The Images of the Tarot Oracle in Psychic Readings

Strength

The image of Strength describes immense power, of course. But it is a very particular kind of power, and one that is not always easily recognized by people. The image does not so much reflect on the efficacy of clamorous bluster, machine guns and smart bombs, the long arm of the law, etc., as it does on something that is tranquil and quiet, gentle and unassuming. In the traditional Waite-Rider deck, the image is described in the guise of a lion-tamer, and a female lion-tamer at that. She has that graceful and mysterious authority that hardly expresses itself, and her whip never touches even a hair of her feline companion. Indeed, it is nowhere in sight. She is calm and patient, constantly forbearing, perfectly composed, and most significantly, serenely kind and benevolent. Like the American Quakers in the very old and famous film about the Civil War starring Gary Cooper, she practices the art of "friendly persuasion."

One of our clients asked for general advice with respect to a new and very responsible position to which he had been promoted at work. All of the indications, revealed in various Tarot images, were very positive, portending success and subsequent recognition for a job well done. Only one image gave us reason for pause, the reversal of the image of Strength. We saw in this image that it was necessary for him to provide for greater personal sustenance, both materially and spiritually. We reminded our client of the benefits of rest and recreation, the value of time spent with a good book or beautiful music, and suggested also that he might want to investigate the possibility that improved diet, and even dietary supplementation, might fortify his body, mind, and spirit for the challenge ahead.