Earth is, of course, related to the astrological water signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), and possesses a lot of the same traits – it is grounded, it brings you back to earth and builds upon solid foundations.
Earth energy is all about the practical aspects of life that concern everyone so much. It can be a solid foundation. It can sometimes even be a little stuck in the mud!
The card itself shows the contours of the earth and all of the things that grow from it, and the riches that can be mined from it. The Earth card deals with the practical nature of industry, possessions, and money. It can talk about thrift, conservation issues, practical matters and all things that grow – birds, bees, humans, flowers, everything else.
If this card has shown up to represent the way you can improve your self-love, then it is likely that you need to embody at least some of this energy – concerned with (or at least, interested in) money and security, thoughtful about the welfare of the earth, practical etc. Grounding can also be extremely useful if you are looking to improve your self-love.