The many layers of the Arcana Empress
I have been spending some quality time self-reflecting lately. The last few years have been rather traumatic, to say the least, and yet, I feel, in many ways, stronger for what I have endured. I also feel rather pissed off for having been forced to endure all that I hav, but that's a separate story for now. Right now, I feel this almost foreign sense of excitement. I feel the breath of change on my neck. It's unmistakable.
I find myself wandering into the garden of the Empress. Little by little, day by day, I saunter closer to the archetype of the Empress, the sacred feminine in her most enchanting form (to me, that is). The Arcana Empress is so much more than she may seem at face value. All the books talk about her being a woman and a mother who represents fertility, abundance, and so on. I believe with my whole heart that such rudimentary associations, while accurate, only scratch the surface of the medicine and madness of The Empress card.
The raw power of The Empress lives in each and every one of us. With that idea firmly in mind, seeking to deepen your knowledge of The Empress does, by extension, represent a desire for you to deepen your understanding of yourself. How's that for profound?!
Drawing on Kelly Brogan MD's concepts of the sacred feminine, I see the Empress as embodying an untamed, primal energy that celebrates intuition, creativity, and emotional intelligence. She represents the reclamation of our inherent power and wisdom, often suppressed in a society that undervalues the feminine. The sacred feminine, as Brogan describes, is about reconnecting with our inner wildness, trusting our bodies, and honouring our cyclical nature (Kelly Brogan, MD - Holistic Psychiatrist) (Kelly Brogan, MD - Holistic Psychiatrist).
In this light, the Empress is not just a symbol of fertility and nurturing but a powerful reminder of our capacity for self-healing and transformation. She invites us to embrace our vulnerabilities, trust our instincts, and cultivate a deeper, more compassionate relationship with ourselves. The journey into the garden of the Empress is a journey back to our authentic selves, where we honour our strengths and our shadows, and where we find the courage to live our truth unapologetically.
When contemplating the Empress, one cannot overlook the concept of feminine rage. This rage is not about destructive anger but about a deep, righteous fury that arises from centuries of oppression and silencing. It is the voice of the sacred feminine demanding to be heard, acknowledged, and respected. Feminine rage, when embraced, can be a catalyst for profound change, urging us to break free from the victim mentality and reclaim our power.
The Empress also calls us to confront our shame, especially the shame associated with our bodies and our desires. Studies have shown that shame can be inherited, passed down through generations, living on for up to 14 lifetimes. This inherited shame can manifest as a profound sense of unworthiness or self-doubt, often without us understanding its origin. Research in epigenetics suggests that trauma and its effects can be passed down through generations, impacting descendants' mental and physical health (Nature) (Psychology Today) (Berkeley Student Journal).
Furthermore, the Empress encourages us to address the fear of loneliness that affects many women without partners. This fear can be deeply rooted in societal expectations and the internalised belief that our worth is tied to our relationships. The Empress, however, teaches us that we are whole and complete on our own. She empowers us to find fulfilment within ourselves and to appreciate our own company. By embracing our solitude, we can discover a deeper connection to our inner world and cultivate a rich, self-sufficient life.
The Empress teaches us that our bodies are sacred, and our sexuality is a powerful force of nature. Sacred sexuality, in the vein of the Empress, is about celebrating our eroticism as a divine expression of life force. It is about honouring our desires without guilt, seeing them as a path to deeper intimacy with ourselves and others.
In this context, the Empress embodies eroticism not as something to be hidden or shamed but as a sacred energy that fuels creation and connection. She invites us to explore our sensuality with curiosity and reverence, understanding that our sexual energy is a vital part of our overall vitality and well-being.
Embracing the Empress means embracing all these facets of the sacred feminine—rage, vulnerability, sensuality, and self-compassion. It is about recognising that we are whole and complete, with all our strengths and flaws, and that true empowerment comes from honouring every part of our being. In the garden of the Empress, we find the space to grow, heal, and thrive, reclaiming our rightful place as powerful, sacred beings.
Embrace the Empress: A Tarot Spread for Self-Love and Transformation
Overview: This spread is designed to help you connect with the Empress energy, fostering self-love, healing, and personal transformation. It focuses on embracing your inner strength, nurturing yourself, and recognising your inherent wholeness.
Card Positions and Meanings:
The Heart of the Empress (Central Theme):
Meaning: This card represents the core aspect of your current journey. It signifies the central theme of your transformation and the primary focus of your self-love practices.
Nurturing Yourself (Self-Care):
Meaning: This card reveals how you can best nurture and care for yourself. It highlights the areas of your life that need more attention and the practices that can help you feel more nourished and supported.
Embracing Vulnerability (Healing Wounds):
Meaning: This card addresses your vulnerabilities and wounds that need healing. It provides insight into how you can embrace these aspects of yourself with compassion and understanding.
Creative Expression (Unlocking Creativity):
Meaning: This card explores how you can channel your creative energy. It suggests ways to express yourself artistically and unlock your creative potential, which is a vital part of the Empress energy.
Sensuality and Pleasure (Sacred Sexuality):
Meaning: This card focuses on your relationship with your body and your sensuality. It offers guidance on how to embrace your sexuality as a sacred and powerful force, fostering a deeper connection with your body.
Inner Strength (Empowerment):
Meaning: This card highlights your inner strength and personal power. It shows where your true power lies and how you can harness it to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
Wholeness and Self-Love (Integration):
Meaning: This card represents the culmination of your journey. It signifies the integration of all the lessons learned and the embrace of your wholeness. It encourages you to love and accept yourself fully.
Instructions for Using the Spread:
Set the Scene: Create a calm and nurturing environment for your reading. Light a candle, play soothing music, and take a few deep breaths to centre yourself.
Focus on Your Intention: Hold the intention of connecting with the Empress energy and embracing self-love and transformation. Shuffle your deck while thinking about this intention.
Lay Out the Cards: Follow the spread layout and place the cards in their respective positions. Take your time and allow your intuition to guide you.
Interpret the Cards: Reflect on each card and its position. Consider how the messages resonate with your current journey and what actions you can take to embody the Empress energy in your life.
Journal Your Insights: After the reading, take some time to journal your insights and reflections. Writing down your thoughts can help you integrate the messages and track your progress.
Embracing the Empress energy is a powerful way to foster self-love, healing, and transformation. This spread is designed to guide you through this journey, helping you to nurture yourself, embrace your vulnerabilities, and recognise your inherent wholeness. May it bring you peace, empowerment, and a deeper connection to your true self.
I hope you have enjoyed my winter musings. The Empress has been on my mind a lot lately; perhaps it’s because I find myself experiencing my own unique transformation. I'm on my way to achieving a great revenge body. I’m buckling down and doing my healing work. I’ve taken myself off dating apps and am redefining self-love beyond the superficiality often seen on social media. All of this is to say that I am deeply engaged in the work. I’m reading books, journaling, spending time in solitude, and absolutely loving it. Embracing the idea that I am whole unto myself is a concept I have fallen in love with.
My hope right now is that you too can recognise the medicine of The Empress in your own life and, most of all, that you know how to bring her peace and nourishment.
Take care,
Avalon 💜