Strength
Strength
Strength is the first card in the 2nd septenary. This septenary emphasises the forces placed upon man by his environment. The Strength archetype teaches you that you have the strength to tame the beasts within yourself. Meditating on this symbol can assist your process of honouring and experiencing the inherent strength that is within your nature. The sign associated with this card is Leo, the lion, of course. The rune is Thurisaz. The colour is yellow, the masculine colour we saw as the background of the last card, the Chariot. The fact that Strength is a woman indicates that we are not talking about physical strength here, despite the colour. She has the infinity symbol above her head, the same symbol of the adept we saw in the Magician. Her white robe is that of the innocent Fool, indicating a purity of spirit. The blue mountain in the background is the same phallic symbol seen in the Lovers. The lion is a symbol of our animal passions and desires. Notice the lion has his tongue sticking out. Animals that are preparing to bite do not stick their tongues out. This lion is happy to submit to the woman. Her left arm represents mental effort, while the right arm represents physical effort. Notice the right arm is merely holding, while the left arm is exerting all the pressure. The crown on her head represents the fullest, most beautiful expression of nature and transient life.This card represents strength, determination, and power in a manner similar to the Chariot. However, the differences are obvious at a glance. Instead of a powerful, focused warrior we encounter a gentle woman, unarmed and without the protection of armour. She overcomes the lion with a quiet strength which can only come from within. Where the Chariot represented outer strength and will, the card of Strength represents inner power, the power of the human spirit to overcome any obstacle. That the woman represents the spirit is manifest by her white robe, representing purity, and the symbol of eternity above her head. She wears a belt and crown of flowers and stands unprotected in an open green field. The Chariot indicates that worldly success is possible if our goals are pursued with focus and energy.
You need to develop true strength. To do so, balance the aspects of you that are human, animal and divine. It may seem impossible, but love, kindness and a brave heart can bring them into balance. Usually we think of strength in physical terms - big arms, powerful legs - but there is also inner strength. Inner strength comes from an exercise of the heart muscle. It is perseverance, courage, resolve and composure - qualities that help us endure when times are tough. In the past, a person with inner strength was commonly said to have character; he or she could be counted on in the darkest moments.Card 8 represents this energy of quiet determination. Strength is not a flashy card, but one that is solid and reliable. Card 8 also represents the patience and compassion. Getting angry is easy when events turn sour, but dealing calmly with frustrations takes great strength. So does accepting others and forgiving mistakes. We need strength to mould situations softly. The Chariot controls through mastery and authority. Card 8 is more subtle, even loving. Notice how the lion (itself a symbol of strength) is being guided and tamed by the woman's gentle hands.
Strength will appear in a reading when its qualities are needed. It can be a reminder not to despair or give up. You have the inner strength to endure and triumph. If you are pushing too hard, you need to withdraw for the moment and be patient. If other people or circumstances are driving you crazy, remember the strength that comes with love and forbearance. These will see you through the hardest moments.
This card means triumph of love over hate. Higher nature triumphs over material desire. The querent is learning to release fear and let it go. Ability to endure hardship.
Strength and courage will be applied to all endeavours. There is little to fear with your confidence. Results may be slow in coming, but you will hold your own, get a lot accomplished and summon up enough energy to do what it takes to get the job done, and in some way, you'll be recognised or rewarded for your efforts. There will be altercations stemming from an imagined slight or unexpressed resentment. Want positive results in business or love, and to overcome the obstacles to the attainment of that goal. There are powerful spiritual forces at work and obstacles to your success will be overcome. You will be given the power to succeed.
Actions: showing strength; knowing you can endure; having a gallant spirit; feeling an unshakeable resolve; taking heart despite setbacks; having stamina; being patient/a rock; dealing calmly with frustration; accepting others; refusing to get angry; showing forbearance; being compassionate; giving others lots of space; achieving "soft" control; persuading; guiding indirectly; tempering force with benevolence; demonstrating the "strength" of love.
This is an important Karmic period, and actions taken during this time will be the seeds of your tomorrow. If you are feeling challenged, it's because, you are harbouring a deep seated misunderstanding, mistrust, or resentment towards someone (perhaps even God), and you are being given the opportunity to resolve it once and for all. Remember, love conquers everything, even Karma.
There are two main themes to this card. The more obvious is the strength we have, both internal and external. The second theme is taming the beast within.Strength offers you the hope of contacting both your inner and outer strength. It asks you to find the confidence within yourself to present yourself to the world as strong, assertive, and persevering. Reversed, Strength suggests that this strength may be currently lacking. Now is the time to work with that - if you have been feeling doubtful of who you are, Strength gives you the confidence to fight those doubts. Look towards the positives in order to maintain your self-confidence and self-esteem.
The other aspect to the Strength card is that it asks you to tame the wild beast that lies within. Inside of each of us is a passionate and instinctual side which, depending on the person, will either burst out frequently or infrequently. If you are one of those people to act impulsively or irrationally, and blurt out angry comments or negative things to others, the Strength card calls on you to try to tame yourself. The woman in this card is calmly subduing the lion by offering peace, love, and warmth. You may need to do the same to prevent yourself from leaping out at others and saying some things you might later regret.
Be aware of your own personal strength. Is it lacking and what are you afraid of? Or are you letting the beast inside come out and attack those around you? Do others find you intimidating because of the power and confidence you exude? Maintain a balance between the very strong and the very weak.
The reverse is uncontrolled emotions, passions, self indulgence, temperamental, weakness of morals and/or mind and body. Materialistic nature dominates. Fear of having too much passion. Abuse of power. Lack of harmony in your life.
Light a red candle to represent your carnal nature. Take a white candle of equal size and touch it to the burning flame. By mixing the white and red waxes together the pink power of love will be brought into being. Let the two candles burn down together and repeat the words, "With the loving strength of my Higher Self I will make an ally of instinctual nature." Keep a small piece of the pink wax with you in a sealed envelope to help you remember.