Sage Leaves: The Empress, Jungian Archetype
Healing Ancestral Wounds Through Tarot
This week’s Sage Leaves includes the beginning exploration of The Empress with a discussion of her role as a Jungian archetype. We will explore her role in the Heroine’s Journey and her presence in readings for generational wounding in future weeks. We also have a fresh Tarotscope for the week of March 4-10, 2025.
During the week, we randomly post brief articles on questions that arise from readers as well as herbal self care recipes. I’m a trained herbalist with a deep tradition of working with plant allies from the botanical scientific aspects, the horticultural angle, and of course, as a classical herbalist using plant-based options for self care. Sometimes I like to share that knowledge with my readers when something comes along that I think should be shared. For example, the anxiety oil formulation that my friend
and I are developing. I think we all need a little of that these days!
Spotlight on a Jungian Archetype: The Empress
In Jungian psychology, The Empress card in the Tarot deck is a powerful archetype symbolizing fertility, nurturing, and the generative aspects of the feminine psyche. This card embodies the principles of creativity, abundance, and unconditional love, reflecting the nurturing mother archetype in Jung's theories.
The Empress is often depicted seated in a lush, fertile landscape, surrounded by symbols of nature’s bounty. This imagery represents the abundance of the Earth and the creative forces that give birth to new life. Jung would interpret The Empress as the embodiment of the "Great Mother" archetype, which encompasses the nurturing, caring, and life-giving aspects of the feminine.
In Jungian terms, The Empress is associated with the "anima," the inner feminine aspect present in both men and women. She encourages individuals to embrace their nurturing side, fostering personal growth and emotional well-being. The Empress represents the connection to the Earth, symbolizing grounding and the importance of being in tune with the natural world and one's instincts.
The Empress is linked to fertility and creativity, not just in the literal sense but also in the realm of ideas and projects. She encourages the development and nurturing of new ventures, whether they be artistic, professional, or personal. Jung believed that embracing this archetype could lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the creative potentials within.
Additionally, The Empress represents the concept of unconditional love and compassion. She teaches the importance of self-care and the nurturing of others, promoting emotional health and stability. Jung would see this as essential for individuation, the process of becoming whole, as it involves integrating the caring, receptive, and life-affirming aspects of the psyche.
Ultimately, The Empress in Jungian psychology signifies the nurturing, life-giving force within each person. She invites individuals to embrace their creativity, connect with their inner selves, and cultivate a life of abundance and emotional richness. This archetype is a reminder of the power of love, care, and the creative spirit in achieving psychological and spiritual wholeness.
Energetic Influences This Week March 4-10, 2025
This is a reading for the energetic influences at play for the week of March 4-10, 2025. I drew the 5 of Swords as the Moon in Taurus Sextiles Mars in Cancer, Wednesday's card was the 5 of Wands as the Mercury in Aries Sextiles Pluto in Aquarius; Thursday's card was The Lovers as the Moon in Gemini Conjunct Jupiter in Gemini; Friday's card was the Ace of Swords as Moon in Gemini Square Neptune in Pisces; Saturday's card was The Chariot as the Sun in Pisces Trines Mars in Cancer; Sunday's card was The Hierophant as the Moon in Cancer Trines Saturn in Pisces; and finally, Monday's card was the 8 of Pentacles as the Moon in Leo Trines Mercury in Aries. Now we will explore each of the cards laid for each day of the week for a guide to energetic influences for the week of March 4-10, 2025.
The week unfolds like a story, a journey through tension, revelation, and ultimately, growth. Each day presents an opportunity to refine your will, sharpen your focus, and commit to the path you are crafting. There is no room for emotional indulgence—this is a week of action, decisions, and discipline. You are called to rise to each challenge, not as a victim of circumstance, but as an active participant in your own transformation.
The week begins with friction with the 5 of Swords. A conversation, an interaction, or perhaps an internal battle leaves you questioning your position. Someone—maybe you—wants to win at all costs. But at what expense? You can feel the weight of your choices pressing down, the quiet realization that victory does not always mean success. The energy of Mars nudges you toward action, but the Moon in Taurus urges patience. Do you push forward, or do you step back? Either way, there is a lesson here about strategy, about choosing your battles wisely.
