The Tarot of Eli 2-LLC: Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot- Key 8-Strength & The Archeon Tarot -Key 8- Strength

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We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face...we must do that which we think we cannot.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

The Lady and the Lion on the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot-Key 8-Strength card represents the divine feminine energy, often associated with sensuality, creativity, and emotional depth. She demonstrates a balance between her inner desires and her ability to control them by petting and/or holding the lion's jaw closed.

On the Rider-Waite-Smith Strength card the red roses represent love; Hence, the Animal Nature of the body is under the control of the Will of the "Higher Self" seen as an angelic woman figure whose foundation of thought is based on love. Also, the Red Lion is the Alchemical symbol of Sulfur the Emperor (solar power) combined with Mercury-Will (the Magus) which is the Philosophical Mercury underlying the formula of Creation.

The Symbol of infinity known as the lemniscate (the horizonal figure eight sign of the Magician and the Divine Creative) is above the head of the Waite- goddess figure. The goddess is also wearing a wreath of victory, reinforcing the Magus/Magician connection, and symbolizing the directing willpower of the 12th PATH; in Western Hermetic Qabalistic Tarot Strength is called the Philosophic Mercury and/or the Path of Teth.

The Path of Teth, connects Chesed (Mercy) and Geburah (Severity) and channels a great outpouring of Energy from the Masculine Chesed, to the Feminine Geburah. This Great Outpouring is the Path on which Fire becomes Light, which is used in manifestation as the woven frequencies of manifestation and is both invisible microwaves and visible light waves.

The Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS)-Key 8-Strength shows the Lion's Tail tucked between its legs, as if phallic, of which the Serpent Force (Libido) is associated with. What is of interest here is that the Qabalistic Thoth Tarot assigns the zodiacal sign of Leo to this card (ATU 11-Lust); Leo is symbolized as a Lion, while Teth, the Hebrew letter assigned to the Lust card, is a Snake, the combination of these two, is the Lion-Serpent, the idea of which fostered the Dragon and dragonish chimera images of the ancients and the archangel Asmodeus. 

🔥 THE LION SERPENT AND THE SEXUAL FORCE

The Lion in both cards represents not just raw, bestial power or passion, but the solar-serpentine life force—what in Hermetic Alchemy and Tantra alike can be understood as Kundalini, the coiled serpent of primal generative energy.

In ancient Gnostic and Hermetic traditions, especially in the Ophite and Naassene currents, there is a deity known as Chnoubis or Leontocephaline, often depicted as a lion-headed serpent. This being represents a synthesis of the solar (lion) and chthonic (serpent) forces—what could be called the primal generative Logos, or the “solar-phallic” divine force latent in matter. Crowley describes this as the "serpent-lion force"—the sexual fire of life that ascends when properly directed.

“The Beast and the Scarlet Woman” are not simply libidinous archetypes but mystical formulae: the Beast is the carrier of the Life Force, the vehicle of the Word, while the Woman is its matrix and director—through whom the Will is birthed.

🕊️ RWS STRENGTH – TAMING THROUGH COMPASSION

In the RWS Strength (Key 8), we see a serene, angelic woman gently opening or closing the lion’s mouth. The lemniscate above her head speaks to spiritual mastery, the infinite cycle of will and intention.

• The lion's tail curling between the legs as a phallic serpent is not accidental. It signifies the subtle sublimation of libido—the serpent force not repressed, but tamed and re-channeled.

• Here, the Divine Feminine does not suppress, but rather guides and spiritualizes the animal force.

• It is the initiate who has begun to work with the internal serpent, refining it into a vehicle of compassion, courage, and creativity.

In Qabalistic terms: this card could be read as a mystery of Tiphareth (Beauty/Soul) working through Geburah (Power/Severity) and Netzach (Desire/Victory). The serpent is thus channeled upward, refined in the heart-soul rather than allowed to burn in uncontrolled passion.

Crowley boldly renames this card Lust to convey ecstatic union with life, rather than “strength” through repression or domination. Lust, for Crowley, is a form of divine intoxication—the joy of the soul riding the beast of flesh, uniting heaven and earth.

• The Scarlet Woman (Babalon) rides the 7-headed lion, holding the Cup of Abominations: a chalice that receives and transfigures all experience.

