Wanting to make some progress on various projects, I decided that I'd at least make an image to represent the 'strength' tarot card. I found a photo perfect for the lion. He is there 'sniffing the breeze', and perfect. I looked at various photos of people with lions, found at Father of Lions.org to get an idea of the size of lion to lady. Of course none of them had the exact pose I wanted. So I decided the best way to work a lady's embrace into that was to have Julia take photos of me in the pose I want. I put my arm out like I was hugging a lion.

I've now got the basic sketch to 11x14. I also want to do some WRITING about 'Strength', but at I have least this much.

Wikipedia gives the standard meaning of the strength card:

"The modern interpretation of the card stresses discipline and control. The lion represents the primal 'id' part of the mind, and the woman, the 'higher' or more elevated parts. The card tells the Querent to be wary of the temptations of the flesh. For example, in The Chariot card, the Querant is fighting a battle. The difference is that in Strength, the battle is mainly internal rather than external.

"In the Crowley deck this card is entitled Lust, and there is a sun sign (zodiac) association with Leo, implying a potency that is sexual, creative, and intuitive, which are all attributes of the element Fire. The other Leonine quality of generosity, or mercy, is also an aspect of this power or strength. There is a further connection with the heart chakra in kundalini yoga."

Wiki explains, "The Anahata chakra is physically positioned at the heart region." "In Anahata, one is making decisions, 'following your heart', based upon one's higher self, and not from the unfulfilled emotions and desires of lower nature."

However, I see a deeper meaning than the standard view. Crowley gets closer to it. I'm seeing a great strength potential from the primal aspects which can be channeled towards creative endeavors. The lust, the fierce will to live, the pride, all of these are necessary. The higher self loves our 'animal nature' and it is the unifying nature of the heart which brings all things into balance and utilizes what is fierce within us.

As I think about this, the original meaning of the astronomical scene in Egyptian tombs might well have been this. Taweret, who is shown to be pregnant, might be showing the potential for creation and regeneration as in birthing new life, may be demonstrating that. Her hand on 'the thigh' may be showing a channeling aspect, rather than in the later view of a limiting aspect.

Sunday, December 14, 2008 A

"Sketch #2 - Strength Tarot Card"
10:52am

Although I intend to color this using colored pencils, I tried to work out basic coloration digitally:

It looks a little lighter in Photoshop...

I got some good imput on how to place the right hand, and decided to redraw the whole piece:

Now I am feeling nervous about the coloring. I've selected the pencils and set them in a neat pile. Usually I'm not THIS nervous.