8 STRENGTH VIII

KEYWORDS:
Inner-balance, control, strength, inner-strength, force, serpent power, openness, endurance, overcoming materialism, courage, love, patience, goodness, self control, reconciling the passions, vision, energy, motivation, action, balance, success.

ASTROLOGY:
Leo



PLANETS:
Neptune
Mars



NUMBER:
8     



GNOTHOLOGY:
Executive power and ability



CORRESPONDING RUNE:
Uruz             



CORRESPONDING I CHING:
Prosperity



DIVINITORY MEANING:
The need for strength, courage and self-discipline and the potential for moral victory and mastery of life.



SYMBOL:
The double square



ASSOCIATED COLOUR:
Lavender



MASTER:
The Master of Strength is The Master Lord Maitreya. Lord Maitreya serves the Divine Source in the role of ‘Energizer of the Earth’ and the ‘ Controller of the Solar System’.



The Master Lord Maitreya gives his energies to those who wish to raise their level of consciousness and be fully aware of who they really are. The basic purpose of being in the present dimension as ‘spirit within form’ will then be seen more clearly.



The Master Lord Maitreya influences the deep-thinkers presently on the Earthplane, encouraging detachment from old ideas and concepts so that they may express creative ideas not previously manifested on the planet. The Master Lord Maitreya operates from the higher ethers where he attempts to raise the level of consciousness within all humanity.



The Master Lord Maitreya works on the energy of the 6th Ray and watches over the numbers 8, 17 and 26, and those born in August.



TREE OF LIFE:
Within the Tree of Life on Pathway 8 connects GEBURAH (5) keyword:  severity to CHESED (4) keyword:  mercy



The energy of Strength overcomes severity and uses mercy to become strong and enduring. This strength tends to come from within and is usually brought about through harsh circumstances. This enables us to become more merciful when confronted with the problems of others.



HERB:Cayenne (Capsicum)
Cayenne stimulates the circulation of the blood and raises the energy, vitality and enthusiasm. It counteracts the effects of indigestion and stops bleeding. Cayenne is the herb to take when other herbs seem not to be working properly as it enhances the effects and encourages them to work at the highest level.



Symbolically, Cayenne is used for coldness, lack of vitality, isolation and blockages on all levels.



The Divinatory meaning is for power, strength and the courage to face all outer challenges.



THE MESSAGE:
The Strength card, depicting a gracious queen-like figure and a wild lion, shows that real strength has to be combined with graciousness and gentleness in order to become a powerful force.



The Strength tarot card symbolizes inner-strength and determination to overcome obstacles, and self-knowledge and self-discipline, as only when we know ourselves and act in a responsible manner will we be able to deal effectively with challenging situations and overcome our difficulties successfully. Yet this card does not only represent physical strength - moral and emotional strength are included in the meaning.



Strength is sometimes known as ‘The Enchantress’ and symbolizes bringing ‘consciousness’ together with ‘knowing’. 


The Strength card absorbs the qualities of inner-strength and depicts a person with great inner-strength and fortitude, and this will carry them throughout life. 


Strength asks you to bring the higher and lower consciousness in perfect balance, knowing that control is always in your hands, and purity in your heart. Remember always that in order to do this it takes great strength and this strength is yours throughout eternity.



Strength states that the inner-qualities of love, patience and gentleness are far superior to material power, brute force and hatred. Self-discovery is a spiritual adventure. We become vulnerable when we allow others to take advantage of us, and in the struggle to protect ourselves we can easily become aggressive and evasive. Faith makes us strong and resilient.



The message of the Strength card is: ‘Strength is not a force with which to exert power over others, but a force to stop others exerting power over you.’



The energy of Strength overcomes severity and uses mercy to become strong and enduring. This inner-strength is usually brought about by harsh circumstances in one’s life. This enables one to become more merciful when confronted with other’s problems.



Strength implies a mentally and spiritually strong person, but generally, this person has a gentle strength about them. 


Strength tells of having the inner-qualities of love, patience and power. The message of Strength is that we need to tame the demanding self-centered beast within us and bring the power to good use.



The yellow depicted on the Strength card relates to the ‘creative imagination’. 



The lion depicts ‘strength in nature’ and passions, and shows that through love, all can be tempered. The lion represents the powerful, passionate side of the human psyche, which may make itself apparent in a number of ways. It may be totally repressed or it may be allowed to rule the personality totally. It may be controlled, mastered and integrated, or it may wantonly destroy. The lion represents strong, negative emotions such as anger or jealousy. The lion is a royal beast and also contains the positive elements of dignity and leadership. When opposed however, it can be highly dangerous and destructive. 



The lion within us is represented by the childlike demand for everything to go our own way and by the rage evoked when things do not. A healthy balance in childhood comes when the will is tamed but not broken. The child whose will has been broken may feel unable to establish true control or mastery over their life.



The woman depicted tempering the lion represents moral strength and self-control. Together they show the importance of balance between these factors.



The white robe (or gown) worn by the woman tells of purity within a person, and being tinged with grey, it indicates wisdom.



