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VIII.
STRENGTH
Primary principle—
Personal power
Personal sign
correspondenec-Leo
Description-A
woman is gently but firmly closing the mouth of a lion. She has the
symbol of Spirit (the infinity sign) above her head. This symbolism reveals that
a person is using the infinite power of Spirit as a way to control the animal
nature inherent in humanity. She wears a slight smile as she pets the lion. This
would seem to reflect that she is not using the force of will to achieve her
purpose, but the focused intent of love and compassion. This card is often
interpreted as overcoming passion, but we can see by the lady's attitude that
her personal passions are being tempered with love.
In
the reading--Strength
represents the correct use of personal power to overcome obstacles. The querent
has incredible courage to face her opposition and any life barriers that
confront her at the present time. She can harness her personal power and
strength to get through any circumstance in life. Whatever the situation may be,
it is there only to test the querent's ability to endure and, finally, resolve
such circumstances. This test will result in the development of a greater
sense of self-confidence.
Reversed--This
card can
represent failure and personal weaknesses when it appears in the reversed
position. Other cards in the reading may point to the actual debilities in
character
and the circumstances that are bringing about the current test. These could be
physical (as in sickness), emotional (depression), psychological (lack of inner
cohesion), or spiritual (loss of conscious connection to Higher Self. This
reversed position of the Strength card can indicate that the querent is abusing
her personal power. If this is the case, she may be causing further problems for
herself as a result of actions that will sooner or later have to be transformed.
Exoteric
meaning-The power
of the personal will. The correct (or incorrect) use of will power to deal with
life's external circumstances.
Esoteric
meaning-Sexual
energy and the proper use of sexual energy as a vehicle for creative
transformation.
from the Pocket Guide to Tarot by Alan Oken |
