The Empress as Feelings or Emotions
- Learn Tarot
- Jun 11
- 9 min read
Overview: Feelings and Emotions
In this series, we’re exploring the emotional meanings behind each card in the Tarot deck, continuing with the next card of the Major Arcana–The Empress as feelings or emotions.
When The Empress shows up in a Tarot readingfocused on emotions, it’s usually a good sign. This is a Tarot card full of heart—she’s emotionally open, nurturing, warm, and deeply connected to the natural flow of love and care. But depending on the question and position, her energy can point to everything from romantic affection and physical attraction to emotional smothering or imbalance, especially when reversed. In this profile, we’ll look at what The Empress means in readings about feelings—both upright and reversed—and how she plays out in different relationship dynamics. Whether you’re asking about yourself or someone else, she has plenty to say.
In the section, we’ll cover:
The Empress as Feelings or Emotions
Upright
When The Empress represents feelings or emotions, it indicates strong emotional connections rooted in love, nurturing, and affection. If someone’s feelings are being described by The Empress, they likely feel deeply caring and protective toward the person in question. This card suggests love that’s warm, generous, and emotionally stable. It’s not just infatuation—it’s real connection. There’s often a sensual element as well, as this Major Arcana card carries undertones of physical attraction and intimacy. Feelings are genuine and often come with a strong desire to support and growsomething together. This person may want to take care of you emotionally or create something meaningful with you.
Reversed
When The Empress appears reversed as feelings or emotions, there’s often emotional imbalance at play. This could be someone who’s feeling smothered or overwhelmed, or someone who’s emotionally distant or cut off from their feelings entirely. There may be insecurity, jealousy, or a fear of vulnerability driving their behaviour. This person could also be struggling to express their emotions or feeling empty, despite wanting the connection. Sometimes this reversed Major Arcana card indicates someone who is giving too much emotionally but not getting anything back, leading to resentment. Either way, something is off in how emotions are being handled or expressed.
The Empress as How an Ex Feels About You
Upright
If you’re wondering how an ex feels about you and The Empress shows up, it often points to lingering warmth or fondness. They may still feel emotionally connected to you, or remember you as someone who was caring, kind, and deeply nurturing in the relationship. This doesn’t automatically mean they want to reunite, but it does suggest they think of you in a positive, emotionally affectionate light. If the relationship ended on good terms or still holds emotional weight for them, this card can indicate they miss the emotional depth you shared and possibly feel a bit lost without that connection.
Reversed
If you’re wondering how an ex feels about you and The Empress reversed shows up, it often points to complicated or unresolved emotions. They may still feel tied to you emotionally, but that connection may come with pain, resentment, or regret. They could see the relationship as one-sided or emotionally draining, or they might feel they failed to give you the love and care you deserved. In some cases, this card shows emotional avoidance or someone struggling to process what they feel. The warmth may still be there, but it’s buried under emotional confusion or baggage that hasn’t been dealt with.
The Empress as How a New Person Feels About You
Upright
If a new person’s feelings are represented by The Empress, it’s a strong sign that emotions are blooming in a meaningful way. This new romantic interest likely sees you as warm, comforting, and magnetic. Their feelings may be developing into something solid where they don’t just like you, they want to be around you in a deeper, more emotionally fulfilling way. There’s likely strong physical attraction too, but it’s not just surface-level. This person might already be thinking long-term or imagining what a loving relationship with you could look like. They want more than flirtation—they want closeness, care, and mutual respect.
Reversed
If a new person’s feelings are represented by The Empress reversed, they may be emotionally unavailable or unsure how to approach the situation. They might be interestedbut feel blocked from forming a deeper connection—either due to past baggage or current life issues. This card reversed often shows a fear of intimacy, or someone who’s worried about getting too close and losing their independence. They could also be projecting their own insecurities onto you, seeing you as “too much” emotionally or feeling overwhelmed by your openness. The feelings might be there, but they’re tangled up. They may need space and time to adjust.
The Empress as How a Current Partner Feels About You
Upright
When The Empress represents how a current partner feels about you, it is an excellent sign. It means your partner feels deeply connectedto you, emotionally and often physically as well. They see you as someone who provides comfort and stability, and their love is likely expressed through affection, attention, and support. They may feel inspired by you or feel emotionally safe in your presence. This card also suggests they take pride in the relationship and value the emotional and possibly family dynamic you’ve built together. If things have felt off lately, this card suggests they’re still emotionally investedand want to nurture the connection.
Reversed
When The Empress reversed represents how a current partner feels about you, it’s can be red flag that emotional needs might not be getting met—on either side. Your partner might feel emotionally disconnected, resentful, or like they’re not appreciated for what they offer. Alternatively, they could be withdrawing emotionally and struggling to be present or supportive. They may feel smothered or overwhelmed by the connection. If communication has broken down or the relationship feels out of balance, The Empress reversed reflects that tension. This card calls for a reset emotional honesty, vulnerability, and making the effort to nurture the connectionagain if both partners are willing. A willingness to allow space, where needed, may also be helpful when this card reverses.
