Major Arcana

Strength

Strength is measured not by the effort it shows, but by the effort it no longer needs to show. Constraint does not prevail here — trust does.

Symbolic reading

In the guise of a fairground performer, an heiress to an ancient race effortlessly opens the jaws of a lion that allows her to do so — not because it has no choice, but because it trusts her. The circus setting closes a discreet loop with The Juggler, whose French name has long denoted a fairground performer. The Wanderer's ginger cat watches the scene, a simple witness; on a lectern, an ancient book remains open — the last vestige of knowledge the world has forgotten, disguised as a stage prop.

Reversed reading

Reversed, Strength tips towards constraint without trust: trying to impose by brute force what can only be obtained through patience, or conversely doubting one's own strength so much that one hides it. It is also precious knowledge kept locked away for fear of others' judgement, instead of being passed on.

• gentle mastery
• trust
• courage
• inner strength
• ancient knowledge
• patience