Into the Shadows with Tarot Symbolism: Strength

The Strength Tarot Card depicts a woman taming a wild lion. Her left arm represents mental strength, and her right arm represents physical strength. As we can see, her right arm is gently holding, while the left arm bears the heavy weight, representing a hidden power that can only come from within. 

The lion, another archetypal figure, represents raw, primal energy. It embodies our passions, desires, and untamed instincts. The lion’s presence symbolizes the need to harness and transform this raw energy into a constructive force. True strength is not suppressing our passions but guiding them with wisdom and self-control. 

In Tarot symbolism, Strength represents inner strength, patience, sympathy, soft control and domination over fears, triumph over material desires and mastery of the inner self. With patience, we can cultivate love, compassion, understanding, and grace in all of our experiences. 

Strength also symbolizes the alchemical process of transformation and the inner journey to self-discovery. When we explore the depths of our being we can confront our fears, doubts and limitations and release the control they have over us.

Integrated, Strength represents the raw and gentle power of the human spirit. It speaks to inner resilience and cultivating patience, grace, empathy, compassion, understanding, tolerance, fortitude, and virtue. When we get to the root cause of our fears, self-limiting beliefs, and negative behavior patterns, we master our own instincts. 

As we explore the inner depths of our being and confront our inner demons, we emerge stronger, wiser, and more connected to our authentic selves. When we embrace our vulnerabilities and shadow selves, transforming them into sources of power and resilience. 

In Shadow work, Strength represents weakness, impatience, indifference, and strict control. When we become fearful, anxious, or filled with doubt we lose our inner power. When our power is lost, we slip into our shadow selves. This can manifest as using aggressive, brute force to control the situation, person, outcome. 

When we can view the situation through the symbolic lens, we can find the lesson the experience is trying to teach us. This will allow us to remain steady and patient while embracing soft control using gentle persuasion and subtle influence. Guiding others through empathy and compassion fosters deeper understanding for positive resolutions.

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