Any Empress cards that feel less traditional?

If you’re open to an animal image, The Wild Unknown Tarot’s Empress is represented by a doe and fawn rather than a human figure. It leans into care and nature without making the archetype about one particular kind of woman. Have a look at the card art first to see if its style suits you.

You could also make the altar image your own instead of searching only for a tarot card. A portrait, a family photo, a sculpture, or an image of an older woman surrounded by plants could carry the Empress qualities you want to work with. The card doesn’t have to be the only source of the symbol.

For image searches, try adding specific words for the person or feeling you want to see, like older, plus-size, joyful, or protective, along with “Empress tarot.” And if a card is close but not quite right, you can use it as a starting point and bring in other images that feel more like you.