for the dynamics of relationship and the realization of beauty. In front of her is a field of corn, showing fertility. Behind her is a stream of water turning into a waterfall, indicating her connection to the feeling nature. (In all the cards of the Tarot, women are generally indicative of the presence of the emotional nature.) The Empress has a band of myrtle leaves around her head, an ancient symbol pointing to her conscious awareness of natural law and her victory over personal passions. Myrtle is also traditionally connected to the planet Venus.

In the reading- The querent is ready to help make her life work better through bringing about cooperation in her environment. This card speaks about someone who is endowed with the ability to listen and understand. The Empress indicates that the querent has the ability to be a representative of beauty and harmony, as well as the ability to create both.

When this card comes up in a reading, rejoice! It can signify marriage, commitment to union, or at the very least, good friendships. Obviously, if the querent is questioning the cards about a set of circumstances involving his or her current relationship, then this is a very good indication of support. If the person is trying to create or enhance a business connection, then the card reflects that the situation should work well for all parties concerned. The Empress usually indicates that there is both financial abundance and emotional support available in the present situation.

Reversed- The Empress can reflect loss of personal power through placing too much emphasis on another person's emotional or material-needs, thus neglecting one's own. The reversed position of this card deals with indecisive- ness concerning others and confusion about the direction a relationship may be taking. The querent may also be finding it difficult to work cooperatively with others. The reason for this lack of harmony is usually within the querent; introspection is called for. Look to the other cards in the reading to ascertain the psychological or social circumstances leading to this sense of alienation.

Exoteric meaning---Receptivity. This is the part of us that allows us to experience a sense of union with our environment and our activities. It is this facet of our personality that allows us to feel empathy with others.

Esoteric meaning---Imagination contained within the feminine life principle. This allows the subconscious mind to draw on new information from its environment in order to structure new forms and patterns for creative self-expression.

From the Pocket Guide to Tarot by Alan Oken