The High Priestess
Keywords
Light: Abundance, Birth, Creativity, Expression, Nature, Beauty, Art, Life, Imagery, Imagination, Care
Shadow: Stagnation, Materialism, Overprotection, Jealousy, Indulgence
Concepts/Archetypes: The Mother, Virgin Mary, Aphrodite (Venus), Gaia
Numerology - 3
Keywords: Creativity, Expression, Imagination, Artistry, Community, Expansion, Birth, Generation, Synthesis
Other Cards Connected Numerically: The 3s of each suit. The Hanged Man (12) and The World (21).
Correspondences
Cosmic: Venus
Chord: F Sharp
Hebrew Letter-Word: Dalath (door)
Element: Earth
Archangel: Anael
Minor Card With Similar Energy Signature: 9 of Pentacles
Meaning
The Empress can be regarded as an aspect of ourselves that comes alive when we live in creative flow. She is a symbol of life expressing itself in all manner of ways. This force is demonstrated visually by the natural landscape of the card, which is both beautiful and abundant. Within all of us is a landscape just as lush, waiting to be born. This is why The Empress is known as the mother; for her ability to give birth, both literally and figuratively.
“…The Empress signifies the door or gate by which an entrance is obtained into this life, as into the Garden of Venus; and then the way which leads out therefrom, into that which is beyond, is the secret known to the High Priestess…” - A.E. Waite
In A Reading, The Empress Could Be Saying…
Nourish what nourishes you.
Allow yourself to both give and receive.
Tend to the body.
Everything blooms in its own time.
Something wants to be born through you.
Creativity is your power.
Make space for pleasure.
Reconnect with what makes you feel alive.
"The essential element in nurturing our creativity lies in nurturing ourselves" - Julia Cameron
The Symbols
Crown: In The Pictorial Key, Waite describes The Empress as the daughter of heaven and earth. This is expressed by her crown, which has 12 stars, but also that earthly laurel wreath beneath the stars. The 12 stars are directly connected to the zodiac, representing each sign. There is far more symbolism to be found in the crown than that. We have an article below that goes into more depth if interested.
Scepter: Her scepter, which looks remarkably similar to the one the King of Pentacles holds, contains the “globe of the world”. This again suggests her dominion over the Earthly realm.
Necklace: The Empress’ necklace is made of pearls, further emphasizing her connection to Venus.
Venus: Behind the red cushion on her throne, is a black fabric that is covered with tiny symbols for Venus. Again, another detail connecting her to that planet and all it represents.
Shield: A more obvious point to Venus can be found on the heart-shaped shield by her feet.
Pomegranates: Similar to what we see in The High Priestess, The Empress’ design also contains this fruit which reflects their connection to the feminine principal, pleasure and the material realm.
Waterfall: Water is symbolic of the emotional realm, and here it runs smoothly and freely. It is also interesting how this waterfall seems to mimic the flowy nature of The High Priestess’ gown.
Wheat: This wheat is ready to be harvested, so it represents the results of efforts made previously. The amount of wheat present would also suggest abundance.
Learn More
6, 12 & 72: Deconstructing The Empress’ Crown
Revisiting The Pictorial Key: The Empress