Strength, Fortitude, Lust
A woman, over whose head there broods the same symbol of life which we have seen in the card of the Hierophant, is closing the jaws of a lion. The only point in which this design differs from the conventional presentations is that her beneficent fortitude has already subdued the lion, which is being led by a chain of flowers. For reasons which satisfy myself, this card has been interchanged with that of Justice, which is usually numbered eight. As the variation carries nothing with it which will signify to the reader, there is no cause for explanation. Fortitude, in one of its most exalted aspects, is connected with the Divine Mystery of Union; the virtue, of course, operates in all planes, and hence draws on all in its symbolism. It connects also with innocentia inviolata, and with the strength which resides in contemplation.
These higher meanings are, however, matters of inference, and I do
not suggest that they are transparent on the surface of the card.
They are intimated in a concealed manner by the chain of flowers,
which signifies, among many other things, the sweet yoke, and the
light burden of Divine law, when it has been taken into the heart of
hearts. The card has nothing to do with self-confidence in the
ordinary sense, though this has been suggested--but it concerns the
confidence of those whose strength is God, who have found their
refuge in Him. There is one aspect in which the lion signifies the
passions, and she who is called Strength is the higher nature in its
liberation. It has walked upon the asp and the basilisk and has
trodden down the lion and the dragon.--A.E. Waite
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 a person to 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 even in the darkest moments. Card 8 represents this special energy of quiet determination. Strength is not a flashy card, but one that is solid and reliable.
In addition, Card 8 represents the qualities of 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 mold 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.--Bunning
Mastery of the pairs of opposites, which is the esoteric meaning of Key 7, The Chariot, leads to "Strength," Key 8, which is not brute force, but rather that spiritual strength which results when the power of Key 1, The Magician, is added to the mastery of the Charioteer, Key 7--Richard Roberts
A gentle woman exerts quiet strength to subdue the lion, King of
Beasts. The lion symbolizes the unruly, dark, and primitive side of
our souls. The cultured woman shows this energy can be tamed and
channeled into something useful. The passionate instinctive stirrings
in man would create havoc and ruin if left to run wild. The
refinement cultivated in civilization shown is personified in the
woman from India who tames the savage beast with little effort. She
has even managed to place a garland of flowers around his neck to
symbolize the union of their combined desires. A.E. Waite, a member
of the Golden Dawn, described the sexual nature of the card by
pointing out fortitude is connected with the Divine Mystery of Union.
The lemniscate above her head is the one that appeared over the
Magician's head. It is the symbol of the harmonious universe, all
forces working together infinitely, eternal life. The female is
helping tame the wild animal forces in the psyche. The lion will not
weaken from her influence. The primitive nature can't be ignored. It
has to be acknowledged and effectively sublimated to allow for
cultivation and
refinement.--Susan
Hansson
 |
|
 The Vision
|
|
|
Tarot |
|
http://www.moonchild.ch/Tarot/major/Strength/08Voice.html
