Unleashing the infinite potential
Exploring the harmonious dance of Power and Strength
“Power. I have it. They don’t. This bothers them.” — Buffy Summers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
To be completely honest, I've encountered some difficulty in finding the starting point for this essay. I suppose one could say that I didn’t have the “strength” to write it (excuse the lameness of that joke 😅). Strength is such a complex topic that attaching an anecdote or personal story to it can be overwhelming simply due to the abundance of possibilities.
Over the weekend I shared with some close friends that I was struggling to discern a path forward on this topic. They graciously offered their insights into what it means to possess strength, power, and, most importantly, what it means when we activate (or fail to activate) both of these elements simultaneously.
Before I delve into the discussion, I want to make a distinction between the meanings of Power and Strength, as they are often used interchangeably in our society. However, in the context of this essay, Power is a raw material, force, or energy that must be "harnessed," while Strength is the ability to wield, direct, and optimize that Power for a purpose. To put it simply, Power is the fuel, and Strength is the vehicle. While both are valuable individually, their true potential is only realized when they work harmoniously, providing infinite (∞) potential.
Power is a catalyst for change. This statement may seem plain and simple, but it holds profound implications as it transcends the realm of human existence. Power does not have to make choices between good or bad, right or wrong, left or right—it simply exists. Within its transcendent existence lies our ceaseless pursuit to capture it, oscillating between the construction and destruction of humanity.
On the other hand, Strength resides within the very essence of being human—a space where choice, control, and action play pivotal roles. When we encounter Power and harness it for our own intentions, it is ultimately our Strength that determines how and when that Power is utilized.
There will always be moments in life where helplessness starts to seep in, usually when we perceive ourselves as devoid of Power and Strength. However, feeling powerless or weak does not imply that we lack access to either. In the extended version of the aforementioned quote, Buffy Summers, feeling extremely down, weak, and ineffective as a leader, suddenly has an epiphany:
“I've had a lot of people talking at me the last few days. Everyone just lining up to tell me how unimportant I am. And I've finally figured out why. Power. I have it. They don't. This bothers them.”
After reaching this "ah-ha" moment, Buffy quickly grasps the direction to pursue and formulates a plan. This plan not only utilizes the Power she has slowly amassed throughout the entirety of the series, but also includes clear, concise directives and a desired outcome, or her Strength. When both switches are turned on, Buffy can finally discern her desires, understand the necessary decisions, and determine the actions needed to emerge as a victor rather than a victim.
In a time where many individuals are being told that they are "wrong," "unwelcome," or "don't matter", the Strength card instills immense hope. It suggests that within these inhumane sentiments lies a source of Power that those in opposition do not want to have discovered. Whether one identifies as a womxn, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, a person of color, or any other individual who is targeted due to their "otherness," card VIII serves as a reminder of that Power. It also highlights the Strength marginalized communities have and continued to have throughout time.
As author Alice Walker said, "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." Strength will not allow us to abdicate…not without a strong fight, anyway.
To facilitate a better understanding of the Strength card, I have selected five decks that explore its subtle visual nuances, linking Power and Strength as one. These decks also apply both concepts to the realities of the human experience: the Pagan Otherworlds Tarot by Uusi, the Carnival at the End of the World Tarot by Kahn & Selesnick, the Rider-Waite Tarot (Waite-Smith) by Arthur Waite and Pamela Colman Smith, Tarot of the Old Path by Sylvia Gainsford, and the Morgan-Greer Tarot by Bill F. Greer.
VIII. Strength. Clockwise from top left: the Pagan Otherworlds Tarot by Uusi, the Rider-Waite Tarot (Waite-Smith) by Arthur Waite and Pamela Colman Smith (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.), the Tarot of the Old Path by Sylvia Gainsford (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.), the Morgan-Greer Tarot by Bill F. Greer (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.), and the Carnival at the End of the World Tarot by Kahn & Selesnick.
First and foremost, let's start with the two characters who reside within the confines of the card's four sides: the Woman in White and the Lion, each representing the concepts of Strength and Power, respectively. We will explore their dynamics in a moment, but let's delve deeper into each of their individual visual representations.
The Woman in White, or in the case of the Tarot of the Old Path, The Woman in the Buff, is usually depicted in long, flowing white robes, symbolizing purity and innocence. But I challenge this traditional interpretation with something more vibrant. When white light passes through a prism, it bends and disperses, revealing its component colors. This dispersed light forms a continuous spectrum of colors, more commonly known as a rainbow. To me, the Woman in White's garment represents the diverse range of mixed experiences we have as humans. If we can align those experiences and traits to focus our Strength, we become fully engaged. Even though the Woman in the Tarot of the Old Path is without clothes, I believe a similar concept is at play; she has shed the social constructs of the "civil" world in exchange for Strength. Her power and mind are simply too occupied to bother with choosing something to wear, opting for freedom.
But what about her animal companion, the Lion, or as seen in the Pagan Otherworlds Tarot, a Bear? These wild animals symbolize raw, instinctual energy and untamed Power. It is impossible (except in the circus—*cough *cough to the Carnival at the End of the World Tarot) to make them be anything other than their natural selves. One cannot teach a lion to pour tea or a bear to balance a checkbook. They exist solely as they are; Animal. Natural. Primal.
Naturally, we can conclude that the Woman's ability to calm and work with the Lion symbolizes her Strength and capacity to channel primal Power. I usually avoid using the word "control" when discussing the relationship between the Woman and the Lioon, as attempting to control raw Power often leads to unintended consequences. The lemniscate, or the infinity symbol, may also appear as the third character in this card, signifying the boundless potential between the two dynamics. It can also suggest that when there is a balance between Power and Strength, an enduring quality emerges that transcends time and circumstances.
Strength created by artificial intelligence.
I adore the way artists Kahn & Selesnick depict the infinity symbol of Strength: the Woman's head obstructing the gaping maw of the Lion, creating a loose lemniscate. Talk about putting your head where it belongs! To me, this further emphasizes the essential balance that must exist between Power and Strength, and ultimately, the harmony between our civilized and primal natures.
Needless to say, both Buffy Summer and Alice Walker were right. If one finds themselves on the receiving end of words like “insignificant”, “unremarkable”, “irrelevant” or “unworthy”, chances are we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be; full of potential Power and more importantly, full of Strength.