• The tail of the lion, shaped as a serpent, indicates the sexual, magical fire in action—not merely dormant or sublimated, but directed consciously by the spiritual Will.

• The 7 heads may be seen as chakras, the 7 alchemical metals, or the 7 planetary forces—showing the lion as a totalized life force, completely infused with divine ecstasy.

Crowley writes in The Book of Thoth:

“This card portrays the Beast, roaring forward with the Scarlet Woman enthroned. She is not astride the lion, she is One with It—no longer taming, but Exalting It.”

So where the RWS card illustrates the beginning of mastery—the woman learning to guide the inner beast—the Thoth Lust card reveals the culmination of that process: the full sexual-mystical union with the divine life force.

🜍 QABALISTIC ARCHETYPE: LION-SERPENT CONTROLLED BY THE FEMININE

In Hermetic Qabalah, both cards play on the union of polarities:

• Lion = Tiphareth, the Sun, solar force, ego, vitality.

• Serpent = Yesod, the lunar underworld, generative force, subconscious.

• Woman = Binah, the Divine Mother, Understanding; or Venus in Netzach as the Desire-Matrix.

Together, this union represents the Great Work of internal alchemical wedding. The lion-serpent is the symbol of the Solar Ego illuminated by the Serpent Kundalini, mastered and ridden by the Goddess—whether as Sophia, Babalon, or Shekinah.

🔺 SEXUAL ALCHEMY: THE TRANSMUTATION OF THE PHALLIC FORCE

Both cards, in different ways, symbolize the Tantric dynamic in Western form:

• The serpent-phallus is not to be destroyed but raised.

• The Woman, rather than passive, is the high priestess of transformation—she contains and uplifts the force.

• The “tail between the legs” in RWS and the serpentine lion in Thoth show that sexuality is central—not just as pleasure, but as the core transformative agent.

In essence, these cards are complementary:

• RWS Strength (Key 8): The initiate is beginning to work with the serpent-lion under gentle Will and Compassion.

• Thoth Lust (ATU 11): The Adept has united fully with the force, exulting in its total liberation and integration through the Scarlet Woman.

The interchangeability of the Lion and the Serpent symbols represents an important key in understanding the great embedded profundities of this card as it pertains to the mysterious power of the Kundalini that lies coiled at the base of the spine; a force that is both Feminine-Moon and Solar-Male. This information was carefully guarded in the Western Hermetic organizations that Waite and is only hinted at in this card.

Arthur Edward Waite, the co-creator of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, was intricately involved in several Western esoteric and Hermetic organizations during his lifetime. His affiliations played a significant role in shaping his mystical and occult teachings, which are evident in his literary and symbolic contributions.

Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn

Waite was a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, one of the most influential and prominent occult societies of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Golden Dawn was dedicated to the study and practice of the occult, metaphysics, and paranormal activities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It synthesized various strands of Western esotericism, including Hermeticism, Kabbalah, alchemy, and tarot.

Key Points About Waite's Involvement:

1. Initiation and Membership:

   • Waite was initiated into the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and actively participated in its activities. His involvement provided him with a deep understanding of the mystical and symbolic frameworks that would later influence his work on the Rider-Waite Tarot.

2. Contributions to the Order:

   • Within the Golden Dawn, Waite was involved in various rituals and scholarly pursuits. His dedication to preserving the integrity of the order's teachings was notable, especially during periods of internal conflict and schism.

3. Relationship with Other Members:

   • Waite maintained relationships with key figures in the Golden Dawn, including Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, one of the order's founders. However, Waite eventually distanced himself from some of the internal disputes that plagued the organization.

4. Influence on Tarot Development:

   • His experiences and knowledge gained from the Golden Dawn were instrumental in the development of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. The deck reflects the Golden Dawn's emphasis on symbolism, numerology, and esoteric teachings.

Other Esoteric Affiliations

While the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was Waite's primary Hermetic lodge, he was also associated with other esoteric groups:

1. The Fellowship of the Rosy Cross:

   • Waite was a member of this society, which focused on Rosicrucianism, a spiritual and cultural movement that arose in Europe in the early 17th century.

