The Empress card meaning

Symbols in the picture

Shield with the Venus symbol

A heart-shaped shield beside her bears the symbol of Venus. It stands for love, beauty and the power to nurture.

Ripe wheat

The golden wheat growing at her feet means harvest. It shows the time and effort you've put in bearing fruit.

Crown of twelve stars

Her crown holds twelve stars. They symbolize nature's cycles, turning like the twelve months.

Based on the Rider-Waite-Smith deck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith in 1909.

When it comes up upright

Body and mind feel full, and you have room to give to those around you. Work you've put effort into is slowly coming to fruition. Things that fill the senses, like good food or a pretty space, lift your energy, so make time to treat yourself well.

Love

Warm, steady affection flows in this relationship. Your care for the other person comes across naturally. If you're single, a gentle charm draws people to you.

Work and study

Creative ideas come in abundance. Work that uses your senses, such as design or planning, tends to earn good reviews. Looking after your teammates improves the mood.

Money

Income and spending flow comfortably. Spending that improves your quality of life feels satisfying. Just don't spend a lot all at once because you're in a good mood.

When it comes up reversed

You may be looking after others so much that you neglect yourself, or, on the flip side, sticking to what's comfortable while your work stalls. You need a balance of trimming what overflows and filling what's lacking. Resting is also a form of care.

Love

Too much meddling or clinging can weigh the relationship down. Check whether it's become love that only one side gives. Respecting each other's space lets you both breathe.

Work and study

You have plenty of ideas but trouble finishing them. Motivation drops and procrastination creeps in. Set small goals and finish them one by one.

Money

Spending to relieve stress tends to grow. Money spent on eating out or shopping can add up more than you expect. Setting a monthly living budget helps.

When it shows another person's feelings

Upright

They find you comforting and warm to be around. They want to look after you and keep you close for a long time. They feel secure in the time you spend together.

Reversed

Along with affection, they feel some pressure. They may think too much is expected of them. Stepping back and giving them room can soften things again.

If you ask a yes-or-no question

Closer to Yes. Your effort is heading toward results. You can go ahead with a generous heart.

If it comes up as your card of the day

Look after yourself and things fall into place. Keep good food and pretty things close.

One-line advice Be as warm to yourself as you are to others.

Good to know

In the Western astrology tradition (the Golden Dawn system), this card is linked to Venus. It carries the number III and is card 4 of the 22 Major Arcana.