Symbolizing: Strength

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 09 May 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Thirteen	09 May 2004
Symbolizing: Strength And our 3 weekly threads continue, examining the symbolism in the Majors. What you like and what you don't. What you feel ought to be there...or not. For this thread, Strength (Yes, I know it's Justice for some of you, but we'll go with Strength for now). Just answer one or more of the following: 1) What elements from any Strength card from any deck do you feel BEST symbolize Strength? (Example: "I've always loved that lion....") 2) What elements common to most Strength cards in most decks do you really feel are all WRONG for Strength? (Example: "I've NEVER liked it when the maiden looks all frail and pretty....") 3) What symbol have you always felt was right for Strength, but you've yet to see it? (Example: "I'd like to see the lion and maiden mud wrestling...."). You don't have to answer all the above, but do offer some "why's?" as to what you answer. Why don't you/do you like the lion? What does the maiden mean that feels/doesn't feel like Strength to you?

Inana	14 May 2004
I always loved the combination of the lion and the maiden. Women or goddesses taking control on powerful or dangerous animals is an ancient symbol and I think that is why it works so good. Lion- Instincts, passion, personal power, aggression, dominion, pride. Maiden – Softness, passivity, innocence. Centuries ago nobody expected maiden taking power over nothing. The Strenght card I like the most is the Thoth one. The maiden is riding the lion. It means she is not only controlling her inner beast and power; she is using it by focusing her desires. And desire is a powerful and primal motivation to achieve anything. So it feels as if its more integrated in her personality than with other decks, where the lady is just opening or closing the lion’s mouth. I know in this deck it represents Babalon and has lots of sexual connotations, but it feels right too.

Marion	06 Jun 2004
1) What elements from any Strength card from any deck do you feel BEST symbolize Strength? My absolute favourite, top, the best, Strength card is from Osho Zen, and is called Courage. It shows heavy stones, man-made cobble-stones, up through which are growing two small white flowers. Clearly directly in the path of traffic, and yet blooming all the same. Their very fragility may protect them. If we go for the maiden and lion theme, as most do, I prefer if the conflict not look like a conflict. More a playful, gentle closing, with each fully recognizing the other. 2) What elements common to most Strength cards in most decks do you really feel are all WRONG for Strength? When weaker meets stronger, one must always assume that stronger can choose to win. Weaker is not conquering here, the lion can always choose to slay the maid. The lion is convinced, or chooses not to harm. If the card looks as though the lion has no choice, then the card doesn't work for me. The card can be interpreted as a testing, and in fact when you draw it I have found that it often works out that way. But a testing in a way that you receive recognition for what you are, especialy if you are not in a strong position. 3) What symbol have you always felt was right for Strength, but you've yet to see it? I think the OZ card is pretty close to perfect. I think the lion must always be gazing at the maiden, clearly recognizing the boundaries of the situation. The maiden can look a little more dreamy, if desired. I think that purity, and lack of hidden motives, may be symbolized by a white lily or other white flower.

The Symbolizing: Strength thread was originally posted on 09 May 2004 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.