NorthernTigress, thanks for listing the many examples of strength in this picture. I love the way Stephanie slips in so many items to ponder in each picture without making it seem cluttered and without getting pedantic.
According to the Shadowscapes Companion book, this "king of the wild" is a lion. Of course, with horns, it's no ordinary lion. But if people and lizards can have wings, then I guess lions can have horns. "The lion is fierce, and the fire he guards is a flame that burns."
The lion is responsible for guarding a magical ball of fire. I think the fire within the ball might symbolize the fire of courage. Whatever it is, it's clear that it's an important responsibility.
There's a different fire in the bowl, and I assume that incense is burning and creating the plume of smoke that we see. I think the incense might represent the "calm composure and patience" of the Strength card. Despite all the power on display, this is a relaxed scene. The playful cats know not to take things too seriously. With strength at your command, there's no need to be anxious.
Does anyone know what these red-breasted, black-headed birds are? They also appear in the World card.