The Empress as How a Current/New Person Views You
Upright
If The Empress represents how someone views you, they likely see you as kind, nurturing, and emotionally open. You might come across as someone who knows how to make others feel cared for and seen. Whether you’re in a relationship with them or not, they’re probably drawn to your warmth and comfort. You may also be seen as sensual, creative, very physically attractive, or very in tune with the emotional side of life. This person sees you as someone who creates emotional safety and beauty in your environment—and they admire it, even if they’re not quite sure how to handle it yet.
Reversed
If The Empress reversed represents how someone views you, they may perceive you as emotionally unavailable, overly sensitive, or too focused on others at the cost of yourself. This card can suggest that they may admire your nurturing qualities but feel overwhelmed by them or unsure where they stand. Alternatively, they may see you as emotionally closed off, especially if you’ve been hurt before. They may perceive you as someone who uses your physical attractiveness and sensuality to get your way. This may be a projection and they may be seeing their own emotional difficulties in you. Either way, they’re viewing you as someone with a complex emotional world they’re not quite sure how to navigate.
The Empress as What They Want from You
Upright
If you’re asking what someone wants from you and The Empress appears, they’re looking for love, care, and genuine emotional connection. This isn’t a superficial desire—they want the real deal. They may want you to be emotionally open, to show them affection, or to create a deeper bond. For some, this Tarot card can also mean they’re hoping to start a family, or to create something lasting together. They may want physical intimacy too, but it’s likely paired with a desire for tenderness and trust. This person wants you to be soft with them—to be connected—not guarded or distant.
Reversed
If you’re asking what someone wants from you and The Empress reverses, it usually signals unmet emotional needs. They may be looking formore care, more affection, or more presencefrom you—but they may not know how to ask for it clearly. In some cases, they may want you to back off a bit if they’re feeling smothered. This reversed Tarot card signals emotional imbalance—either they want more than you can give, or they’re expecting you to fix emotional gaps they should be working on themselves. Be careful not to overextend yourself just to keep them happy.
The Empress as How You Feel
Upright
If The Empress is describing your own feelings, you’re likely in a nurturing headspace. You may be falling for someone or feeling very connected in a romantic or emotional way. You’re probably in the mood to support and protect the people you love, or you might feel especially in touch with your emotional or sensual side. You could also be feeling maternal, creative, or drawn to personal growth and emotional security. Whether you’re giving loveto someone else or ready to receive it, you’re emotionally generous and open-hearted. You’re in a place where connection matters more than logic or control.
Reversed
When The Empress reversed shows up to describe how you’re feeling, you might be emotionally drained, disconnected from your sense of self, or struggling to care for others without neglecting yourself. You could be giving too much or feeling unappreciated. On the flip side, you might be closed off emotionally and not sure how to reconnect with your nurturing side. You may feel like you’re on empty or like your emotional efforts aren’t being received in the way you hoped. It’s time to rest, reset, and come back to centre. Your emotional wellbeing matters just as much as anyone else’s!
The Empress as Guidance for Emotional Healing or Growth
Upright
If you’re looking for guidance on emotional healing and pull The Empress, she’s telling you to start by softening. Let yourself receive care. Get back in touch with your body, your creative expression, and your emotional needs. Healingdoesn’t always come through logic or effort it comes through rest, nourishment, and honest emotional connection. Take care of your emotional landscape the way you would care for a garden. Pull the weeds, water what matters, and protect your peace. This card reminds you that growth is a process, and you need warmth and patience to move forward emotionally. Practising self-care or reconnecting with the beauty in life may also give you a boost at this time.
Reversed
If you’re looking for guidance on emotional healing and pull The Empress reversed, she is a clear message to slow down and reprioritise your emotional health. If you’ve been over-giving, ignoring your needs, or stuck in an emotional loop that’s not serving you—now’s the time to shift. Healing starts with honest reflection and radical self-care. You can’t pour from an empty cup. The Empress reversed says it’s okay to say no, to ask for help, and to protect your energy. Emotional growth isn’t just about giving love—it’s also about learning to receive it. Bring your focus back to what you need to feel whole. That’s where healing begins. Preoccupation with superficial issues may be distracting you from true healing and growthwhen this card reverses. Try to prioritise emotional and spiritual fulfilment.
In Conclusion
The Empress in emotional readings offers insight into how we love, nurture, and connect—not just with others, but with ourselves. Upright, she’s a card of warmth, care, and real emotional depth. Reversed, she reminds us that even love needs balance and boundaries. Whether she’s reflecting your feelings or someone else’s, her presence always brings a chance to check in with the heart. Are you giving too much? Not enough? Are you truly open to love—or just going through the motions? The Empress asks you to be honest, soft, and strong all at once. That’s where true emotional wisdom resides.
If you haven’t already, check out our main page for The Empress Tarot card. You can also Learn more about The Empress card’s meaningthrough our other deep dive into its guidance or if go to our main Major Arcana meaning page if you’d like to explore more Major Arcana cards!
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