The Empress.

If you have ever wondered what a truly balanced woman looks like take a good look at the Empress card.

Not only is this the typical earth mother, who supports and motivates us, but this is an independent go getter who is a complete person and although she loves deeply and passionately doesn't need anyone else.

The Empress is a card showing a true grown up. A lady who although in her youth may have been dominated; now has a spine of steal and is not willing to be pushed around by anyone. She knows who she is, where she is going, what she wants and how to get it.

This is a lady who can turn her hand to most things and will easily cook for twelve or refurbish an old piece of furniture. She makes a great agony aunt and will have a revolving front door, there are always visitors to her house, and although she has an open house policy where all comers are welcome, she has the strength to say "Not now!" when she truly needs some time to herself.

She is a balance of physical and spiritual that is very acceptant of those around her as long as they don't expect to dictate to her how she should live her life.

When this card appears in a reading it brings with it a time of completeness and balance, a time when you feel that although you love and care for those around you, that you truly do not need them. This card makes a woman bloom and blossom, bringing out all her best qualities and allowing her to express herself freely and comfortably.

Should The Empress come into a reading for a man, this should represent a woman around him who is independent and doesn't lean or rely on him. A woman with whom he should feel at ease and comfortable, and in who he sees a great deal of balance and harmony. She is a fruitful thinker, who may be exactly the right sounding board for his ideas.

As they say behind every great man there is a great woman, and that woman is the Empress.