THE EMPRESS

III THE EMPRESS

The Empress Crawmaid sits on her throne of dirt. The swamp is hers to protect, to nurture, to defend with lethal force if necessary. She has captured the light of fireflies in her staff, telling of her ability to see into the darkness of the unseen. She is alluring, her eyes inviting, but she is no yielding maiden. Her sensual exterior hides a much deeper power that should not be tested, lest one risk a muddy grave. Upright, this card encourages the reader to step into the role as a nurturer. Though this card is identified by the empress of the swamp, its meaning is not masculine nor feminine, but empathetic. It invites you to take the time to reach out to those struggling in your life. Examine your relationship with the children in your life. Nurture your sensual side. Seek out and create beauty. Taste good food. Buy that new vibrator. Treat yourself to a new creative medium and express yourself in a new and exciting way.

Reversed: Crawmaid is a force of nature, a nurturing and enduring queen of her domain. But like most people, she too has her own insecurities and fears of lonely nights in the swamp. Reversed, this card may suggest that your nurturing spirit may be leading you into unhappiness. You may be caring so much for others that you are neglecting your own feelings. You may not feel that you are being heard or appreciated in a relationship. Perhaps it’s time to take a step back and reexamine your own needs and boundaries. You’re strong, beautiful, and capable. Don’t forget that.