Strength depicts a woman, usually in the act of opening a lion's mouth. Such an act requires courage and certainty, although in many packs the lion seems to be co-operating rather meekly. The figure-eight symbol, for eternity, is drawn over the woman's head, sometimes in the form of a hat. The human figure is also intended to represent the conscious mind coming to terms with our instinctive, animal natures. Some experts maintain that the woman (in some, more recent decks, a man) is taming or controlling these forces lurking deep within us all. Others suggest cooperation between the two. The solar sign of Leo, the Lion, which rules the fifth house of the natural zodiac, rules this card. Positive attributes of this sign include honesty, generosity, loyalty and reliability. It is this fixed sense of purpose, combined with high ideals, which pervades Strength; Leo rules the heart, physically and emotionally, while the fifth house is connected with creativity, romance, pleasure and children. Interpretation Strength Strength does, of course, mean strength, but it has nothing to do with brute force or violence. This kind of strength comes from a generous, loving heart. When you draw Strength, you have the courage of your convictions and will triumph over hatred, miserly attitudes, and mean-spirited enemies. You are filled with faith and power. Optimism and a firm resolve will enable you to win through in any situation. When Strength manifests as a person, he or she is generous and fair-minded. You may be the fortunate recipient of liberality, or encounter someone who will fight on your behalf. This person cannot stand by and see injustice or cruelty without trying to put things right. Such people will not acknowledge defeat or negativity, and their considerable willpower and energy will inspire you. Should you have been involved in an unpleasant dispute, or have experienced antagonism from others, you will be able to resolve things now. Strength overcomes dark forces with the power of love, resistance crumbles and you are reconciled with your enemies. Sometimes this card can translate itself quite literally. When this happens, a beloved animal could enter your life. You will gain great pleasure from this association, and find the animal a soothing and healing influence. Animals love unconditionally; they do not judge and find you wanting. This is the kind of love symbolised by this card. If you draw Strength when you are experiencing relationship difficulties, you must try to open your heart, forgive and forget. All is certainly not lost, but reconciliation demands love on both sides. Strength suggests that there is more than enough love between you. A happy future together is possible if you are both determined and do not give up at the first hurdle. Reversed Courage has deserted you; you have lost your nerve and no longer believe anything is possible. Fear and weakness are barriers to success; at this point negative forces are barriers to achievement. When this position represents a person it signifies he or she has given in, taken the easy way out, and accepted defeat. Fear of what the future holds may be the motive; fear has frozen the ability to act. Sometimes this position is telling you to summon up your inner strength and carry on despite genuine difficulties. You will be successful if only you can overcome your fear of failure, enemies or obstacles. 0 - The Fool 1 - The Magician 2 - The High Priestess 3 - The Empress 4 - The Emperor 5 - The Hierophant or Pope 6 - The Lovers 7 - The Chariot 8 - Justice 9 - The Hermit 10 - The Wheel of Fortune 11 - Strength 12 - The Hanged Man 13 - Death 14 - Temperance 15 - The Devil 16 - The Tower 17 - The Star 18 - The Moon 19 - The Sun 20 - Judgment 21 - The World