The trick of The Strength tarot card lies in confronting one’s natural desires and finding ways of utilizing them creatively. A steady inner-development of personal strength and self-discipline is needed to integrate the powerful elements within so that they are neither crushed underfoot nor allowed to dominate all else.



The Lemniscate, which symbolized eternity and infinity in occult teachings, can be observed above the female figure in the Strength card. The Lemniscate brings in both Divine and moral strength.



Being connected to Neptune, which is one of the slower moving planets, it represents all things relating to isolation and withdrawal. The Strength card asks you to acknowledge within when you need to withdraw, and allow yourself to retreat; and to view these times as an opportunity to reflect and renew yourself. Neptune’s connection with Strength tells of freedom by dissolving all of one’s boundaries and becoming one on a ‘feeling’ level with creation.



Strength’s connection with Mars brings in lots of energy and intuition. Mars is the planet of war, so it must be remembered to use this energy for positive purposes rather than negative.



Being related to Leo, which states, ‘I seek myself through what I create’, the Strength card tells of someone who is very often driven by ego. This person, when working on a negative level, can become a dictator and can harm many people. The strength of Leo needs to be tempered with Divine strength.



Strength is connected to the number 8, which indicates the need to strive to create a balance between our spiritual and human natures. The symbol for the number 8 is the double square; a form that is solidified into matter  -  as you sow, so shall you reap. The number 8 is a power number, and this power must be used for the good of all.



The Strength card tells us that patience, compassion, dealing with frustration, the acceptance of others and tolerating imperfection (in oneself and in others) all leads to being a complete person.



MEANING:
The Strength card is number 8 and eights in a reading are very positive and indicate positive changes.



Appearing in a tarot reading, Strength suggests that there is a focus of fortitude and courage and implies that you should be true to your convictions and challenge those who are in the wrong. It says that you will need to have courage and determination in order to succeed. Success will result in you being respected as a leader and a source of inspiration. Strength is a very positive card which should motivate you to have faith in yourself.



The Strength card in a reading should inspire one to face up to situations that may appear to be difficult. This will develop one’s confidence and self-esteem and help one to retain their sense of purpose.



When appearing in a tarot spread, Strength tells you that you need to learn to rise above the position and use these energies on a higher level.



Strength, appearing in a reading, represents a person who has the ability to face adverse situations, and to guide others from dangerous situations.



Strength appearing in a tarot spread tells of being unafraid of danger. It tells of physical and mental strengths and the ability to achieve whatever you put your mind to.



When Strength appears in a reading it tells of a possible reconciliation with a loved one. You may have to ‘change your tune’ in regards to your attitude, but this may lead to happiness and fulfillment so it is well worth your while.



Strength indicates that emotional and physical endurance may be needed to overcome a current situation in your life. This strength, combined with a sympathetic balance of intellectual and emotional powers, provides an ability to handle life issues and events in a positive and productive manner. 



The Strength card suggests a time or situation that can be tempered with kindness and love. Heightened emotions and negative emotions can be quelled with inner-strength and love.



The Strength card asks you to view all obstacles as challenges. You are able to handle all in your stride.



REVERSED MEANING:
Keywords:

Helplessness, imbalance, temptations, weakness, manipulation, abuse of power, discord, disgrace, lack of faith, lack of willpower.



The negative qualities of Strength include misuse of power, aggressiveness, and intolerance.



The Strength card when it appears reversed in a reading, tells you to stay strong and courageous at this time, otherwise you may lose your resolve and things will not go as envisioned.



When Strength appears reversed it tells of someone with an over-bearing and domineering attitude, who may be upsetting proceedings. The presence of the Strength card reversed suggests that disharmony has resulted from an abuse of power, leaving others resentful and bitter.



When reversed, the Strength card tells you that if you truly believe that you are in the right, be firm and proceed with your plans regardless of opposition from others.



Reversed Strength may also be suggesting weakness and succumbing to temptations. Strength reversed tells of one who is always looking to others for support. Remain aware of mental and physical weakness that could be used by others as a tool in the abuse of the power.



Strength reversed indicates someone who may be inclined towards vanity and uncontrollable lust. 


Reversed Strength tells of a distinct lack of inner-strength. It indicates a lack of self-belief and feelings of powerlessness. These feelings can be overcome, however, if strong emotions are correctly channelled.



Reversed Strength may be implying that you are afraid that your plans will meet opposition, and that little will be done to solve your problems.



The Strength card reversed tells that there is a definite need to develop self-discipline when dealing with people and the handling of situations.



Strength appearing reversed in a reading tells you that you may be scattering your energies, and this will cause little achievement.



Strength reversed may be implying that someone is being stubborn or has a domineering attitude -  so remember this when dealing with this person at all times.



When Strength appears reversed it informs you that reality must be faced. You will be unable to progress until this is fully understood.


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Joanne Walmsley
Sacred Scribes
NUMEROLOGY - The Vibration and Energy of Numbers
ANGELS ARCHANGELS and ASCENDED MASTERS