The Empress Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

The Empress Keywords 

• Upright: creativity, pleasure, harmony, emotional fulfillment, embodiment, nature, divine feminine
• Reversed: stagnancy, creative blocks, self-doubt, lack of balance, suppressed desires, disharmony

The Empress: Description and Symbolism

The Empress comfortably sits on her throne. The scepter she holds symbolizes the power she has over her situation. The Empress can find pleasure through her passions, represented by the red cushions she sits upon. In doing so, she finds herself fertile with new ideas worth bringing to life. The pomegranates on her gown support this, symbolizing new life and abundance. These themes of fertility and creation secure her status as a mother figure in the Major Arcana.

The Empress has a generous and nurturing spirit, symbolized by the heart-shaped shield propped beside her. She is ready to protect herself and others using the forces of unconditional love. The symbol of Venus on the Empress’ shield signifies the Venusian principles of beauty, love, and pleasure. Guided by her feelings and passions, the Empress cultivates comfort through enjoyable activities. This joyous, giving energy highlights her portrayal of the divine feminine in the tarot.

The Empress is one with nature, represented by the grain at her feet and the natural scenery surrounding her. She is one harvest away from feeding her people, symbolizing the abundance of natural resources. Her jewelry further supports her connection to the Universe, with her 12-star crown and 9-pearl necklace correlating with the 12 zodiac signs and 9 planets. The Empress knows how to harness the resources of her environment, bringing pleasure and sustenance to herself and others. 

Note: This description is based on the depiction of the Empress in the Rider Waite-Smith tarot deck.

The Empress – Upright Meaning

The Empress reminds you that nothing can get in between you and your desires. Ask yourself what you have been craving and take the steps to cultivate that experience. When you lead with love and a vision, you can create the outcome you seek.

You have a lot to offer, and so does the environment that you’re in. Look around you and consider what support you could ask for in your situation. With the unifying force of the Empress on your side, you are likely to make connections that will carry you far. Others will rejoice in the vibrant energy and creations you have to share with the world once you lean into your passions.

Love Meaning – The Empress Upright 

The Empress Card promises hopeful new beginnings in love and relationships. You know your worth and aren’t willing to settle for anything less. Now is a good time to get back into the dating scene after a separation if you have been healing from a heartbreak.

The Empress also encourages you to lean into self-love. Schedule activities you enjoy or buy yourself flowers as a sweet reminder of your worth.

In established relationships, the Empress suggests a passionate dynamic with mutual emotional fulfillment. You feel safe bringing your concerns to your partner, and vice versa. 

When reading for how someone feels, the Empress is a card of romantic attraction. The person on your mind likely feels the same towards you, so don’t be afraid to let your walls down.

Career and Finance Meaning – The Empress Upright 

As a symbol of abundance, the Empress card suggests an upward trajectory in your career. Leaning into your passions will get you far, so don’t be afraid to propose unique ideas. If you have wanted to switch fields or pursue a side project, the passionate Empress pushes you to chase those desires.

You will soon have enough money and resources to share with those you love. If you already have the means, the Empress nudges you to treat yourself every once in a while.

Health Meaning – The Empress Upright 

Get out in the world and be present. When the Empress appears, you are reminded of how empowering it can be to move your body intentionally. She is no stranger to nourishment, so it could also be a good time to fine-tune your diet and vitamin intake. 

The Empress encourages self-care practices that connect you with nature, the arts, and your body. As long as you make time for activities you enjoy, you will feel nourished both mentally and physically.

Spirituality Meaning – The Empress Upright 

The Empress encourages you to give space for the emotions you have been feeling. There is wisdom to be found in the feelings and passions that drive you. Spiritual practices like breathwork and Reiki healing will do wonders for reconnecting with your emotional drives. Being in nature will also bring you clarity now.

The Empress As Feelings Meaning – Upright 

When the Empress appears in a tarot reading, you are advised to let your feelings guide the way. Processing your emotions just enough to get by won’t do it. Allow time for your innermost desires and concerns to rise to the surface.

The Empress As Actions Meaning – Upright 

As actions, the Empress reminds you to lead with passion. Decisions made with sheer logic won’t carry the weight you are looking for in this situation. Be shameless in the feelings that drive your actions, and the Empress will applaud you.

The Empress – Reversed Meaning

You could be feeling at a creative standstill when the Empress appears reversed in a tarot reading. If your commitments are becoming boring or you’ve put off a new pursuit, this card encourages you to bring life to your ideas. Pick up an old hobby or start a passion project that will reignite your spark. Even if it feels like your creations won’t go far, it’s still worth giving yourself an outlet.

