Strength vs. The Chariot - need input!

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 06 Oct 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

lawguy51	06 Oct 2002
These two cards seem so similar that I have a problem at times in a reading, understanding their differences. For me, Strength is a bit more esoteric in nature, in that it demands a kind of inner self-discipline to tame our pride or rage. But The Chariot too suggests a discipline so that conflicting emotions or urges are controlled and channeled into one direction. When I see either card in a draw, I tend to stall and try to remember the differences instead of concentrating on what the card means in the context of the reading. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks in advance.

DarkElectric	06 Oct 2002
Hi Lawguy :) Here's my take on these two cards, hope it helps. I see the Chariot as the learning the necessary discipline to martial the energies of the self, in order to develop the focus which is essential to moving the chariot. A mobilisation of force, I would say. The Strength card I see as the next step in using this personal discipline. Whereas before it was used to tame the energies within the self, Now it is being tested against the power of outside forces. Which is the stronger energy, which one will prevail? The cards being respectively, Chariot-7, Strength-8 also leads me to perceive these cards in terms of numerical development. Master one, next test, type of thing. I hope this shed a little more light on it for ya!

Red Emma	06 Oct 2002
I'd not thought of the chariot in that respect. I see it as a going forth, exploring, seeking new horizons and challenges. I pretty much agree with both the lawyer and Darkelectric about strength.

Thirteen	06 Oct 2002
The Chariot is a fortress--you armor yourself against enemies, problems, whatever. And from this fortress you work, with the reigns tightly in hand, to bring things under control. This is a card of motivation and intense, almost paranoid focus--all required to get that Chariot where you want it to go. And it's going there, damn it! Think Cancer, the crab here--when Cancers see something they want, they are highly motivated to go after it, they never let go once they get a grip, and they keep their vulnerable side safe in their shells. Cancers are also highly focused--our Charioteer has to keep all his concentration on those horses, on where he's going, on fighting off enemies. This is a very intense drive, if you will, to succeed. The important thing here is reaching that goal, by whatever means necessary. Strength, on the other hand, is a vulnerable young girl, unarmed, unprotected, shutting (or opening) the lion's mouth. This is about steadfast will, creativity, leadership and sacrificial courage. There is no going to war here, no plowing forward in an armored chariot--rather it is a show of cool strength. The lion respects the courage, the will, the beauty of the lady; it surrenders to her fearlessness and purity. Think of Leo, the lion, which is this card's Zodiac sign. "We can do this!" says the Leo with a bright, sunny smile, "we can make it work!" And leads the way. The maiden sees the beast--emblematic of inner choas, rage, pride--she sees the need for it to be tamed, and with innocent faith in her ability to do what no one else can, she makes it obey her will. See the difference? The Chariot is goal-oriented discipline--you use control to get where you're going, to succeed and win. Strength is self-discipline. Control is the goal. Does that help?

lawguy51	07 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Thirteen See the difference? The Chariot is goal-oriented discipline--you use control to get where you're going, to succeed and win. Strength is self-discipline. Control is the goal. Does that help? [/b] Thank you Thirteen, and the rest of you for responding. Yes, indeed it does help, as does your invaluable Tarot Basics that sits as a link on my desktop for easy referral. I feel quite honoured to have you respond to my question.

The Strength vs. The Chariot - need input! thread was originally posted on 06 Oct 2002 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.