STRENGTH

A woman garlanded with flowers is either closing or opening a lion’s mouth. Above her head is the cosmic lemniscate of Eternal Life, indicating that she is in control, thanks to the spiritual power above her.

She is exhibiting spiritual courage and the power that emanates from it, for the lion represents the passions and lower nature of Man. For a consciousness aware of the sign of Eternity above it, there are no obstacles, nor can there be any fear of resistance.

Her simple white robe indicates purity. Around her waist there is a chain of roses—symbol of the union of desires, which creates such strength that wild, unconscious forces bow before it.

The message transmitted by this Key is that we must learn to create a balance between our spiritual and carnal natures and thus influence the lower of the two.

This lesson of the need for harmony between opposing forces is often noted in the Tarot.

Divinatory Meaning:
Force of character, spiritual power overcoming material power, love triumphing over hate, the higher nature over carnal desires.

Reversed:
Domination of the material. Discord, lack of moral force, fear of the unknown in ourselves, abuse of power.

Dascent Deck