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The Core Meaning* of Strength in Tarot
CONVICTION
I used to go with "determination" and considered "persuasion" but I came up with "conviction" as a sum of what this card represents. The woman in the traditional depiction is opening the jaw of the lion not by force, but through conviction, her own and the persuasion that it took to create that mutual trust.
In real-life, Strength is a symbol of resilience and an inner conviction, but it also brings in the persuasive element of convincing those around. Since in its shadow aspect it can be a "gaslighty" card, instigating that convition in others seemed fitting for what the card speaks about.
*Core meanings are not just another keyword resource. Check this!
It's All About the Context! The Meaning of Strength in Diverse Situations.
What attitudes and behaviours does Strength support?
A persuasive approach that seeks to generate mutual trust. Compromise. Playing the long-game. Earning someone's trust. Strength of character. Having solid personal convictions. Trusting one's own abilities
What attitudes or behaviours does Strength warn against?
Twisting someone's arm. Generating a connection of mutual trust with insidious purposes. Trying to discreetly manipulate a person or situation to suit one's own agenda. An excess of trust in one's own abilities.
What's Strength as a personal strength?
Conviction, a solid moral compass, a strong character.
What's Strength as a personal weakness?
Arrogance. Believing that everyone needs to subscribe to one's own beliefs and way to see the world.
What's Strength as a personality?
A patient person with long-term vision and a way to look at the forest without getting lost in the tree. They usually have an ease to find a middle ground, although they make sure to get what they want out of a situation too. When ill-aspected, that personality can turn into someone who has great capabilities but is also remarkably arrogant about it.
How does Strength describe a relationship?
Depending on the type of relationship. A stable relationship described by Strength is reliable, with a strong foundation and in which people involved seek mutual benefit. However, in a relationship that is shaky, uncertain or on-and-off Stength suggests that the relationship is being artificially maintained, with one of the individuals walking on eggshells to try and avoid having a conversation that would clarify the situation. In this scenario, the weight of the relationship usually falls solely on the part that is most interested in maintaining it.
How does Strength describe a break-up?
This is usually a well-thought-of breakup that comes after a period of trying to fix or adjust things and is usually prompted by exhaustion after not being able to redirect things. As a decision, it is pretty solid and not taken lightly, so it is usually not a break-up that offers a lot of room for reconciliation.
How does Strength describe a problem?
A persistent problem that requires a long-term solution. It is not an issue that can be patched up and go, but one that requires to implement a solid solution.
How does Strength describe an opportunity?
This is a slow opportunity that might not be apparent at first sight. It's the opportunity to gain someone's trust. A chance to impress. An opportunity to act as support in a situation.
What's Strength as a career option?
Professions related to lifting. It can relate to physical work. Circus-related work. Careers that require dealing with dangerous situations that need to be dealt with smoothly and persuasively, for instance, a hostage negotiation in a very extreme case, but also more run-of-the-mill negotiations in general. Animal trainers.
What's Strength as an academic option?
Physical Education. Anatomy. Orthopedics. Wildlife studies.
What's Strength as a working environment?
A controlled environment, peaceful but with strong rules set in place.
What's Strength as a financial situation?
Depending on the context, Strength can depict a solid financial situation or a situation of dependency. For instance, it can indicate that there is a trust fund that is conditional to certain criteria being met. It can also suggest that there is someone that is in control of those finances, or that even if the situation is abundant, it is still conditional.
What's Strength as a health issue?
Generally an indicator of good and strong health. When ill-aspected or when specifically asking about an issue, it can point towards issues that focus on the teeth and jaw area. It can also speak of muscular pain, contractures and such.
How does Strength describe a spiritual practice?
Due to the persuasive and perseverant nature of Strength, this card suggests to me spiritual practices that are based on perseverance or restriction. Fasting for spiritual reasons for instance, would fall under this umbrella.
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