Seeing the Signs: The Empress
Element: Earth
Planet: Venus
Zodiac Signs: Taurus & Virgo
Numerology: Three – synthesis, harmony, joining of multiple forces and energies, creation, expansion, growth
Traditional RWS Imagery:
Crown – Decorated with twelve stars, representing the twelve zodiac signs, and the twelve hours each of day/night, a symbol of seasons, growth, and time
Wreath – Myrtle leaves, sacred to Aphrodite and symbolizing union, fertility, and intimacy as well as success and victory
Scepter – Power, action, manifestation, the Empress holds it up similar to the Magician, directing her intention and energy toward creation
Venus Shield – Association with the goddess of beauty and the planet of love and money, indulging in and sharing pleasures with others
Gown with Pomegranates – Fertility and abundance, but also referencing the High Priestess and Persephone. The Empress is connected to Demeter, mother of Persephone and goddess of the harvest, agriculture, and the fertile earth (among other goddesses such as Aphrodite, Freya, Hathor, Bastet, Oshun, Gaia, Inanna, and Kali)
Pearl Necklace – Nine pearls for the nine planets, coupled with her crown of twelve stars she embodies the universe and all the creation it holds
Pillows – Comfort, sensuality, physical pleasures, luxury
Wheat – Emphasizing abundance and prosperity, nourishment
Trees – Her connection to the natural world, grounded in the physical, cultivator and creator
Waterfall – Sexuality and emotion, flow of life and sustenance
Yellow Sky – Positive outlooks, happiness, warmth, joy
FD Imagery: Under the shade of a rose of Sharon full in bloom, a thick-furred rabbit lounges on a soft bed of clover. Ripe berries surround her, easily accessible for a leisurely nibble. The rose of Sharon flowers fill the shrub with soft colors, and the air with a delicate fragrance. Nestled in the branches is a larger-than-life dendritic agate, or tree agate. Above the glowing stone sits a bird’s nest.
fertility - abundance - maternal/feminine energy - beauty - nature
When I think of the Empress, I think of the lushness and beauty of the flower gardens planted by my mom. Over the years she has turned every border, corner, and any other usable space of the yard into an oasis, filled with flowers, shrubs, and trees. It was the same when I was growing up, so I have strong memories of learning about the different types of flowers, watching them cycle throughout the seasons, and coming to admire and cherish the beauty and peace they bring, especially when life is chaotic and confusing.
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