There is little need to explain which tarot card is connected to Leo! It’s easy peasy: knowing that Leo is represented by a lion and understanding the symbolism in tarot cards, it is clear that the Strength tarot card is associated with Leo.
The Strength, particularly in the Rider-Waite version, prominently features a lion. Just as The Emperor card is clearly linked to Aries by the ram, the connection between Leo and the Strength card is symbolically obvious.
Before we delve deeper into this connection, it’s important to clarify something. While tarot cards and astrology can indeed be linked, these connections are not set in stone. Tarot and astrology are distinct systems, and their associations are based on symbolism rather than strict rules. The rich symbolism in both practices allows for these interconnections.
With this clarified, let’s explore the connection between the Strength card and Leo.
How the Strength card captures Leo’s core qualities
The Strength card beautifully encapsulates the core qualities of Leo. In this card, a serene woman is depicted gently holding the jaws of a powerful lion, symbolizing her control and leadership over this majestic beast. This image resonates deeply with Leo’s natural charisma and confidence, as Leos are often seen as natural leaders who thrive in the spotlight. Just as the woman in the card exudes grace and authority, Leos possess a magnetic presence that draws others to them.
The lion in the Strength card represents essential human emotions such as passion, courage, and desire. Much like Leos, the lion symbolizes a powerful and dynamic energy that can both inspire and intimidate. This fiery nature is a hallmark of Leo, who approaches life with enthusiasm and determination.
Moreover, the Strength card serves as a reminder for Leos to embrace their inner strength and resilience. It encourages Leos to tap into their innate courage and face challenges with grace and empathy. While Leos are known for their assertiveness and power, the Strength card highlights the importance of tempering these qualities with kindness and compassion. Ultimately, it teaches Leos that true strength comes from within and is expressed through a balance of power and compassion.
Leo’s ruler and the yellow card
As we admire the Strength card, the vibrant yellow color immediately stands out. It is the dominant color in the card, symbolically connecting to Leo’s ruler: the Sun.
This card shines brightly, much like the Sun itself, and by extension, like Leo. Just like the Sun, Leo is warm, vivacious, and central. Leos have a magnetic presence that never goes unnoticed. They are the epitome of pure expressiveness, theatricality, and passion, loving to bask in the spotlight and be celebrated. Leos are often the center of attention.
Leo is ruled by the Sun, which never goes retrograde, symbolizing the stability and consistency Leos are known for. As a fixed fire sign, Leos are renowned for their loyalty, making them steadfast friends and partners.
Leo and the infinity symbol in the Strength card
Leo’s main month is August, the eighth month of the year. Interestingly, in the Rider-Waite deck, the Strength card is also numbered 8. This differs from the Marseille version of the card, which is called Fortitude and is numbered 11. For more information on the key symbols in the Marseille tarot card, click here.
Returning to the Rider-Waite version, the number 8 is significant not only because it is the card’s number and Leo’s main month but also because it appears as the infinity symbol above the woman’s head. This symbol can be interpreted as both an infinity sign and the number eight. The infinity symbol, which also appears in The Magician card, represents limitless potential and boundless possibilities.
For Leos, this symbol serves as a reminder of their immense potential and the endless opportunities available to them. It also signifies the proverb “Every stick has two ends”, suggesting that Leos should be consciously aware of the consequences of their actions, whether in this life or the next. The placement of the infinity sign above the woman’s head underscores her awareness of the far-reaching impact of her actions.
Strength’s keywords and Leo’s characteristics
We’ve often highlighted how the keywords of tarot cards align with the traits of astrological signs. For instance, Gemini with The Lovers card, Capricorn with The Devil, and Pisces with the Moon card. The Strength card’s keywords align similarly with Leo’s characteristics.
Here are some of the keywords for Strength, both upright and reversed:
UPRIGHT: Strength – Courage – Patience – Inner fortitude – Compassion – Mastery
REVERSED: Aggression – Overbearing – Impulsiveness – Loss of control – Struggles with personal power – Ineffectiveness – Disharmony
Leos, like the Strength card, embody courage and inner fortitude. They are natural leaders, compassionate and generous, mastering their environment with charisma. However, their quest for attention and admiration can lead to the reversed traits: disharmony, impulsiveness, and struggles with personal power.
As discussed in our article on perfect gifts for every zodiac sign, Leos are creators, turning everything they touch into gold. They thrive on attention and excitement, sometimes becoming self-centered and vain, yet never losing their inherent generosity. Their desire for the spotlight drives them to take risks and embrace challenges head-on, often without fully considering the consequences.
Here we are at the end. If you have any questions or insights to share, please leave a comment below. We’re eager to provide more information and hear your thoughts about Leo and its connections to this or other tarot cards.
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