Yesterday’s conflict spills over into today, but in a different form. Now, instead of a silent struggle, voices rise, opinions clash, and the tension manifests outwardly. The 5 of Wands brings competition, friction, and the sharpening of ideas through challenge. Words are weapons today, and the Mercury-Pluto sextile in Aquarius electrifies them with intensity. But this is not mindless argument—it is the chaos before clarity. If you can engage without ego, you may find that what begins as discord transforms into inspiration.
From discord emerges choice. The Lovers is not simply about relationships—it is about alignment, about decisions that define who you are. Today, under the expansive and curious energy of the Moon and Jupiter conjunct in Gemini, you are presented with an opportunity to commit to something greater than yourself. A decision must be made, one that requires honesty and self-awareness. Will you follow the well-worn path, or will you take a risk? The answer lies not in logic alone, but in the deep resonance of what feels true.
Clarity comes like a lightning strike. The Ace of Swords cuts through confusion, offering a sudden realization, a shift in perspective, or a truth that can no longer be ignored. But the Gemini Moon’s square to a Piscean Neptune adds an element of uncertainty. Is what you see real, or is it an illusion? Trust your intellect, but do not disregard the possibility of deception—whether from external sources or your own wishful thinking. Today demands discernment. If you can wield this new understanding with precision, it will become a powerful tool in the days ahead.
Now, momentum builds. The Chariot is movement, willpower, and victory through discipline. Whatever decision you made on Thursday, whatever truth was revealed on Friday, today is the day to act on it. The trine of the Sun in Pisces gives you vision, and Mars in Cancer provides emotional motivation. You are no longer held back by doubt. The path is set, the wheels are in motion. All that remains is your ability to steer with confidence. The Chariot does not guarantee success, but it does demand commitment. Hesitation is no longer an option.
With forward motion comes the need for structure. The Hierophant asks: what traditions, beliefs, or systems will support your journey? You may find yourself seeking guidance from a mentor, a teacher, or an institution that offers stability. Or perhaps you become the one offering wisdom to others. The Cancer Moon’s trine to a Piscean Saturn brings emotional grounding—an understanding that discipline and devotion are not restrictions, but foundations upon which great things are built. Today is a reminder that success is not just about drive; it is also about wisdom and endurance.
The week ends not with grand gestures, but with dedication to your craft. The 8 of Pentacles is the quiet mastery that comes through repetition, refinement, and effort. The insights you’ve gained, the choices you’ve made, and the direction you’ve set now require work. There is no shortcut here, no easy victory. But the satisfaction comes in knowing that every step, every moment of focus, brings you closer to mastery. The Leo Moon’s trine to Aries Mercury gives you sharp focus and motivation—use it wisely.
From Conflict to Mastery
This week is a journey of will and determination, beginning in conflict (5 of Swords, 5 of Wands), moving through choice (The Lovers), clarity (Ace of Swords), and action (The Chariot), before solidifying in discipline and mastery (The Hierophant, 8 of Pentacles).
The absence of Cups suggests that emotions take a backseat—this is not a time for deep emotional processing, but for mental sharpness, decisive action, and structured progress. The presence of two Swords (5 of Swords, Ace of Swords) indicates that truth and perception are central themes. You will be asked to challenge your thinking and cut away illusions.
The three Major Arcana (The Lovers, The Chariot, The Hierophant) highlight pivotal moments. These are not small, passing events—they are life-shaping choices and lessons. Something significant is shifting, demanding your focus and commitment.
By Monday, you emerge not only with a plan but with the discipline to see it through. This is not a week for passivity. It is a week to rise, to choose, and to commit fully to the road ahead.
Are you ready to take the reins?
That’s it for this week! Look for Sage Leaves in your inbox on Tuesday afternoons (North American time.) We look forward to exploring more about Tarot, Healing and more! Take care, be well, and good-bye for now!