The Strength card is about exercising the desires of our will in a way where no one is harmed. This card is named for the type of firm resolve where we go within and find that our baser instincts have been tamed. And with that taming, we become stronger.
Often for true kindness to come forth, we must find it within ourselves to forgive. We’re asked to let go of any judgment of ourselves or others, and view those around us with forgiveness and tolerance.
As we mentioned in Chapter 2, Strength was Card 11 in tarot for centuries until the Rider-Waite deck flipped its position with the Justice card in 1909. In order to keep the intended flow of The Dreamer’s Journey intact, we chose to return it to its original position in the Angel Tarot Cards.
The Dreamer’s Journey
In our journey as The Dreamer, we learned all about the power of control and sheer will with The Chariot. However, the time we spent with The Hermit has put us in touch with our more spiritual side. We’ve discovered that there’s another way to power our dream besides pure determination. We can do it with kindness. The exercising of compassion is a critical aspect on our journey of enlightenment. With the Strength card, we discover a very beautiful woman working in concert with a tiger—one of nature’s most powerful animals. Her kindness toward the tiger has brought her cooperation that she could never have attained with brute force.
Doves of peace fly ahead of this duo as they move farther along in their adventure. The lady and the tiger will need patience, since they’re only halfway through their journey.
Symbolism
Archangel Ariel rides a tiger, a symbol of great strength and courage. However, the tiger is her ally, not her servant.
Tigers are known for their great power, yet this one is content to work with Archangel Ariel due to her love of nature. Beauty and angelic wisdom move in concert with the power and soulfulness of the animal kingdom.
Behind Ariel a city glows, although they’re clearly moving out into the forest. In this card, the comforts of civilization live in harmony with the wilds of nature.
Archangel Ariel carries a shield that has a dove with the symbol of infinity in its beak, while other doves fly about. Doves represent peace, and the infinity sign tells us that there’s no end to the peace we can create.
The doves paired with the tiger also tell us that true strength is wielded in peace.
The flowers are Stars of Bethlehem and are said to bring hope. They’re also sometimes given to someone as a way to say “I’m sorry.”
Angel Number
Strength is Card 11, and is considered a “master number.” Due to this number’s deep connection with inner wisdom, it’s able to manifest amazing things, thus bringing with it an obligation to remain in a positive and uplifting energy. This number is also connected with great spiritual insights and often implies a sense of responsibility that encourages acting in ways that display a purity of conscience.
Archangel
Archangel Ariel’s name means “lioness of God.” She’s also the archangel most closely associated with nature and animals. She works in tandem with Archangel Raphael in the healing of animals and is a favorite of environmentalists. She’s known for her ability to manifest the material needs of those who call upon her.
Her color is pale pink.
Astrology
Astrologically, this card is Leo, a sign that is loving, ambitious, powerful, and loyal. And, of course, Leo has a flair for the dramatic (like taking a ride on a tiger). Leo is also very idealistic and broad-minded, which allows this sign to see others without feeling the need to judge their path. Leo is very humane in its viewpoint of the world, which is in line with Archangel Ariel and the way she sees planet Earth and all its inhabitants.
