Book Review: Lessons from the Empress by Cassandra Snow and Siri Vincent Plouff

About this book: “The Empress tarot card is the key to understanding how creative expression is the foundation of true self-care. Our authentic self, this abundant space, is not something we go find—it’s something we create. Lessons from the Empress will guide you on an exploration of the five phases of self-care: Major Arcana—spiritual self-care; the Wands—self-awareness; the Swords—self-expression; the Cups—self-love; the Pentacles—self-confidence.

In Lessons from the Empress, with the Empress as your guide, you’ll learn how to practice self-care and self-discovery in several ways:

• See the Empress as a metaphor for your personal journey

• Get in touch with who you are at your core

• Take an active role in protecting your own well-being and happiness

• Use easy-to-follow magical rituals, tarot spreads, and creativity exercises to embrace your true self and express that self to the world” 

(Description from Red Wheel/Weiser)

This is a little more personal than my usual book reviews, because I came to this book feeling very vulnerable. I picked up Lessons from the Empress as I was finding my way back to myself. 

The first half of 2025 was filled with very high highs and very low lows for me and my family. We had two deaths in the family, right around the same time I signed a contract with a publisher for my next book. I've been simultaneously planning funerals and a book launch, all while continuing to write, teach classes, help organize Heathen rituals, and work a full-time day job. Let's just say self-care has not been enough of a priority for me in these last few months. 

I came to Lessons from the Empress after several months of grief and burnout, because I wanted to get back to taking care of myself and prioritizing my writing. I am someone who likes structures and processes, so a workbook seemed like the perfect tool for this recentering process. 

I chose this book partly because I trusted its authors to act as guides during this vulnerable process. I've read and loved both of Cassandra's other books, and have had nothing but good experiences when we've briefly worked together. I've connected briefly with Siri through our mutual membership in the Fellowship of Fire and Ice, and have been very impressed with them and their work. (Siri's new book, Quering the Runes, is on my to-read list!) I was very excited to read this collaboration.

And, if I'm being honest, I was drawn to this book because I trusted Cassandra and Siri not to be weird about the gender stuff. 

How the authors handle gender is actually one of my favorite things about this book. The Empress is traditionally seen as a feminine card (one might say THE feminine card) and also has associations with fertility, which means discussions of this card can slide very quickly into “sacred womb” stuff, which has always left me feeling a little icky. It was refreshing to read a book on The Empress that focused on the creativity aspects without getting into heteronormative sexuality. 

The Empress is referred to with they/them pronouns throughout the book, which makes it clear that anyone of any gender can channel this archetype. By de-emphasizing the motherhood aspects of this card, the authors make this source of creative inspiration and self-nurturing more accessible to readers who don't identify with motherhood or with femininty. 

This accessibility is carried over into the rituals, activities, and journaling prompts throughout the workbook. The rituals aren't too complicated, and they use materials that are easy to find and that many readers will already have on hand. The authors also include tips for readers who have different access needs and may need to adjust rituals accordingly. 

I really enjoyed the tarot speads, journaling prompts, and other activities throughout the book. This is one I took my time with so that I could work through the readings, reflections, and spells suggested by the authors. 

I really have noticed a boost in my creativity since I started working with this book. I feel more inspired to write, and I find it easier to make time for my writing. I also feel more tuned in to my own needs. I do feel like I've done a better job of self-care as I've been reading. 

After all of the recent losses in my family, I found myself asking what I wanted. What was important to me? What things did I want to center in my life? Lessons from the Empress helped me find the answer to these questions and more. 

I highly recommend this book for my fellow witchy creatives, whether you identify as an artist, writer, or crafter, just enjoy making art for fun, or are looking to connect with your creative side. I especially recommend it for people who are drawn to the Empress archetype, but who don't necessarily identify with the “divine feminine” aspects of Empress energy. 

I encourage you to take your time and to move through the workbook at your own pace. Actually use the journal prompts. Try some of the suggested tarot spreads. Do a spell or two. Go all in on your journey into your own creative power.