Strength Card VIII

The Strength card (also known as Lust for life) usually pictures a young woman opening the jaws of a lion and peering in. She has no protection and accomplishes this act with gentle firmness. There appears co-operation and trust between the two.

The literal meaning of the card could be - 'walking straight into the jaws of danger and relying upon our own ingenuity, experiences and guile to see us through'.

It represents both the Lion's hot, roaring energy, and the Maiden's steadfast will. The feminine side of our souls can induce a persuasive power of co-operation from others, using inner strength and fortitude, which is more powerful that brute force.

Strength is card number eight, in some decks it is numbered eleven. This does not change the meaning of the card which stands for courage and energy, particularly in defeating mean attitudes and hatred.

As the card is ruled by the sign of Leo it is also an indication of honour, reliability, and a sense of fixed purpose.

Reversed it is a warning not to feel cowardice, avoid loosing your nerve and giving in to intimidation. You must overcome your own fears and find inner power.

Lust tells us that if we trust our intuition and inner voice to make the right choices, to fight for fair play, the outcome will be joyous. We will find the energy to deal with our challenges. If ill health or other difficulties have been experienced, then improvement can be expected.