Major Arcana

The Empress

The Empress sits comfortably and contentedly beneath a tree, surrounded by the emblems of abundance and plenty. Bread, from the wheat of the fields; butter, from the cows who graze the grass; ripe fresh apples and apple juice; and honey from the bees, who are seen busily at work in the background. In the foreground, ears of wheat and poppies, symbols of harvest time. The time of harvest also signals the start of autumn, and the trees are beginning to lose their leaves.

The Empress wears a diadem of 12 stars, representing the signs of the zodiac and the passing year. Her headdress and neckband are pale green, one of the colours traditionally associated with the planet Venus, to which this card corresponds. The tablecloth is decorated with the astrological symbol of Venus, which is also the symbol of feminity.

Although the figure appears relaxed, she is in full control of her own destiny, and is clearly in harmony with those forces of fecundity and abundance that surround her.

Divination

Abundance, fruitfulness, material wealth. Beauty, harmony, joy in all things. Creativity, growth, prosperity. Successful start to a new project. Well being. Needs are fulfilled. The appearance of this card in a spread can sometimes indicate a marriage, or a pregnancy. If the card represents a person, it is likely to be a mature, but not elderly, woman.

For experts

• Hebrew letter Dalet ד
•  (Double letter: Planet Venus ♀)
• Tree of Life Tifaret to Keter

You can see these cards at their best in the finished deck of Ted’s Tarot. Buy it here.