Leo-Sun-Strength
In the coming weeks, I aim at completing the series of zodiac sign and associated Tarot card along with the ruling planet of the sign as well.
This week I will continue with Leo, ruled by the Sun and the Tarot card is the Strength.
Some of you may remember that I have written about the Sun in 2 separate blogs in the past which you may find in the following links:
https://amethystastrotarot.com/?p=886
https://amethystastrotarot.com/?p=920
Quoting from the latter blog piece, we can remind Sun as: “Why is it Sun so important in astrology then? In general terms, Sun may be representing or helping us to express our identity, power, it is our self-expression. On the positive side, it may be associated with vitality, self-confidence, radiance while on the negative side it may symbolise more like self-centredness, autocratic behaviour.”
So, what does the Sun ruled Leo in astrology tell us? As Roy Gillett writes in his book ‘The Secret Language of Astrology’ (I love this book by the way): “Being fixed fire, Leo stimulates and causes action rather than performing it…” Yes, Leo is a fixed sign in terms of modality and a fire sign in terms of elements. Although Leo giving the perception of ‘let the others deal with the performance’, there is a sense of leading things, there is also ‘let me not move so much out of my place’ fixed feeling as well with the energy spread around (fire). This energy and being at the centre of events are some of the qualities how we may confirm why Leo is ruled by the ‘mighty’ Sun.
Having said that, what are the qualities of a Leo in general? Leos may be confident and may be reflecting positive energy outside. In line with the associated 5th house, they may be into creation, fun and may love passing time with kids. On the negative side, they may be sometimes ego-centric, and not show gratitude. There may be a balance in a way that (as Gillett mentions in his book) they would like their wishes to be honoured and in return they may crown you with gifts. (As I always indicate without giving up, these are general definitions for people that were born with Sun sign Leo but the placements in the chart may show us a completely different profile.)
*Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck®, known also as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA.
Copyright ©1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck® is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
So, what about Tarot? Strength card with number 8 is associated with the zodiac sign Leo. In general terms, this card may symbolise inner power that may keep someone up even in the worst times and continue their way taking the strength from this inner power.
What is the connection between Leo and Strength? As we see in the depiction, the maiden is managing the lion with calmness and love, there is not a force applied physically. Thinking of Leo, I am thinking that Leos may have the ‘power’ of using sweet and nice words to make the people behave the way that they want as the depiction reflects.
There is another nice definition by Susan T.Chang in her book of ‘36 Secrets’ (that is another favourite book about decans and Minor Arcana): “…No matter how daunting the task, there is always a prize to be won. It may not be something we can polish and display on a shelf; it may not even be something we’d choose – but it might just be making of our personal legend.” This last part about ‘personal legend’ may be a motivation for the maiden in the depiction as well. The sweet taste of having achieved something, ‘I could tame even a lion, without using any physical force, just with my inner power and love’ Before I haven’t perceived this card as a symbol of looking for something that you may be proud of and show yourself for. Moreover, as Robert M. Place also writes in his book ‘The Tarot, History, Symbolism, and Divination’: “This card represents self-mastery through love.”
Overall, I think that Strength card in connection with Leo, is a combination of creating a good and powerful self-image and providing peace and calm enforced with love that contains the element of inner strength. In a way, coming back to Leo definition, ‘I calm the lion down which serves everyone, I get the praise for taming the lion which makes me proud of myself.’ However, when reading it is always good to keep in mind the general definition and think about the ‘personal legend’ part additionally.
I hope that you enjoyed this week’s blog.
If any questions, please do not hesitate to drop an e-mail to tpastrotarot@gmail.com or please pay a visit to my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/tpastrotarot
Stay well and keep safe until next week,
Teri