Card 8-Strength
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
United States
January 13, 2011 10:47am CST
Strength is as it says a card representing strength. However, it is also a card that is more in-depth then just the appearance of physical strength. It is strength of character as well. It is the control of passion as well as mental and emotional forces. It is a card that also represents courage. It is the same as Ra Hoor Kruit god of the Sun, or Demeter and Venus. It is embodiment of all that is Leo in balance.
Strength is found on the Tree of Life between Geburah (Severity) and Chesed (Mercy). Strength forms a part of the Ethical triangle in this relationship. If we look at this pathway it is strength or severity tempered by mercy. If you have too much strength you are cruel, and if you have too much mercy you are weak. Strength then as the tarot is a symbol of true strength, not just a symbol of might.
When Strength is drawn by itself or in a spread (though as mentioned in previous discussions it does depend greatly upon surrounding cards) it can be seen in several ways. It can be viewed in the positive that you have learned to temper your strength with mercy in a given area of your life. It may represent that you have increased courage surrounding the question at hand. However, it very well might mean in the negative that you have too much mercy (weakness) or too much strength (cruelty) in a given situation. You may also have a lack of self-discipline and perhaps have become impulsive. It is a card that if drawn one should be reflective upon and take inventory of the current situation.
Questions: How has Strength manifested itself in your life at this time? Do you act in a manner that is overly aggressive or overly merciful?
5 responses
@NoWayRo (1061)
• Romania
16 Jan 11
I had one of my worst reading experiences with Strength. I was reading for a neighbor (not something I generally do, usually I read just for very close friends, and just for fun) - and she kept getting Strength together with a lot of signs of conflict, financial / job-related issues and various male characters. Knowing that, in her job, she was the team leader of a group of 10 men, I assumed that all this was related to her work assignments. Of course, in making assumptions, I didn't read the cards properly... in the end, she suggested to me that it might be related to her situation at home, where she was abused by her husband.
I wish I had seen it before. Though I wonder if reading the cards properly from the beginning would have scared her away. I think she talked when she was ready to, and the cards were there to facilitate the communication in time.
1 person likes this
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
17 Jan 11
Ro-
I don't sugar coat my readings as they are what they are. I do let my clients know that the future is never certain and not set in stone, but I do not hide what the cards reveal.
Namaste-Anora
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
17 Jan 11
Ro-
So, in your own life how does Strength manifest itself? Do you find yourself overly aggressive or overly merciful?
Namaste-Anora
@NoWayRo (1061)
• Romania
18 Jan 11
Neither consistently; but I can be both at times. Overly merciful can be just as bad as overly aggressive; I know very well that, in my case, it's a sign that I don't display the proper humiliation in handling a situation, and I view myself as better than others (only kings can be merciful, elected rulers can only be fair and just - I don't remember who said that, but it was to the point).
You're right about sugar coating the readings, I know I shouldn't be doing that... but sometimes the truth is painful even for me to say. I try to stay as close to what I see as possible, but, well, I'm still learning.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
13 Jan 11
This is a weird one for me. I suppose my strength manifests itself in different ways depending on the situation. I suppose I am in a bit of control where this is concerned. I have had to be. I am very aggressive towards the things that I want to gain...not in a physical way..but more determined. I am sometimes a bit too kind to those that I know will take advantage of my position at work..but it is calculated and well thought out before they are allowed an advantage. Cruelty. however, is not a strength that I have experienced. I have never been one to kick someone when they are down. I can turn my back on a situation but when someone falls..I can't leave them on the ground. If I feel like I am being attacked...that is when I am in the least control..that is when I suppose I can become a bit aggressive. Always calculated though..my job sometimes depends on that. I have to be in control of myself...there is no room to stumble..lol.
1 person likes this
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
14 Jan 11
Jen-
I think, or at least I have found in my own life that being a mother has made me slightly more aggressive then I was previous to being a mother. I am wondering if that trait ever leaves? I find it interesting that you reflected how "calculated" you have to be in your job that I do wonder what your job is? I wish you all the best in your life journey.
Namaste-Anora
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
14 Jan 11
I deal very closely with people..I'm in management. It is tricky because people are so different and the way you approach one, may not be accepted in the same manner as when you approach another. They can also push you or your buttons just to see, and that is where calculated really comes in. They are waiting for your reaction.
1 person likes this
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
16 Jan 11
I think that there are many ways that strength (though probably not physical strength) is manifested in my life. I feel like I am a strong person emotionally because I've been through a lot in my life and I grow stronger from those experiences that I have had in my life. If I was to make a self analysis of whether I am overly aggressive or overly merciful, I would say that I am more merciful. I am the kind of person that would like to save every person in the world if I could but I've started to learn that it isn't possible to do that.
1 person likes this
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
17 Jan 11
Dorann-
Sometimes learning when to call the balance of strength is a difficult lesson in life. I at times have the same problem of giving people way more yards then they deserve. I will continue to put up with unsavory behavior simply because I hope that the person will change.
I also agree that physical strength is not everything to Strength, it is also about character and fortitude. You do strike me as a person with a great amount of emotional strength.
Namaste-Anora
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
15 Jan 11
Namaste Anora,
I have faced both the aspects - I have been overly aggressive and overly merciful and both have taught me my lessons well. When I was overly Aggressive, people didnt like me because of the fact that I was rude, arrogant and stubborn. Over the period, it changed to being overly merciful and people started taking me for granted many a times and it did hurt.
Today, I have realized that it is more powerful to be humble and polite. You will not create enemies, live a better life (peaceful). But you need to draw a line somewhere and have to be stern and strict with some people and knowing that line - where to draw it - is another strength.
Regards,
theSids.
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
16 Jan 11
Sids-
I agree. Sometimes the best thing one can do for another is allow them to do and learn things for themselves. It's a balance even I face as a teacher. I cannot do everything but I cannot refuse everything either.
Namaste-Anora
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
13 Jan 11
Strength has been a challenge for me at way too many different times in my life. I fight against all odds with my mental thoughts as I find I am my worst enemy.
Although not out of the woods yet I find that I will be facing the biggest challenge this 2011 by fighting against all odds to remain positive no matter what. It will not be easy but I am trying and giving my all to challenge the negative thoughts.
Wish me luck. 
1 person likes this
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
13 Jan 11
I think a lot of us have faced the challenge of being too hard on ourselves. We must remember to do all things in balance so that we remain in a positive frame of mind to achieve the things necessary to our life journey. I wish you continued success with your journey goals.
Namaste-Anora
