Laura has created her own, unique Tarot deck, named The Burlesque Tarot©. Her evocative artwork and dramatic, individual style, creates a magical world, where you may gain valuable, practical and spiritual insight into your life

You can use the card of the week facility in many different ways. For example, if you are developing knowledge of the tarot, it is a very useful learning tool, or, you may like to use it as a refection on your week. Viewing the card of the week is an empowering experience, which I hope will bring you insight and inspiration!

The card of the week explanation is divided into 3 areas:

The Tradition:  The traditional meaning of the card.

The Story: A dream like description of the card and the characters it contains.

Divination: How you would view this card in a reading.

Strength

The Tradition

 Strength is a Major Arcana Tarot Card and is associated with the astrological sign of Leo. Historically it was called 'Fortitude' and in Alister Crowley's Thoth deck, it is called 'Lust'. The numbering of the Strength card was originally XI, and the Justice card (see next week's card) was VIII, however in the influential Rider-Waite-Smith deck, those numbers are switched to fit in with the Golden Dawn's astrological  meanings,  so the VIII was attributed to the astrological sign Leo, and XI to Justice, as Libra.

The Strength card often represents a Woman and a Lion. The Lion representing our instinctive animal nature, and the Woman  shows us our 'higher' or elevated self. The Lion(s) in the card are attributed to the Sun, and solar heroes, such as Hercules. The masculine fire of the card is somewhat lessened by the domination of the female figure.This card also relates to the Goddess  with the number VIII because it takes eight years for Venus and Earth to sync up against the zodiac. 8 is also the number of infinity.

The Story

'Who comes knocking at my gates? And what intentions do you bring? For I am the Lady of the Beasts and I am unafraid to sing. The music of  life dances through my veins, as I have seen fires roar across the plains. If you who approach me are false of heart, my glorious Lions will tare you apart. Yet if you come close, strong and true, all manner of gifts I will bestow onto you!'

I am the Lady Strength, some call me Lust, some call me a Goddess.What would you call me? I am in your heart, pounding strong and true; when you feel you cannot face the tasks, life throws in front of you. If you listen intently, you will hear my song. I bring you the gift of inner strength. I fight my way, without anger. I communicate with animals, I do not seek to master them. Once, I healed a Lion  who I found sick and alone, he roared as I approached him, but I was without fear, for animals know the heart's intent. Walk with me a while, and I will remind you to respect yourself, your decisions and all life that shares this pulsing and vibrating earth.

Do not be overwhelmed with anger, jealousy or thoughts of revenge. Rise above these feelings and calm the inner beast with compassion. On the other hand, do not repress your passions and desires; as long as they harm none, do as you will. Feed your imagination, and live a fruitful, creative life, as creativity is the true essence of life.

I am a lover of music. To me, the swirling cosmos is a symphony of energy and life; each creature is like a note, which connects to others, creating chords and forming an endless song of life, death and re-birth. 

Come dance this fearless dance of life with me...

Divination

In a reading, the Strength card urges you to tap into your inner strength. No matter how small you feel, realise that physical brawn or power is not always required to solve problems. You are being asked to stand up for yourself and what you believe in. Try to tame the 'negative' aspects of your personality. Like its Leo ruler, Strength speaks of courage, leadership, energy and fire. Know when to shout, when to whisper and when to sing!

To order prints or find out more about Laura's Tarot deck, please use the contact form or visit  Laura's art website.

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