STRENGTH PATIENCE COMPASSION SOFT CONTROL
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SHOWING STRENGTH knowing you can endure having a gallant spirit feeling an unshakable resolve taking heart despite setbacks having stamina being a rock Reversed Early Phase: You may begin to feel stronger. Energy may return. You may become more determined. The will to survive may grow. Your power may build. Late Phase: Your strength is declining. You're no longer feeling vigorous. You've lost heart. Energy is draining out of the situation. People are losing resolve. The peak of power is past. |
BEING PATIENT dealing calmly with frustration accepting others taking time maintaining composure refusing to get angry showing forbearance Reversed Early Phase: You may become more patient. It may get easier to wait. You may develop calm endurance. You may need to bide your time. People may become more accepting. Late Phase: You're losing patience. You can't wait any longer. The period of resigned acceptance is over. Suffering in silence is no longer an option. You're losing your composure. |
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giving others lots of space tolerating understanding what others are feeling accepting forgiving imperfection being kind Reversed Early Phase: You may start to feel sympathy. Tolerance may grow. People may show more kindness. A mood of good will may develop. You may begin to feel sorry for someone. Late Phase: Compassion is fading. You no longer feel kindly disposed. The era of good intentions is ending. Well-meaning gestures are becoming less frequent. |
ACHIEVING SOFT CONTROL persuading working with guiding indirectly being able to influence tempering force with benevolence demonstrating the strength of love Reversed Early Phase: You may start to guide indirectly. You're considering a delicate approach. People may become more accommodating. A lighter touch may be applied in the future. Late Phase: The period of benevolent control is ending. You're no longer open to influence. Attempts to persuade are decreasing. People are less willing to go along gracefully. |
Description
Usually we think of strength in physical terms—big arms, powerful legs—but there is also inner strength. Inner strength comes from an exercise of the heart muscle. It is perseverance, courage, resolve, and composure—qualities that help us endure when times are tough. In the past, a person with inner strength was said to have character; he or she could be counted on in the darkest moments. Card 8 represents this energy of quiet determination. Strength is not a flashy card, but one that is solid and reliable.
Card 8 also represents patience and compassion. Getting angry is easy when events turn sour, but dealing calmly with frustration takes great strength. So does accepting others and forgiving mistakes. We need strength to mold situations softly. The Chariot controls through mastery and authority. Card 8 is more subtle, even loving. Notice how the lion (itself a symbol of strength) is being guided and tamed by the woman's gentle hands.
Card 8 will appear in a reading when its qualities are needed. It can be a reminder not to despair or give up. You have the inner strength to endure and triumph. If you are pushing too hard, you need to withdraw for the moment and be patient. If other people or circumstances are driving you crazy, remember the strength that comes with love and forbearance. These will see you through the hardest moments.
Some Possible Opposing Cards
Eight of Cups—weariness, lack of strength
Six of Swords—being listless, lacking heart
Five of Pentacles—ill health, weakness
Some Possible Reinforcing Cards
Hanged Man—taking time, patience
Nine of Wands—stamina, strength to endure
