Tarot Study: Strength

[mudweed]

In some decks, this card doesn't come until later, but I'll stick with the R-W numbering.

[mudweed]

*Strength
*Patience
*Compassion
*Soft Control
*Body Image
*Fortitude
*Health
*Self-Assertion
*Self-Improvement

In some of my books, this card is listed as Strength/Lust... Lust for life, Lust for creativity, Love as a source of strength... FYI

affirmation, from Greer:
"I courageously persevere in the loving reconciliation of my lower and higher selves."

[mudweed]

Astrological: Leo
Musical Note: E
Color: Yellow
Gem: Cat's Eye, Topaz, Chrysolite
Animal: Lion
Plant: Sunflower

[Gigi]

When I see this card I think, “Purity of heart conquers all”.

This card tells the story of a pure maiden who through love and compassion befriended a wild animal, the lion. The lion represents an animal that is to be feared, yet respected for its strength. The lion bothers none who respects his territory. When befriended, he is someone you are more than happy to have at your side. The maiden loves the beast for no other reason but for its capability to love.

In hard times, this card would inspire strength to move on, even though the outcomes may look worse than what it is. It says to have confidence in oneself, through truths one conquers all.

[Gigi]

*Strength - The lion represents the strength in physical form, the maiden inspires strength in a mental / spiritual capacity
*Patience - The sign of infinity (above the maiden), gives me the feeling of patience, through purity and compassion
*Compassion - yes
*Soft Control - yes
*Body Image - ?
*Fortitude -
*Health - good health, meditation to see beyond what is thought of as impossible to conquer or succeed
*Self-Assertion - yes
*Self-Improvement - hmmm, i gotta thing about that one.

[Shatril]

The symbolism of this card for the lemniscates, which symbolizes infinity, is defined in my submittal for the Magician Card. There is similar energy here. This lady is obviously a human, and not directly related to a deity, by any definition even by C. Jung. Since she doesn’t appear to have any magical tools, it is clear that her power is within herself, and not imbued in tools. In the WR deck this is the number VIII and the first cardinal virtue card, in other decks it is the XI and the second cardinal virtue card.

The lady magician has sophistication, grace, power and strength. However, this is not the dominating power of the Chariot, but rather the gentle, compassionate power of the guiding hand. She stands for Compassion, Grace, Strength and Soft Control.

The Jung interpretation says that it is rather unclear what the woman is trying to do with the lion. Some say that she is opening the mouth; others say she is closing it. This ambiguity may be intentional, because depending on the situation she may have to do one or the other. The card is a sign that you need to tame the inner animal. Get grips on the baser emotions of rage and anger. It also means that the feminine and masculine must come together for balance. Patience is the answer not force.

In a reading this card can stand for physical strength, however, not acts of great heroics. The strength is most often internal, mental power. Self-Confidence, willpower, mental resilience. “It can be interpreted as the ability to withstand enormous pressures and overcome them. Don’t begin this battle by fighting yourself. You know what needs to be, so do it, don’t shy away. It is your chance to prove yourself and improve your self-esteem.

If you have been ill this is a good sign. It is also a sign of overcoming bad habits. If illness is not the issue, and a battle is eminent you will be like Superwoman. You are well equipped for this battle, you with triumph over ignorance, oppression, and spiteful, envious people, and you are doing the right thing. Reward yourself after the victory.

Shatril:sunny: