How to be a Zoom Empress

I have been experimenting with different types of tarot readings, and the latest one was more of a virtual tarot party.

As I’ve explained before, I don’t use tarot as fortune telling … it’s more of a tool to unlock our unconscious ideas and truths, which can spark our imagination and empower us to take action.

These can be deep conversations among close girlfriends to celebrate a birthday … or lighter entertainment that can better connect small groups, like a book club.

The best part of a group tarot reading is that everyone hears different interpretations of the card imagery, which can enrich the conversation and make more connections.

During this small tarot party to celebrate a 40th birthday, one of the ladies pulled the Empress tarot card. She immediately asked about her crown of stars, which she described as “bedazzled.” (Hilarious).

The birthday girl said her favorite part of the card was the Empress lounging in a comfortable robe.

Hmmm … a lady looking so at home, rocking a flowing caftan and some flashy jewelry. Why does this seem … so familiar?

A-ha!

This very much reminds me of my ideal Zoom persona during the COVID pandemic … comfortable pajamas off screen, but something fancy to show on camera. For me, the fancy = my signature red lipstick.

Many years ago, as a 20-something just starting my career at a daily newspaper, one of the veteran reporters who sat next to my desk described me as an “empress.” He said it was my whole vibe … the way I walked into our office. I can assure you this was not weird in a “Me Too” kind of way … I took it as a compliment then, and it still makes me smile now.

The Empress exudes easy confidence.

She’s relaxed, graceful, at peace … and surrounded by a lush natural setting.

The Empress is full-figured and beautiful (and she may have just read the F*uck It Diet).

She’s associated with Venus — ultra feminine energy — and fertile, fruitful abundance.

Technically, she’s more powerful than a queen, as a queen leads one kingdom, and an empress leads many.

As I’m a child of the 1980s, the only Empress I had ever heard of was the Childlike Empress of Fantasia in “The NeverEnding Story.” I love that movie … in fact, it makes me want to watch it right now ….

I also love the more recent Urban Dictionary definition:

Empress is someone is extremely outgoing and in general a fun, loving person. … She’s SUPER funny and makes people laugh without even trying. Everyone is drawn to Empress for some strange reason. … Empress is also multi-talented and seems to be AMAZING at everything!

So visualize the Empress as we continue to live our lives through Zoom meetings and FaceTime calls:

How to be a Zoom Empress:

• First, turn on your camera! We want to see your face in real time. Let your group see you comfortable in your own skin … in your home … on your terms.
  
• Try to be patient through the technical difficulties. We’re all growing and learning new hobbies, hard lessons, and a new way to live. Some of us are still learning how to mute.
  
• Appreciate all of the creative ideas that can be born during this time. Where there is destruction, there is construction.
  
• Treat yourself and others with love and compassion. I’ve been thinking a lot about that quote from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Do what you can — in Zoom meetings and elsewhere — to make people feel loved and supported.
  
• (Bedazzled crowns are also highly encouraged.)

Are you interested in hosting a virtual tarot party with a small group of friends? Let’s chat!