A Woman, A Lion, Strength

The Strength Tarot Card: Exploring its Profound Connection to Magick

The Strength tarot card holds a captivating allure in the realm of divination and esoteric practices. Often portrayed as a woman gently taming a mighty lion, this card symbolizes not only physical strength but also the inner power that resides within us. In the realm of magick, the Strength card is deeply intertwined, representing the profound relationship between personal strength, spiritual energy, and the manipulation of mystical forces.

Interpreting the Strength Tarot Card:

When delving into the symbolic meaning of the Strength tarot card, one encounters a range of interconnected themes. On a surface level, the image depicts a woman calmly and confidently controlling a wild lion. This scene embodies courage, fortitude, and resilience in the face of challenges. It urges individuals to tap into their inner strength and harness it to confront obstacles head-on.

Beyond its literal interpretation, the Strength card alludes to the mastery of emotions, desires, and impulses. It reflects the ability to tame the inner beast, representing the triumph over one’s own primal instincts. This card emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and self-control as vital components of personal growth and spiritual development.

The Strength Tarot Card and Magick:

In the realm of magick, the Strength card serves as a powerful symbol and a guiding principle. It encapsulates the essence of magickal practice, which involves tapping into the hidden energies of the universe and channeling them to manifest desired outcomes. By aligning oneself with the energy depicted in the Strength card, practitioners can cultivate the necessary strength and willpower to effect change in their lives.

The Strength card encourages magickal practitioners to embrace their inherent power and use it responsibly. It teaches that true strength lies not in dominating or subduing external forces but in mastering the inner realm. By embracing one’s own potential and connecting with the divine forces within, practitioners can unlock boundless potential and create transformational shifts in their reality.

The relationship between the Strength tarot card and magick goes beyond mere symbolism. Magickal rituals often incorporate visual representations of the Strength card to invoke its potent energy and imbue the practitioner with the courage and resilience necessary to achieve their desired outcomes. Whether through meditation, spellcasting, or ritual practices, the Strength card acts as a catalyst, intensifying the connection between the practitioner and the mystical forces they seek to manipulate.

Why is the Strength Tarot Card sometimes numbered 8 and other times 11?

The Strength tarot card is sometimes 8 and other times 11 because there are two main traditions of tarot card numbering: the Italian tradition and the French tradition. In the Italian tradition, the Strength card is number 8, while in the French tradition, it is number 11.

The Italian tradition is the older of the two, and it is the tradition that most closely follows the original tarot deck, which was created in Italy in the 15th century. The French tradition is a later development, and it is the tradition that is most commonly used today.

There are a few reasons why the Strength card was switched from number 8 to number 11 in the French tradition. One reason is that the French tarot deck was influenced by the Kabbalah, a mystical system that assigns numbers to different aspects of reality. In the Kabbalah, the number 11 is associated with strength, courage, and self-mastery, which are all qualities that are associated with the Strength card.

Another reason for the switch is that the French tarot deck was designed to be more consistent with the other cards in the deck. In the Italian tradition, the Strength card is followed by the Justice card, which is number 9. However, in the French tradition, the Justice card is number 8. This creates a more balanced sequence of numbers, with the Strength card in the middle.

Today, there are tarot decks that follow both the Italian and French traditions. If you are using a tarot deck that follows the Italian tradition, the Strength card will be number 8. If you are using a tarot deck that follows the French tradition, the Strength card will be number 11.

Ultimately, the number of the Strength card is not as important as its meaning. The Strength card represents the power of the human spirit to overcome challenges and obstacles, and this meaning is the same regardless of the number of the card.

What about Aleister Crowley’s version of Strength, he called “Lust”?

Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot deck is a significant contribution to the world of tarot and holds its own unique interpretation of the Strength card, as well as the entire tarot system. Crowley, along with artist Lady Frieda Harris, created the Thoth Tarot deck based on Crowley’s esoteric teachings and occult philosophy.

In the Thoth Tarot, the Strength card is numbered as 11, following the Tarot de Marseille tradition. However, Crowley diverged from traditional imagery and symbolism, infusing his deck with his own mystical and occult concepts. The Thoth Tarot reflects Crowley’s belief in the interconnectedness of various esoteric systems, including Kabbalah, astrology, and ceremonial magick.

In Crowley’s interpretation, the Strength card, also known as Lust in the Thoth deck, embodies the concept of the primal and instinctual forces of passion and desire. The card depicts a woman astride a powerful lion (with many strange heads), representing the harmonious union of raw, untamed energy (the lion) and the controlled, refined power of the human spirit (the woman).

Lust in the Thoth Tarot delves into the transformative nature of desire and the integration of the shadow self. It encourages the seeker to embrace and harness their deepest desires, transforming them into a force for personal growth, spiritual evolution, and creative expression. The card emphasizes the importance of finding balance and harmony within one’s own desires, passions, and instincts.

In the Thoth Tarot system, the Strength card connects to the path of Teth on the Tree of Life, which corresponds to the zodiac sign of Leo. This association reinforces the themes of strength, courage, and the expression of one’s true nature.

Crowley’s Thoth Tarot deck offers a rich and complex interpretation of the Strength card and the entire tarot system. It incorporates elements of magick, symbolism, and Crowley’s esoteric teachings, providing a unique perspective on the tarot archetypes and their relationship to the practitioner’s spiritual journey.

Conclusion:

The Strength tarot card embodies the profound relationship between personal strength and the practice of magick. Through its depiction of a woman taming a lion, it teaches us to conquer our own fears, desires, and impulses, guiding us to harness our inner strength to overcome obstacles. When merged with the practice of magick, the Strength card becomes a powerful symbol, empowering practitioners to tap into their innate potential and manipulate the mystical forces of the universe.

By embracing the lessons conveyed by the Strength tarot card and integrating them into magickal practices, individuals can unlock their hidden potential, manifest their desires, and embark on a transformative journey towards self-realization. The Strength card serves as a constant reminder that true power and magickal efficacy stem from within, encouraging us to cultivate our inner strength and use it wisely to shape our reality.