Strength

The Strength card is a symbol of inner fortitude, which helps us prevail in the face of life’s challenges. Strength is something that needs to be reinforced every day. Just as muscles need to be continuously used to maintain their power, so too does inner-strength need to be habitually exercised.

The Strength card usually depicts a woman who is calmly holding the jaws of a fully grown lion. Despite the fact that the lion looks menacing and strong, the woman seems to have dominion over it. She gracefully controls the lion. She is calm and collected, which is representative of her being in control and disciplined especially in times of great adversities.

In this case I have chosen to depict Bonnie, the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo with one of the most deadly predators on the planet. Crocodiles have been around for 240 million years and play a vital role in keeping waterways clean and healthy of other species.

Salties, like the one Bonnie is with, have highly developed vision, hearing and sense of smell especially, allowing them to probe their surroundings. These cold blooded reptiles rely on the external environment to regulate their body temperature. This involves moving in and out of water, basking on land, shade seeking and mouth gaping. Their behaviour is subtle – although they spend large amounts of time motionless, they are often alert watching their environment.

“Strength’s tarot meaning is one of my favourites because it has a very potent, supportive energy that lets you know that you can do what needs to be done. That you have the inner strength to push through whatever is holding you back or causing you pain and negativity right now”. Self Care Emporium

Crocodiles are sentient beings who experience pain and pleasure. So when the Saltie asked Bonnie to draw upon her apothecary of wonder potions and find something to soothe his toothache she doesn’t flinch. Here you see her flying back to this fearsome creature with a bottle of medications. She is in complete control and tops off the encounter by sharing hints about the benefits of meditation.

Fun Fact

Some facts about Crocodiles – Stop Crocodile Slaughter!