You’re Stronger Than You Realize

Finding Strength in the Cards: You Are Stronger Than You Think

At Shine After 50, I talk a lot about tools for living with vitality and purpose in your body, mind, and spirit. It may surprise you that Tarot cards are one of the tools I use regularly. For over 30 years, since I first became acquainted with them, I have relied on using tarot cards as a powerful source of creativity, clarity, inspiration, and spiritual guidance--especially during life’s challenges.

The past ten days have been especially difficult. It’s been just over six months since I lost my beloved son, Andrés Jr. The reality that his physical presence is gone hit me hard. The waves of grief have been like a tsunami of sadness that has pounded me relentlessly, especially at night.

As part of my regular morning ritual, I shuffle my Rider-Waite tarot deck, ask Spirit what I most need to know, and select a tarot card for spiritual guidance. Today, I drew the Strength card. Its message gave me solace and helped me center myself. Belo

The Strength Card: Quiet Power and Gentle Courage

The eighth card in the Major Arcana, the Strength Card has been one I have especially appreciated and always loved. In numerology, the number 8 is associated with power. The card’s imagery is striking-- a serene maiden gently closing the jaws of a lion. She looks calm and composed, her hands soft but firm, taming the lion without aggression. Above her head floats the infinity symbol, a sign of spiritual mastery and the endless ebb and flow of life.

Her crown and belt of flowers symbolize harmony with nature and the beauty of life. Her white dress suggests purity of intention, and the golden background suggests illumination and intellectual power.

The fierce, red, and muscular lion that bares its teeth symbolizes the challenges and fears that threaten and roar at us at different times of our lives. The maiden’s ability to tame this powerful creature without force tells us that real strength is quiet, gentle, and rooted in inner fortitude, not brute force.

Astrologically, this card resonates with Leo energy and the warmth of the Sun, echoing themes of vitality, confidence, and light. Strength whispers: “You already have what it takes—within.”

For more details on the meanings of the Strength card, watch the YouTube video lesson I created several years ago.

When Life Roars Back

Today, the Strength card felt like a supportive friend who reminded me that grief can at times feel like an untamed lion—wild, unpredictable, and terrifying. Grief or concerns about the challenges of life that often accelerate after age 50 can arrive in quiet moments and rear their heads and roar when you least expect it. This card reminded me that I don’t need to fight my grief or overpower it. I can lean into it and tame it with gentleness and courage. I can honor the pain and hole I feel in my heart from my son’s physical death without letting it consume me.

Strength teaches us that softness is not weakness. It’s the greatest power we hold: the ability to stay tender in a hard world, to keep loving, to keep showing up.

A Simple Practice for You

If you’re facing challenges—whether grief, fear, or uncertainty—consider these steps inspired by the Strength card:

·       Pause and Breathe – Before reacting, take a breath and allow space for calm power to enter your body and for your inner wisdom to flow.

·       Affirm Your Strength – Throughout the day/week, say the following statement out loud or silently,
“I face life’s challenges with calm fortitude and courage.”

·       Connect With Nature – Soak in its beauty, grounding, and healing power.

·       Listen to Music That Reminds You of Your Innate Power – For a fun throwback, I recommend Snap’s “I’ve Got the Power” today. It’s upbeat, empowering, and surprisingly fitting!

Final Thoughts

Life will always have its lions—grief, fear, challenges—but we can choose how we meet them. Today, the Strength card reminded me that I don’t need to roar louder than my pain. I only need to stand firm, breathe deeply, and trust the quiet, infinite strength within me.

If you’ve been struggling, maybe this message is for you too:
You are stronger than you think. And that strength is steady, gentle, and rooted inside you.

Strength card - Rider-Waite Deck