The Empress is the archetype of Mother Nature, reflected in her natural and lush surroundings. Any new endeavours happening when this card appears will generally go well. But, just like children, they will need care and time to grow.

Whatever you are planning, whether it’s a new career, a house move, or a new romance, don’t expect it to just happen on it’s own. You need to put in the groundwork and pay attention if you want a successful outcome.

While the Empress is sitting in luscious surroundings remember this is the result of the work that has gone before and that continues to keep it that way.Beautiful gardens require tending daily to make sure they don’t become overgrown with weeds, or the plants don’t die from lack of water.

The same is true for our journeys through life. As the Fool reaches the Empress on his journey she is there to remind him to take care and not to expect his aspirations and hopes to come to him without some effort on his part.

When referring to people, the Empress usually reflects female characteristics such as nurturing, fertility, motherhood, etc. However, she can also be a reflection of the softer side of a man, or may represent his ideal woman.

If the Empress appears reversed in a reading, it’s a sign that you are blocking your endeavours. Perhaps you are too entrenched in the small details and unwilling to let your ideas grow outside of yourself. Remember that mothers can sometimes be too possessive and protective of their children and this can be equally true when we are making future plans.