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Description
Entry for The Mystic Tarot Contest [link] being hosted by and

*~* KEY SYMBOLS *~*

JAGUAR: Traditionally, a lion is depicted on the Strength card. I decided to use the jaguar instead because it is known that the jaguar the largest and most ferocious cat of the Americas, pound for pound more fierce and dangerous than: the tiger, the lion or the leopard. Thus the jaguar was a better representation of "strength". I also did not want to confuse "Strength" with the theme of royalty present in "The Empress". The depiction in the piece above seems natural with the jaguar laying at the water's edge, as the jaguar is the only large cat that routinely hunts in the water.

WARRIOR: Traditionally, a maiden is depicted on the Strength card. The young female in white (a symbol of purity) subdues the jaguar through a strength that is internal. Through compassion, love, patience, and cunning, she is able to calm the beast into retreating into a behavior that is more manageable. Well, who that the maiden couldn’t also be a warrior? It seems to represent the more obvious idea of strength. Here, the young woman’s attire, posture, and wielding of the sword, suggests that she is an Amazon (a legendary nation of warrior-women in Greek mythology). The warrior’s tattoos further indicate her strength – the idea that she is used to pain.

WATER: The use of water in the form of a waterfall and a calm pool, represents strength. Water is a powerful element, and can be destructive and fatal and yet refreshing and life-saving. We depend on water as a life source, so thus water has the strength to keep life going.

MOUNTAINS: The mountains symbolize aspiration, achievement, courage and accomplishment. In this case, the mountain can represent the challenges we face in our lives. As we look upon the Strength card and see the mountains in the distance we are aware that we will always be met with challenges in our lives. However, what makes climbing the mountain difficult or easy is the way we approach it.

TIARA: Traditionally, a wreath is depicted on the Strength card. I decided to use a tiara or circlet instead because it better fit the warrior’s style. Like a wreath, the tiara/circlet symbolizes completion and infinity (circle). A crown around the maiden’s head is a symbol of victory.

*~* Stock Credits *~*
Jaguar © *JLStock [link]
Tiara © ~Delekatala-stock [link]
Warrior © =IWS-stock [link]
Background © =IWS-stock [link]
Blue flower © *Sammykaye1sStamps [link]
Yellow Flower © *Sammykaye1sStamps [link]

Description
Entry for The Mystic Tarot Contest [link] being hosted by and

*~* KEY SYMBOLS *~*

JAGUAR: Traditionally, a lion is depicted on the Strength card. I decided to use the jaguar instead because it is known that the jaguar the largest and most ferocious cat of the Americas, pound for pound more fierce and dangerous than: the tiger, the lion or the leopard. Thus the jaguar was a better representation of "strength". I also did not want to confuse "Strength" with the theme of royalty present in "The Empress". The depiction in the piece above seems natural with the jaguar laying at the water's edge, as the jaguar is the only large cat that routinely hunts in the water.

WARRIOR: Traditionally, a maiden is depicted on the Strength card. The young female in white (a symbol of purity) subdues the jaguar through a strength that is internal. Through compassion, love, patience, and cunning, she is able to calm the beast into retreating into a behavior that is more manageable. Well, who that the maiden couldn’t also be a warrior? It seems to represent the more obvious idea of strength. Here, the young woman’s attire, posture, and wielding of the sword, suggests that she is an Amazon (a legendary nation of warrior-women in Greek mythology). The warrior’s tattoos further indicate her strength – the idea that she is used to pain.

WATER: The use of water in the form of a waterfall and a calm pool, represents strength. Water is a powerful element, and can be destructive and fatal and yet refreshing and life-saving. We depend on water as a life source, so thus water has the strength to keep life going.

MOUNTAINS: The mountains symbolize aspiration, achievement, courage and accomplishment. In this case, the mountain can represent the challenges we face in our lives. As we look upon the Strength card and see the mountains in the distance we are aware that we will always be met with challenges in our lives. However, what makes climbing the mountain difficult or easy is the way we approach it.

TIARA: Traditionally, a wreath is depicted on the Strength card. I decided to use a tiara or circlet instead because it better fit the warrior’s style. Like a wreath, the tiara/circlet symbolizes completion and infinity (circle). A crown around the maiden’s head is a symbol of victory.

*~* Stock Credits *~*
Jaguar © *JLStock [link]
Tiara © ~Delekatala-stock [link]
Warrior © =IWS-stock [link]
Background © =IWS-stock [link]
Blue flower © *Sammykaye1sStamps [link]
Yellow Flower © *Sammykaye1sStamps [link]