Overview: Strength & The Eights

The first step towards gaining a deeper understanding of the Tarot, and something a lot of people forget to do, is to break down the 56 minor arcana cards into 14 groups - the aces, the twos, threes, and so on. So instead of having 56 cards, you only have one set of 14 cards, each with four different suits, coupled with a card from the major arcana as an influence of those cards. In a previous post we discussed the suits and the difference aspect they symbolise, now it's just a matter or leaning the 14 different groups of cards, and their relationship with their "parent" major arcana.

In this lesson, we shall be discussing Strength and the eights 

Strength & The Eights

 

Strength

This isn't just physical strength, it's about the strength  will and determination, power through persuasion. Other people see the blocks of our building being placed and they no longer question what they are doing, they accept it They too begin to share your vision, they can see it too, so they go along. The strength card shows a maiden in control of a lion. Is this really strength? She isn't fighting the lion or killing it, she is showing a different kind of strength. She is controlling the lion with her strength of character, her strength of intuition, of intelligence, of understanding. A strength of will. This is symbolic of resourcefulness, of harnessing the power we have to control our environment. Remember the chariot driver struggling to control the sphinxes that were pulling in different directions? Well with the eights we have mastered that accomplishment, we are no longer struggling to control the forces. We have the confidence, skills, and natural ability to do it intuitively and instinctively; and by doing so we achieve harmony with our surroundings. Strength does not mean fighting a lion with your bare knuckles, as the card illustrates the effect is far stronger than that. Which is more powerful? A lion struggling in your clutches, or one beside you obeying your command? Your strength is far more than your physical abilities. 

The Eights

Let's go back to the idea of the four cornerstones of a building, with the arrival of the eights, we now have blocks above them. A structure is now forming. Progress is being made, we now have momentum, and one of the things about momentum is it is very difficult to stop. That what the eights, and their parent card strength are all about. 

The Eight of Swords

The eight of swords depicts a woman bound and blindfolded surrounded by the symbols of those in power: the swords. This maiden is not tied to her position, she can walk but she is surrounded by danger, and cannot see the path out. These are the limitations we oppose upon ourselves - our blindness to our own weaknesses and predicaments. We become surrounded by our conflicts and crises and problems when we second guess ourselves or our own thoughts. We place a blindfold upon ourselves, and in ding so we make our position more precarious than it needs to be. This card acknowledges our fears and inhibitions, it is a card that symbolises limitation, but also as an eight, it suggests a way out. But can we remove the blindfold to see it? Can we continue on? The parent of this card is strength, so do we dare continue on our path knowing that the swords surround us? Much like the taming of the lion, this is not a test that will be won with physical strength, but with creativity; wisdom; understanding. Do we face our fears along as we are? Or do we find the resources we need to overcome our problem?

The Eight of Wands

The eight of wands depicts eight wands flying through the air - a speedy deliver - what comes comes quickly. This is an exciting time! So hold on to your hat and brace for change. Coupled with the association with strength, be prepared for rapidly changing events that demand creative clever action. Things may not land exactly where you expect them. Move quickly to weather the attack.
 

The Eight of Cups

The eight of cups depicts a man leaving the cups behind, walking up the shoreline, perhaps having returned from a successful journey, and now returning to a very different life. He heads off in the direction of the moon - literally this may be referring to walking away from vice or addiction, which is certainly a form of strength. This man is walking away from something he felt passionately about. What would make him do that? Strength. There is something better out there, something worth pursuing, worth surrendering other passions to pursue. He seeks the unknown, whilst forsaking the comfort of that which is known to be pleasant to him. He seeks something greater than he has known and leaves the comfort and contentment of his current life. He leaves love to seek out something greater. He has an idea in his mind, a plan, and yet it is not without sadness that he leaves the other things behind.

The Eight of Pentacles

The eight of pentacles depicts a tradesman or a hard worker labouring over his work. This is another kind of strength, that of determination and steady endeavour. This hard suggests effort and hard work - the slow and challenging way to a comfortable life. He works alone, no one over his shoulder, content to focus on the object of his efforts. Whilst concentrating and accepting, he is no longer seeking to impress rich financieers as he was in the three of pentacles, nor is he holding tightly to his rewards as he was in the four of pentacles. He is not enduring a great loss as he was in the five of pentacles. He simply works, does his jobs and accepts his situation, and realises that hard work (not fortune) can bring him to where he wants to be. This card is about diligence and focusing on the task at hand, not showing off or hoping for something more; just a simple pride in your work. It serves as a reminder to pay attention to details, research, train and do what is needed in order to excel. It is an understanding that achievement will not come from the recognition of others but by the personal satisfaction of a job well done.