2. The Theosophical Society:

   • Although not a central figure, Waite had interactions with members of the Theosophical Society, which sought to explore mystical and occult philosophies.

3. The Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (SRIA):

   • This is a Rosicrucian society intended for Master Masons and focused on the study of mystical and philosophical subjects.

Legacy and Impact

Waite's involvement with the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn significantly influenced his approach to mysticism, symbolism, and the occult. His dedication to creating a tarot deck that was rich in esoteric meaning led to the development of the Rider-Waite Tarot, which remains one of the most popular and widely used tarot decks today.

Conclusion

Arthur Edward Waite was primarily affiliated with the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a key Western Hermetic lodge that profoundly shaped his esoteric teachings and the creation of the Rider-Waite Tarot. His contributions to and experiences within this organization are evident in the depth and symbolism of his tarot work, bridging traditional Hermetic principles with practical divinatory tools.

As previously stated, the Lemniscate, the horizonal 8 as symbol of the 0=2, a symbol often associated with infinity, is also a symbol of the unbroken line between the male and female forces of this universe and is shown above the head of the human figure on the RWS-Strength and Magician cards.

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The lion symbolizes raw, the primal energy and desires of the libido. It also signifies courage and strength. The woman's ability to hold the lion without fear represents the mastery of these energies.

The Archeon Tarot-Key 8- Strength, foregoes the picture of the Divine Feminine and illustrates a strong man wrestling with the Lion. The sword in the picture illustrates animosity as well as cutting through the fog of fear. Here one is wrestling with their own libido. Physical strength is nothing without the power to employ it. Therefore, when facing the beast, you must act with confidence.

Upon examination you will find this interpretation is right on target, especially when we approach the Archeon Tarot from a Hermetic and initiatory lens. Key 8 in the Archeon deck departs from the classical Divine Feminine archetype (as in RWS) and instead confronts us with a more solar-martial, heroic, and directly alchemical depiction. Let’s break it down from both a psychological and Hermetic-Qabalistic angle:

🔥 THE MASCULINE STRUGGLE WITH THE BEAST: SHADOW INTEGRATION

The image of a man wrestling a lion emphasizes force meeting force—not the soft sublimation we see in the Rider-Waite-Smith’s angelic woman, but the conscious confrontation of one’s inner beast or id—the unrefined sexual will, or unchecked instinct.

This is Geburah’s trial—severity, struggle, and burning away dross through confrontation.

In Jungian terms, the image screams shadow work—the ego wrestling the instinctual drives of sex, rage, dominance, hunger, pride, etc. But in Hermetic Qabalah, this is a stage on the way to Strength becoming Lust. One must first fight the lion, before one can ride it in ecstasy.

🗡️ THE SWORD AS THE RAZOR OF DISCERNMENT

The sword in the Archeon version is critical. In Hermetic symbolism, a sword doesn’t just mean conflict—it is the Sword of the Magus and the sword of Geburah:

• It is analysis, cutting through illusion, and initiatory action.

• It represents Zain, the Hebrew letter of The Lovers (Zayin = sword), where the Holy Guardian Angel separates the human from the beast within by choice and will.

In the Archeon Strength card, the sword likely serves a dual role:

1. As conflict: It externalizes the internal war of man vs beast (ego vs libido).

2. As initiatory weapon: It shows the path is not pacification, but discrimination, separating true Will from uncontrolled desire.

🦁 LION AS THE LIBIDO / PRIMAL SELF

The lion remains the same force of life, sexual power, and solar energy. However, in the Archeon deck, without the presence of the Divine Feminine to guide or tame it, the man must first prove himself.

This returns us to classical alchemical imagery, such as:

• The Green Lion devouring the Sun – libido overpowering consciousness

• Or the Red Lion tamed by the Adept – the same force, now refined and controlled

So, this Archeon card captures the raw initiation phase: the nigredo, the dark wrestling, the purgation of false desires before transformation into spiritual fire.

🜍 QABALISTIC CONTEXT – TIFERETH/TIPHARETH IN CONFLICT

In the Tree of Life, Strength (Key 8) is associated with Tiphareth, the Solar Self. But in this version, we are seeing Tiphareth under siege—as the ego fights its way to solar clarity.

