Tarot of the Spirit

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Tarot of the Spirit

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VIII - Strength

Description:

Two snakes, one green and the other gold, intertwine around a central yellow-white column. The heads of both snakes are yellow, and face each other just above the column. At the top of the column is a woman with golden hair, her arms folded around the column, and her hands resting one on top of the other in front of the column. The woman gazes down serenely. Floating in front of her is a swirling figure eight.

To the right of the central column is a black pillar, and to the left is a white pillar. At the bottom of the card next to the black pillar is the Hebrew letter Teth, and next to the white pillar is the astrological sign of Leo. The background at the base of the card is orange-red, with swirls of yellow, white, and lavender appearing behind the central column.

Symbology:

The two snakes symbolize the dynamic interplay of dualities: creation and destruction, intellect and emotion, growth and decay. The central column is the pillar of Mildness on the Tree of Life, representing balance. Strength is assigned to the nineteenth path on the Tree, the path between Chesed (universal force of creation, on the light Pillar of Mercy) and Geburah (universal force of destruction, on the dark Pillar of Severity). Strength is the path of balance between these two dynamics. The continuous movement between these forces of production and destruction is indicated by the swirling figure eight (the lemniscate), and by the snakes which must shed their old skin so that new growth can occur.

The Hebrew letter Teth means “serpent”, and visually looks like a snake with its raised head poised to strike its own tail. The astrological sign of Leo is also sinuous in appearance. The rising writhing force of these intertwined serpents are held in balance by Strength. She shows no strain in her efforts, and exhibits a confidence of controlled harmony in tune with the dynamic forces flowing through her.

Divinatory Meaning:
(from "Tarot of the Spirit" companion book, by Pamela Eakins)

The Truth comes deep from within yourself, it is your own deep inner light which, in good conscience, you ought to follow if you wish to discover happiness.
This truth uncoils within you like a great serpent, acknowledge its movement, do not try to repress its stirrings.
Be strong and courageous for you will find that truth is bliss.
Seek bliss to find bliss.
Even though you cannot see the future right now, if you do what your heart of hearts says is right, you will come to happiness.

Personal Reflections:

Strength is the beatific balance, the recognition and participation in the continuous process of creation (Chesed) and dissolution (Geburah). Strength is the conduit through which the forces of construction and destruction are channeled, tamed and transformed.

The key to the Strength arcana is the joy of experiencing the flow of spirit, through the process of being. Engage in the endless cycle of repetition and renewal, take delight in the concealment of the One in the Many, and the return of the Many to the One. Attune to your unique role in the process, follow your bliss, and bliss will follow.