11 – Strength
The figure at the center of the card stands calmly among animals in their natural habitat. Unlike traditional depictions of Strength, she does not subdue a beast through physical force. Her authority arises from understanding rather than dominance. She is integrated into the natural world, not opposed to it, and the animals respond to her because she knows how to work in harmony with their nature. Control here is achieved through knowledge, presence, and earned authority.
Her posture is upright and composed, entirely non-aggressive. This establishes immediately that strength in this card is not exertion, but steadiness. She does not struggle. She stands.
Her attire references Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form that demands extreme discipline, precision, and embodied control. This signals mastery that is cultivated through sustained practice and conscious refinement.
Strength here is learned, internalized, and maintained over time. The dancer’s stance reinforces balance, intentionality, and command of movement without excess.
The animals surrounding her are not restrained. They inhabit a shared world. The alligator, an ancient apex predator, represents primal power and instinct. Her presence does not suppress that power, but brings calm and order to the world around her.
The other animals represent vulnerability and responsibility. Strength is not only about confronting the powerful, but also about protecting the weak. In her presence, the animals fear neither her nor one another. Her raised hand is not a gesture of threat or command, but of calm authority and reassurance. She does not wrestle with danger. She transforms it through understanding.
I have never been comfortable with the traditional image of a figure forcing open a lion’s jaws. To me, strength is not expressed through domination or the imposition of human will over the natural world. It arises from understanding, restraint, and the wisdom to work in harmony with forces greater than ourselves. True strength does not deny the natural order. It recognizes it and responds with clarity, patience, and confidence.
I nevertheless wanted to acknowledge the traditional iconography of the card. Rather than placing a lion at the center of the scene, I incorporated it into the costume itself. Two opposing lions appear in the brocade of the sleeves, while a lion’s head is repeated in the broader trim of the bodice, hips, and skirt. The lion remains present as a symbol of strength, but it no longer represents conquest or domination. Instead, it becomes a talisman. We do not acquire the lion’s power by defeating it. We do not master the natural world by exploiting it. We apply our strength as stewardship.
I made a reference to the traditional iconography of this card by including the lion, a typical symbol of strength, into the brocade trim of the costume. There are two separate patterns: Opposing lions on the sleeves of the blouse and a lion’s head on the wider trim on the chest, hips and skirt.
A considerable amount of work went into the creation of this card. Because I used a specific person as a model it was important to me to get an accurate likeness of the subject, so although the finished work is small, the original components were quite large and detailed.
Trim pattern for costume
Necklace segment
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