In the Marseille deck the empress holds a staff that is topped by the symbol for Mars. Oddly in his 'Guide to qabalistic symbolism' Gareth Knight describes this as a 'venus sceptre' topped by a cross surmounted by circle, the symbol of Venus. In fact it is a circle surmounted by a cross, the symbol of Mars. Later on when it suits his purpose better he actually describes it as a 'globe' surmounted by a cross. I don't think he can have it both ways. While the attribution of Mars may seem an anomaly to those used to the post GD attribtution of Venus, we may note the connection between Mars and the concept of fertility; through its attribution to blood and its attribution to semen. For the capacity of a woman to bear children is distinguished in its span by periodical bleeding. This bears witness to her fertility; but the impregnation of the seed (mars/semen) is still required to make the potentiality actual. Thus Mars, blood and semen, is related to the concept of fertility. For me the Empress is a symbol of Mother Earth and of the continuity of life through the chain of birth and death, creation and destruction. She is the enforcer of the laws of nature, implacable, impersonal and undeflected by sentiment. She is 'Matriarchal Authority' who wields the power required to maintain order. The severe and stern nature of her sovereignty is indicated by the planetary attribution of Mars. The Empress keeps open the door of manifestation and directs the energy of Mars to work in the material plane to fuel the engine of nature's labours. Her mysteries are the mysteries of blood, to which Mars the red planet is attributed. The Empress I attribute to the letter Daleth to which is ascribed the principle of 'Seed', of fertility and progeny; the opposite of which is the sterile and desert 'Waste'. The issue of fertility and barrenness reiterates the connection between the Empress and the concept of 'Motherhood'. Daleth, like Mars, is also connected with blood and all things 'red'. The Empress is the hungry earth ever ready to consume the bloody sacrifice to ensure its fertility; for from death springs forth new life. By Aiq Kbr Daleth (4) relates to Mem (40), the Red (daleth) Water/Earth (mem), together which mean 'blood' (DM). She is also Mother Earth, Demeter, which connects her to the Tarot card the world (universe), Tau, also by Aiq Kbr (400). The cycles and seasons, the interdependent chain that is the continuity of life; the seasons as a time to live and die, to sow and reap. Also 400 (tau) via its attribution to the Moon [in most versions of the Sefer Yetzira] is connected to the blood mysteries (the triune nature of the moon; the pre-pubescent maiden; the fertile (menstruating) mother; the (post menstruation and barren) crone. 4, 40, 400, by Aiq Kbr 4 Daleth, all connected with blood and sacrifice, the cycle of fertility, sterility, birth and death. But beyond the transitory nature of manifestation the continuing cycle that is the chain of life.