PATIENCE
COMPASSION
SOFT CONTROL
Usually, we think of strength in physical terms – big arms, powerful legs – but there is also inner strength. Inner strength comes from an exercise of the heart muscle. It is perseverance, courage, resolve, and composure – qualities that help us endure when times are tough.
In the past, a person with inner strength was commonly said to have character; he or she could be counted on in the darkest moments. Card 8 represents this energy of quiet determination. Strength is not a flashy card, but one that is solid and reliable.
Card 8 also represents patience and compassion. Getting angry is easy when events turn sour, but dealing calmly with frustration takes great strength. So does accepting others and forgiving mistakes. We need strength to mold situations softly. The Chariot controls through mastery and authority.
Card 8 is more subtle, even loving. Notice how the lion (itself a symbol of strength) is being guided and tamed by the woman’s gentle hands.
Card 8 will appear in a reading when its qualities are needed. It can be a reminder not to despair or give up. You have the inner strength to endure and triumph. If you are pushing too hard, you need to withdraw for the moment and be patient. If other people or circumstances are driving you crazy, remember the strength that comes with love and forbearance. These will see you through the hardest moments.
showing strength
- knowing you can endure
- having a gallant spirit
- feeling an unshakable resolve
- taking heart despite setbacks
- having stamina
- being a rock
being patient
- dealing calmly with frustration
- accepting others
- taking time
- maintaining composure
- refusing to get angry
- showing forbearance
being compassionate
giving others lots of space
tolerating
understanding what others are feeling
accepting
forgiving imperfection
being kind
achieving soft control
- persuading
- working with
- guiding indirectly
- being able to influence
- tempering force with benevolence
- demonstrating the strength of love
Some possibilities
- Chariot – hard control
- Eight of Cups – weariness, lack of strength
- Six of Swords – being listless, lacking heart
- Five of Pentacles – ill-health, weakness
Some possibilities
- Hanged Man – taking time, patience
- Nine of Wands – stamina, strength to endure
There are no separate explanations for reversed cards. The meaning of a reversed card depends on what the card would mean if upright. A reversed card shows that a card’s energy is present but at a lower level. For some reason, the energy cannot be expressed freely, normally, or completely. It may be:
- still in its early stages
- losing force and power
- blocked or restricted
- incomplete
- inappropriate
- being denied
- only present in appearance
See Lesson 17 for more information on reversed cards.