By harmonising the animal and the civilised we project a personality that is inspiring, creative and self-confident, while displaying a deep warmth and paternal nature towards others and the natural world. We gain the skills to thrust our power and desires into the world when necessary, while remaining benevolent and nurturing when needed.
Strength Card p.107 Phantasmagoria
We had been so busy reminiscing on the night Silas arrived that I had not had time to carefully inspect the small gift he had given me. Of course, when he did give it to me Silas warned me about its power and about opening it too often.
It goes without saying that I was intrigued. Despite having read Clarissa Pinkola Estes chapter about Blue Beard and knowing that within “a single human being there are many other beings, all with their own values, motives, and devices” (Estes 1992, p. 39), as dawn rose at Shadwell and the light woke me, I took the compact and carefully opened it.
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Christopher Reeve

“This card teaches us that we have the inner strength and power to endure and triumph. The strength is solar in nature, as this card is ruled by the sun. It is a steady, invigorating power that is all-encompassing and exuberant in nature. Like the sun it penetrates all around it with its vibrant energy – an energy both fiery (active) and watery (inactive) in perfect balance” p.105 Phantasmagoria
As I looked directly into the compact’s mirror and saw an image forming I reeled. A surge of fire fuelled emotion swept through me and it took all my will to maintain composure and self control as I grasped that the mirror was showing me that I really do possess magic powers, that I have had the strength to persevere, endure and triumph.
When the Strength card appears, it usually indicates that we must engage with our unique vitality and personal power, allowing it to shine forth with enthusiasm and glory, while remaining benevolent and composed. The strength represented here is one of love and forbearance, a love for others yet also a love for our own power and creativity.
P. 105 Phantasmagoria
As I gazed at the reflection I considered that receiving a message like this is like drinking ‘the blood of life’. Consuming this kind of blood is undeniably a quality of life issue and necessary for sustaining energy. I could, quite literally, feel my energy surge as I contemplated the message. ” I must dedicate myself to this task with passion, creativity and joyful energy” I said to myself. “I must fight for my interests and the interests of others”.
Being here, having this place is so energising that I am sure someone will tell me its illegal. After all, the raging panther who is alongside me is such a fierce animal and he clearly has tremendous power and strength. Such potent energy needs to be tethered. No wonder Silas told me to be prudent in my use of this enchanted compact, a compact that has the power to identify, to confront me with the other beings who live within me.