Tarot Cards of Motherhood, Pregnancy & Children
Explore the tarot cards that symbolise motherhood, fertility, pregnancy and children. From The Empress to the 10 of Cups, discover the nurturing archetypes and childhood themes that guide and support us through the journey of parenting and family life.
By Tony Fox Tarot - 1 December 2017
Motherhood is one of the most powerful and transformative journeys in life. The Tarot, with its rich symbolism and archetypal language, captures this journey through cards that speak of fertility, nurturing, childhood, and unconditional love. Whether you're exploring your own path to parenthood or reading for someone on that journey, the following cards reflect the tender, sacred energies of motherhood, pregnancy, and raising children.
THE EMPRESS
The Empress is the archetypal mother in the Tarot—fertile, nurturing and deeply connected to the cycles of life. Her heart-shaped shield marked with Venus symbolises love, sensuality and creation. In the context of motherhood, this card speaks of maternal instincts, fertility and pregnancy. She channels unconditional love into nurturing growth, supported by comfort and domestic stability. When this card appears in a reading, it may signify motherhood, conception, or the possibility of having multiple children. It’s a powerfully fertile card that radiates abundance and care.
QUEEN OF PENTACLES
The Queen of Pentacles is a maternal figure grounded in practical care. Surrounded by flourishing gardens, a rabbit, and fertile symbols, she represents the creation of material stability for her child. The pentacle she holds lovingly in her lap symbolises nurturing through tangible support. She is resourceful, dependable and focused on providing a secure, prosperous foundation for her family. In readings, this card often reflects a capable mother or caregiver whose love is expressed through real-world acts of provision and protection.
THE SUN
The Sun radiates joy, vitality and the blessing of life—especially that of a newborn child. The naked child riding the white horse is a symbol of liberation, birth and radiant innocence. The red banner flowing behind signifies a burst of energy and new life, while the sunflowers and flowers crown the child with good health, success and longevity. In a motherhood or family-focused reading, The Sun can indicate a healthy birth, the joy of parenting, or a period of harmony and light within the family.
PAGE OF CUPS
The Page of Cups carries the spirit of youth, emotional sensitivity and imaginative openness. While commonly linked to new romantic energy, in the context of motherhood, it often symbolises a child—or one of your own children—especially a younger sibling. This Page brings messages of tenderness and creativity, suggesting a time of emotional connection and care. It also highlights the importance of nurturing a child’s artistic, intuitive or emotional nature with kindness and curiosity.
6 OF CUPS
The 6 of Cups reflects nostalgia, childhood innocence, and the bittersweet beauty of early memories. At first glance it seems purely sweet, but on closer inspection, the adult figure walking away with a staff hints at the layered complexity of growing up. This card often appears when we reflect on our own childhood, or when children close to us need guidance and protection. It reminds us that while innocence is beautiful, children must also learn to face reality with resilience. In readings, it may suggest childhood friends, memories, or the presence of children needing gentle oversight.
10 OF CUPS
The 10 of Cups is the ultimate card of family happiness, harmony and emotional fulfilment. It signifies a period of peace and unity within the home, strengthened by love, support and meaningful connection. The rainbow of cups symbolises blessings passed down through generations, and this card often reflects ancestral healing or the joy of raising a family rooted in shared values. In readings, it can point to long-term family happiness, emotional reconciliation, or a positive family outcome after a time of challenge.