The Empress really does transform when paired with different court cards in a reading. I had a client seeking creative direction, and when The Empress appeared alongside the Queen of Pentacles, the entire reading shifted toward Taurus energy.
We ended up discussing pottery classes and artisanal food businesses rather than abstract artistic concepts. But when she appeared with the Queen of Swords in another reading that same week, she took on more of Libra’s diplomatic energy. That client was guided toward partnership negotiations in their beauty business. Maybe The Empress doesn’t have a single zodiac assignment because she adapts her Venus energy to whatever expression fits the reading - sometimes earthy, sometimes airy.