A Mother’s Love, A Creative Force
Let’s go back to our roots today and talk Tarot, but with a holiday slant. You cannot tell the Christmas story without discussing Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus. Mary is a symbol of maternal love, faith, and the importance of human relationships. She is also seen as the archetype of a virtuous woman and the divine feminine.

In Jungian psychology, the mother archetype represents nurturing, love, compassion, and protection. It is often depicted in myths and religious traditions as a symbol of the feminine principle. Some say that Mary symbolizes the first incarnation, or Mother Earth. This archetype is frequently reflected in various forms of divination.
In the Tarot, it is The Empress, card number three in the Rider-Waite deck, that embodies this powerful archetype representing the divine feminine energy of nurturing, creativity, and abundance. Often associated with the I Ching hexagram 2, K’un (The Receptive), this card signifies the power of yielding, receptivity, and the potential for growth.
Symbolism and Meaning
The Empress is a visual feast of symbolism, each element contributing to the overall message of fertility, abundance, and the creative process.
- The Crown of Twelve Stars: This celestial crown represents the Empress’s connection to the cosmos and her divine nature. It symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.
- The Pomegranate: A symbol of fertility and abundance, the pomegranate represents the potential for growth and the richness of life. It suggests a harvest of both material and spiritual rewards.
- The Wheat: The wheat growing at the Empress’s feet signifies prosperity, abundance, and the fruits of labor. It represents the material rewards of hard work and dedication.
- The River and Waterfall: Water is a powerful symbol of emotion, intuition, and the flow of life. The river and waterfall suggest the constant flow of energy and the potential for transformation.
- The Red Robe: Red is the color of passion, vitality, and life force. The Empress’s red robe symbolizes her connection to the primal energy of creation.
- The Scepter: The heart-shaped scepter represents the Empress’s compassionate and loving nature. It symbolizes her ability to nurture and protect.
- The Cushions with Patterns: The cushions symbolize comfort, security, and the material aspects of life. The patterns on the cushions often represent abundance and prosperity.
- The Landscape: The lush, fertile landscape symbolizes the Empress’s connection to the natural world and the cycles of growth and decay.
- The Shield on the Throne: The shield, often bearing the symbol of Venus, emphasizes the Empress’s association with love, beauty, and harmony.
- The Ankh Necklace: The Ankh, an ancient Egyptian symbol of life and immortality, reinforces the Empress’s life-giving and nurturing qualities.
The Empress in a Reading
When the Empress appears in a Tarot reading, it can indicate a time of growth, abundance, and creativity. She may signify a new beginning, a nurturing relationship, or a period of self-care and self-love. The Empress can also represent the importance of receptivity, patience, and trusting in the natural flow of life.
If you’re seeking guidance from the Empress, consider these questions:
- What areas of your life need more nurturing and attention?
- How can you cultivate more love and compassion in your relationships?
- What creative projects or endeavors are you ready to embark on?
- How can you better embrace the cycles of life and death?
By understanding the symbolism and meaning of the Empress, you can tap into her powerful energy and manifest abundance, creativity, and love in your life.
Are there other archetypes that you would like to see related to tarot? Please leave your feedback in the comments.
Light and Love ❤
Please consider Hitting the like button and/or sharing!
#Tarot #Empress #RiderWaiteTarot #IChing #K’un #Receptive #Divination #Symbolism #Spirituality #Metaphysics #FeminineEnergy #Nurturing #Creativity #Abundance #TarotReading #TarotInterpretation #SelfLove #SelfCare #PersonalGrowth

Leave a comment