The reversed Empress could also highlight feelings of overwhelm and self-doubt. This card may be a sign to start a new self-care practice. You deserve to experience connections that welcome you with open arms, so don’t be afraid to lean on your loved ones. The relationships in your life could reconnect you with the passions that keep you going.

It’s time to validate your needs and desires rather than suppress them. There’s no need to pour from an empty cup when you’re craving a fulfilling outlet for yourself. 

Love Meaning – The Empress Reversed 

The reversed Empress suggests a possible disconnect in love and relationships. Perhaps you and your partner haven’t seen eye-to-eye lately, or you’ve kept your heart locked away after a recent separation. When this card appears, you are being gently reminded to sit with your uncomfortable emotions. Healing is possible once you let your walls down.

An alternative interpretation is that a situation in love has led you to feel insecure or doubtful of your judgment. The reversed Empress validates you for your feelings, encouraging you to believe in them. You decide what values, boundaries, and concerns matter most to you – don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

When reading for how someone feels about you, the reversed Empress depicts someone who is interested but unable to determine their next move. You may need to give them time to clarify their intentions before moving forward. 

Career and Finance Meaning – The Empress Reversed

In a work context, the reversed Empress suggests you may be going through a creative block. Consider what resources and supports you need to get your idea off the ground. Your vision has potential; it could just need some extra planning to see it through.

Financially, you may have gone through a situation that forced you to adjust your budget. When the usual abundant energy of the Empress is reversed, you are encouraged to step back and reconsider before making major investments.

Health Meaning – The Empress Reversed

When the Empress appears reversed in a health context, you may be going through a period of feeling disconnected from your emotions. It may be time to find a new outlet to purge these feelings so you no longer feel burdened by them. 

Alternatively, you could be denying yourself of simple pleasures. The reversed Empress gently pushes you to reflect on the internal and external forces that could be preventing you from cultivating an enjoyable lifestyle. 

Spirituality Meaning – The Empress Reversed

Spiritually, the reversed Empress could suggest that you are going through a stagnant period in your practice. Perhaps you have grown disconnected from your deepest desires and intentions. With this card, you are encouraged to bring your creative spirit back to life through manifestation work.

Reflect on the feelings you have been suppressing for a while, and let them guide you. You are ready to set new goals and intentions for yourself. Once you honor your inner spark, your spiritual growth will continue effortlessly.

The Empress As Feelings Meaning – Reversed

The reversed Empress suggests that you could be overlooking your feelings about a given situation. This card advises you to honor the emotions that have taught you to build walls so you can be vulnerable once more. 

The Empress As Actions Meaning – Reversed

The reversed Empress symbolizes actions taken from a logical standpoint. While some situations call for a cold and measured perspective, the Empress’s passionate nature says otherwise. 

Reflect on the desires that could have fallen by the wayside. These deep feelings will breathe new life into the decisions you make moving forward.

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

In the ‘past’ position, the Empress suggests you went through an experience that taught you to honor your emotional drives. Your current situation is informed by the values of passion and pleasure.

Present Position

When in the ‘present’ position, the Empress depicts a situation where you feel optimistic about its potential. This present situation or experience is guiding you to put your emotional fulfillment first.

Future Position

In the ‘future’ position, the Empress card predicts a harmonious outcome to a present situation. All parties are likely to walk away from the experience feeling fulfilled, especially you. 

Yes or No Meaning of The Empress 

• The Empress Upright: Yes
• The Empress Reversed: No

When the Empress appears upright in a reading, she gives you a fervent ‘yes’. This tarot card’s focus on pleasure and fulfillment suggests a positive outcome to the situation.

When the Empress appears reversed, she gives you a ‘no’. There are more feelings to be processed about the situation before moving forward.

Advice and Message of The Empress

Confident in all she has to offer, the Empress reminds you to lean into your gifts. Your creative vision is likely to bring people together if you believe in its value. If you choose to chase your deepest desires, you will be following the Empress’s advice.

Summary of The Empress Tarot Meaning

When the Empress appears in a tarot reading, you are encouraged to chase after your passions and desires. You are capable of creating a life that feels emotionally fulfilling, so long as you believe it. This card reminds you to care for yourself through simple pleasures and connecting with those you love. If she appears reversed, you could be going through a period where it’s more challenging to prioritize your fulfillment. To realign with the Empress’ uplifting energy, it’s simply a matter of letting your heart guide the way.