King of Coins - Alchemical Tarot

[sweet_intuition]

(NOTE To Mods: Feel free to shift the thread to the right forum)

Regarding the King of Coins in the Alchemical Tarot by Robert M Place, why is there a lion representing the king. In the other suits, the animals are as follows (staves = dragon ; vessels = whale; swords = eagle). I would have figured (going by traditional astrological symbology) that a bull (taurus) would be more fitting the King of Coins. Is there any reason for this??

 

[brenmck]

Alchemical Tarot ~ King of Coins

From the Place/Guiley accompanying book:

"A regal, crowned lion, who is the embodiment of courage and physical strength, holds a coin bearing his own image. He is in a natural setting. He is the essence of satisfaction. His strength and courage are the result of physical balance and harmony with nature. This card relates to the Strength card in the Major Arcana.

Tarot wisdom: The message here is to honour the libido, the animal self, the instincts. Act in strength and possess the courage to pursue what you want. However, keep in mind that wellbeing is best achieved when this is done without attachment to the end result."

Guiley and Place: The Alchemical Tarot; Thorsons, 1995, p. 134

~B~