3 | The Empress
Model, Katie McCuin
"I don't go by the rule book ... I lead from the heart, not the head."
-Princess Diana of Wales
The Empress is card number 3 in the Tarot’s Major Arcana. In numerology, the number 3 has the energetic vibration of creativity, optimism, sociability, and charisma. Number 3 symbolizes completeness and the unity of different aspects, representing divine concepts like the trinity (maiden, mother, crone), the cyclical nature of time (past, present, future), and the interconnectedness of the universe (mind, body, spirit). Considered a perfect number of harmony, wisdom, and understanding.
The Empress is the loving, fertile mother and divine feminine archetype. A soft and gentle energy that asks us to slow down and listen, to be reflective rather than continuously moving without purpose. Calling on us to nurture what we hold dear, be it a loved one, a creative project, a desire, or ourselves. This card signifies a strong connection with our inner divine feminine or yin energy, and shows where self-love and care are needed. The Empress thrives when connected to her community, caring for others, and what she believes in. She’s the queen of queens, the goddess, and leads from her heart. We can also see a strong relationship with The Empress and nature, with the connection to Mother Earth herself. When this card is pulled, allow it to be a call to go into nature and connect with the great mother herself.
General Meaning - Fertility, motherhood, pregnancy, Mother Nature, self-love, creativity, beauty, intuition, authentic expression, & abundance
When out of alignment - Overbearing/smothering, insecurity, unwanted pregnancy, creative blocks, thinking and not feeling, disconnect from inner divine feminine self
Navigating The Empress’s archetypal energy:
Fertility and motherhood are the key themes of The Empress, with many different ways to tap into this creative and nurturing energy, such as the caring and creative energy behind a passion project, a small business, or finding a meaningful connection with your local community. The Empress thrives when connected to others and finds particular empowerment in leadership and caring deeply about making things better around her. The Empress archetype is synonymous with the divine feminine yin energy we each possess. To connect, find a moment each day to slow down, reflect, and drop into your body, and allow yourself to feel. There might be a call to go for a walk, take a bath, get creative, buy yourself flowers, or reach out to a loved one. The more you practice making space for this energy, the easier it gets, and the more it will tell you, putting you in a stronger alliance within yourself. If it’s hard to turn off your thinking mind, try going outside and listening to the wind in the leaves or a body of moving water. If you were to paint the natural landscape you’re looking at, what colors would you need to capture it? These are excellent ways to connect with your ability to feel and connect to the natural world around you.
In this card, we see our Empress is sitting in a lush, blooming garden, looking serene in a beautiful loose white dress, which we can interpret as the possibility of her being pregnant and pure of heart. Her hands held over her heart, showing her strong connection with this energy center in her body. Sitting on a red velvet blanket with a scepter to her side shows her royal status and comfort within the leadership position, not needing to prove herself. We can see the sign of Venus on the corner of her dress, showing her embodiment of the divine feminine. She’s wearing a crown of stars to symbolize her intuitive connection and ability to work with energies bigger than herself. We can also see three dripping pomegranates behind her, symbolizing the rhythm of fertility, abundance, and the reproductive cycles. She’s a loving and caring mother who loves to listen and teach how to plant and nurture seeds of desire. Having the patience to know they’ll bloom in their own perfect divine timing.
Next up, connecting with the divine masculine energy of The Emperor. Stay tuned for the next card release in The Green Mountain Major Arcana’s journey next Friday, 5/16!
With love,
Megan Gonzalez
