wisdom from the archetypes

The sign of Leo is tied to the Tarot card Strength.

“But we can also see Strength as the qualities vital for beginning the line. The search inward cannot be accomplished by ego. We need to confront feelings and desires long hidden from our conscious thoughts. If we attempt to transform ourselves by a wholly rational process we create another kind of persona…

“By making Strength number 8 we set it against the Chariot, as a different kind of power, not the ego’s will, but the inner strength to confront yourself calmly and without fear. The mysteries can be brought out because we have found the Strength to face them.

“On a very simply level we can see this emergence of suppressed feelings in the person who allows him or herself to act ‘childishly’, to weep or scream; in short to do all those things that previously seemed foolish or embarrassing. On a deeper level the lion symbolizes the whole force of personality, usually smoothed over by the demands of civilized life. Strength releases this energy in order to use it as a kind of fuel, propelling us along the inner path of the Hermit. This purpose can only be accomplished because the lion is ‘tamed’ at the same time that it is released. Strength opens up the personality like Pandora opening her box. It does so, however, with a sense of peace, a love of life itself, and great confidence in the final result. Unless we truly believe that the process of self discovery is a joyous one we will never follow it through.”

- Seventy Eight Degrees of Wisdom, Rachel Pollack

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