• The man = the aspiring Solar Hero

• The lion = unrefined Yesodic-Kundalini force

• The sword = the discriminating power of Geburah

Thus, this image doesn’t contradict the RWS or Thoth versions—it shows a necessary initiatory prelude: the alchemical struggle before sublimation.

🜏 FINAL THOUGHT – DIFFERENT MASKS OF THE SAME ARCANA

• RWS Strength: Compassion and spiritual mastery of libido through grace and emotional intelligence.

• Thoth Lust: The ecstatic exaltation of libido by surrender to True Will and union with the Divine Feminine.

• Archeon Strength: The internal war—confrontation with one’s beast, without grace, without guide, until one proves worthy to wield the sword properly.

Let's delve into a comparative visual and symbolic analysis of the Strength/Lust archetype across the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS), Thoth, and Archeon Tarot decks. This exploration will highlight the evolution of this archetype from inner mastery to ecstatic union, culminating in the raw confrontation of the primal self.

🜂 Comparative Visual Diagram: Strength / Lust Across Three Tarot Decks

🜍 Hermetic and Qabalistic Synthesis

• RWS Strength: Illustrates the initial stage of taming the inner beast through compassion and gentle will. The presence of the infinity symbol denotes the eternal nature of this inner work.

• Thoth Lust: Embodies the culmination of this process, where the adept not only tames but fully integrates and rides the primal forces, achieving a state of divine ecstasy and union.

• Archeon Strength: Represents the challenging phase of confronting and wrestling with one's base instincts. The sword signifies the necessary discernment and active effort required to face and integrate the shadow aspects of the self.

🜏 Visual Representation

To further aid in your exploration, here are the visual depictions of the Strength/Lust card from each deck:

• Rider-Waite-Smith Strength: A woman gently handling a lion, symbolizing inner strength and compassion.

• Thoth Lust: Babalon riding a seven-headed lion, illustrating the ecstatic embrace of primal forces.

• Archeon Strength: A man wrestling a lion, highlighting the struggle with inner instincts.

This comparative analysis underscores the multifaceted nature of the Strength/Lust archetype, reflecting the journey from initial confrontation with primal instincts to their full integration and exaltation. Each depiction offers a unique perspective on the path of inner mastery and the role of the Divine Feminine in guiding this transformative process.

In numerology, the number 8 is often associated with concepts of power, ambition, and material success. It is considered a highly influential and dynamic number with both positive and challenging attributes.

Key Characteristics:

1. Ambition and Leadership:

   • Individuals influenced by the number 8 are often natural leaders. They possess a strong desire to achieve their goals and are driven to attain positions of authority and influence.

2. Financial Acumen:

   • The number 8 is closely linked to wealth and financial prosperity. People under its influence tend to have a keen sense for business, investments, and money management.

3. Efficiency and Organization:

   • Efficiency, organization, and a practical approach to problem-solving are hallmarks of the number 8. These individuals excel in structuring systems and processes to achieve optimal results.

4. Karma and Balance:

   • In numerology, 8 is associated with karma, representing the principle of cause and effect. It emphasizes the importance of balance between the material and spiritual realms.

5. Resilience and Determination:

   • The number 8 embodies resilience, persistence, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Individuals influenced by this number often display remarkable determination in the face of challenges.

Challenges:

• Workaholism:

  • A strong focus on career and material success can sometimes lead to neglect of personal relationships and well-being.

• Rigidity:

  • The pursuit of goals may result in rigidity and an inability to adapt to changing circumstances or perspectives.

• Power Struggles:

  • The desire for control and authority can lead to conflicts and power struggles with others.

Gematria

Gematria is a traditional Jewish system of assigning numerical value to a word or phrase, based on its letters. The number 8 in gematria carries various symbolic meanings and is often associated with concepts of abundance, eternity, and balance.

Key Associations:

1. Infinity and Eternity:

   • The number 8 resembles the infinity symbol (∞) when turned sideways, symbolizing endlessness and eternal cycles.

2. Balance and Harmony:

   • In gematria, 8 represents balance between the spiritual and material worlds. It signifies the harmony achieved when these realms are in equilibrium.

