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VIII. Strength
Element: Fire (🜂)
Zodiac Sign: Leo (♌)
Hebrew Letter: Teth (ט)
Kabbalistic Path: 19
Upright
Keywords: Strength; courage; resilience; overcoming instincts; self-control; gentleness overcomes force
Events: Handling problems calmly; demonstrating restraint; overcoming fears; suppressing impulsive reactions; achieving inner balance and harmony; strong inner power
Personality: Resilient; empathetic; open-minded; courageous; determined; kind; gentle; caring
Mental State: Emotionally stable; peaceful; composed
Advice: Maintain your inner strengths; face life with an open heart; take bold actions; accept your wild and shadowed aspects
Card Imagery: A woman wearing a flower crown rides a beast, holding its mouth as she tries to tame it.
Symbolism:
- Beast – Traditionally a lion, but in this version, it has been changed to a winged dragon known as the Celtic Dragon. In Celtic culture, this dragon symbolizes courage, strength, and magic. In past depictions, the Celtic Dragon was often seen as a monster that needed to be conquered. Here, it represents the darker side of the self, primal instincts, desires, inner fears, insecurity, and anger
- Flower Crown – A peaceful and gentle state of mind
- Infinity Symbol – Represents infinite wisdom and energy. The power she holds in her mind allows her to control everything
- White Robe – A symbol of purity and spirituality
- Serpent – Dangerous desires
Reversed
Keywords: Irrationality; fear; conflict; chaos; emotional instability
Events: Primal desires overpowering reason; fear and anxiety taking control, leading to an uncontrollable situation; conflicts; arguments; rash actions without forethought
Personality: Domineering; emotionally volatile; unpredictable; irrational; prone to self-doubt; weak-willed
Mental State: Emotionally unstable; irritable; fearful; struggling with self-doubt
Advice: Carefully examine and affirm your abilities; practice deep breathing and meditation to stay calm; bravely face the things that make you feel vulnerable—growth lies on the other side of fear
Card Imagery: The woman fails to subdue the beast, and it retaliates.
Symbolism:
- Beast’s Retaliation – Losing control over instincts and desires, letting emotions spiral; inability to think calmly; lack of courage; insecurity; vengeful actions