Strength

The next card in our deck is Strength, representing Leo! 

Typically, the Strength card depicts a woman stroking the face of a male lion. She is wearing a white robe and a crown of flowers. Over her head is the infinity symbol. The lion has been tamed - there is no coercion or force in their interactions. The lion is meant to be a symbol of raw passions and desire, and in taming him, the woman shows that instinct and passions can be channeled in positive ways when inner strength and resilience are applied. 

Last month's Chariot encouraged you to move forward, boldly and with action - it was a card focused on external action, strength and will. The Strength card is similar in nature, but turns inward. This is a card focused on inner strength and the human spirit's ability to overcome any obstacles. Upright, the Strength card is about strength (naturally), courage, persuasion, influence, and compassion. Reversed, it represents inner strength, self-doubt, low energy, and raw emotion. 

Pulling the Strength card upright is a reminder that you can do hard things, and overcome obstacles - you have persistence and stamina, along with the inner calm and patience to complete your goals. You are committed to what you need to do, and you go about it in a way that is mature and maintains your own composure. 

In a reading, this is a card that is focused on you and your Strength, your inner personal power and will. You do not need to flex your influence or control - this is a card about quiet might. Your ability to persuade the people in your life might go under the radar, to the point that people may underestimate your power because it is so invisible, but you should see that as an advantage. This is a card about taming your animal instincts, so no braggadocio here! 

Reversed, maybe it's a sign that you're feeling a little run down and a little depleted. How's that self-confidence? How can you bring things back to balance? There may be a setback you're experiencing, feeling vulnerable and self-conscious, but you have a resilience. The only way out is through, and it's okay to take time to reconnect to your power. Strength reversed is an invitation to evaluate your energy levels, rest and withdraw for a temporary period. It is important to take care of yourself so that you can take care of others. 

Ultimately, Strength, representative of fiery Leo, is not quite about restraint, but of channeling your power, passions, and fire into a kind of self-understanding. There is some control with this card in the sense that you need to have a sense of self-control to not let your strength turn into forcefulness and overbearing. Like our previous Tarot cards an Zodiac signs, each card is about finding the balance within the theme. 

Our Strength yarn is giving "I'm mad that it's still summer" with warm golds, orange, reds, and finishing with a deep purple and brown speckles. 

BASES:

Chester Mini Skein: 20g, 87 yards, 75% super wash merino/25% nylon
Hattie Floof: 50g, 459 yards, 72% mohair/28% silk (lace weight)
Chester Sock: 100g, 437 yards, blend of 75% superwash merino/25% nylon
Gladys Shawl: 100g, 438 yards, single ply blend of 70% superwash merino/30% silk
Adelaide MCN: 100g, 437 yards, 80% super wash fine merino/10% cashmere/10% nylon
Tortie Sport: 100g, 287 yards, 80% alpaca/20% silk
Minnie DK: 100g, 246 yards, 100% superwash merino wool 
Genny Worsted: 100g, 191 yards, 80% superwash merino/20% alpaca
Chubby Trevor: 115g, 136 yards, 100% superwash merino
Chunky Trevor: 100g, 76 yards, 80% superwash merino/20% nylon, single ply
Summer Fingering: 65% silk/35% linen, 115g skein, approximately 438 yards
Summer DK: 65% silk/35% linen, 115g skein, approximately 246 yards
Summer Worsted: 65% silk/35% linen, 115g skein, approximately 181 yards
Piper Fiber: 85% Polwarth Wool/15% Tussah Silk, approximately 4oz braid of fiber for spinning, felting, etc