The Strength Card--VIII: Building Your Inner Fortress

Strength-training makes people buff. Rippling muscles gives the impression of someone who is physically powerful. Likewise, an adult who towers over a child can easily appear as a menacing force. I recently saw a video where a child seemed very compliant towards the person intimidating him. And yet neither the ability to scare someone into submission or possessing a body that can lift impressive weight is true strength. The physical form is temporary and the intimidated child grows up and is able to stand their ground.

The Strength card is ultimately about inner power. When the outer world appears chaotic, how can we remain in the seat of our personal power? Are we consciously aware what we are thinking and feeling, what we are saying, and the choices we make without needing to blame or control others? Ironically, blaming and attempting to control others weakens us and undermines our confidence.

The Rider-Waite illustrations (drawn by Pamela Coleman Smith) are the standard images from which other decks draw their inspiration (but not all, of course). The Strength card shows a woman with dominion over the lion. Animal and beast = two sides of our nature. The human side must prevail over the more animalistic side. That is the inner power of self-discipline. The number 8 of the card is connected to power. (Note: some decks switch the numbers of the Strength and Justice cards and so sometimes you will see the Strength card as 11. I personally resonate with 8.) The 8th House in astrology is all about transformation or personal alchemy. When we believe we can change ourselves for the better, that is true empowerment. But in order to refine oneself, the ability to tame the inner beast is key.