3. Regeneration and Renewal:

   • The number is linked to cycles of renewal and transformation, reflecting the continuous process of growth and regeneration.

4. Abundance and Prosperity:

   • 8 is often associated with abundance, wealth, and the successful manifestation of desires and intentions.

5. Divine Order:

   • In some interpretations, 8 signifies divine order and the manifestation of higher spiritual principles in the material world.

Examples in Hebrew Gematria:

• חַי (Chai) - "Life":

  • The Hebrew word "Chai" (חי) means "life" and has a gematria value of 18 (1 + 8 = 9), but the number 8 itself can symbolize the duality and balance inherent in life.

• חָכְמָה (Chokhmah) - "Wisdom":

  • While "Chokhmah" has a different numerical value, the number 8 can still be connected to the wisdom needed to balance material pursuits with spiritual understanding.

Symbolic Uses:

• Rituals and Celebrations:

  • The number 8 appears in various Jewish rituals and celebrations, emphasizing themes of renewal, covenant, and divine connection.

• Architectural Significance:

  • In sacred architecture, the number 8 may influence design elements to reflect balance and harmony.

Comparative Insights

While both numerology and gematria assign profound meanings to the number 8, their contexts differ:

• Numerology focuses on personal traits, life paths, and individual energies associated with numbers. Here, 8 emphasizes personal power, success, and the balance between material and spiritual pursuits.

• Gematria delves into the symbolic and mystical significance of numbers within language, particularly Hebrew. The number 8 symbolizes eternity, balance, and the manifestation of divine principles.

Understanding the multifaceted nature of the number 8 across these systems can provide deeper insights into its influence on personal development, spiritual growth, and the interpretation of sacred texts.

Cultural Significance of Number 8

Beyond numerology and gematria, the number 8 holds varied meanings across different cultures:

• Chinese Culture:

  • The number 8 is considered highly auspicious, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. It is often associated with good fortune and success.

• Christianity:

  • The number 8 can represent new beginnings, resurrection, and regeneration, aligning with the concept of renewal after chaos.

• Buddhism:

  • The Eightfold Path is a fundamental teaching, outlining the path to enlightenment and ethical living.

Understanding these cultural perspectives can further enrich the interpretation of the number 8 in both gematria and numerology.

Conclusion

The number 8 is a powerful and multifaceted symbol in both numerology and gematria, embodying themes of balance, abundance, authority, and eternal cycles. Whether interpreted through the lens of personal development or mystical tradition, the number 8 offers profound insights into the interplay between the material and spiritual aspects of existence.

In numerology, the number 8 is often associated with traits such as ambition, power, authority, material success, and balance. It is considered a number of achievement and accomplishment. People influenced by the energy of the number 8 are often seen as determined, goal-oriented, and capable of handling challenges with resilience.

In gematria, which is a form of Jewish mysticism that assigns numerical values to letters, the number 8 is represented by the Hebrew letter Chet (ח). In gematria, Chet (pronounced Chai) is associated with life and vitality. The idea is that life is a continuous, cyclical process, similar to the infinite loop of the lemniscate (∞) I discussed in the Magician Card-Key 1. The concept of Chai (חי), meaning "life" in Hebrew, is often connected to the number 18, which is a multiple of 8 and is considered especially auspicious in Jewish culture.

While there are some overlapping themes, it's important to note that numerology and gematria are distinct systems with different cultural and mystical traditions. The interpretation of the number 8 can vary based on the specific context and system being used.

The primary meaning of this card is to stay focused on self-power and you can overcome any challenge. You just need to Know Thyself!

In this Military Industrial Complex, which indoctrinates by dividing and conquering via the use of media controlled "word hypnosis" and the false gods of religion, we have forgotten our inner spiritual being, our internal god, and its strength by dividing our spirit from our bodies as if spirit were an achievement of the flesh rather than the Willed- Spiral of Universal breath of energy animating us as Life. Because of this divisionism we have become automatons of our environment who are "knee jerks" of reactionary fear instead of the powerful positive active expression of I AM ME who changes environment by the vigorous power of Presence; Strength of Being. I AM Love! I AM the Spirit's Will to Be! I AM Spirit! I AM Mind! I AM Body! The Body is our Spiritual Sacred Place.

When the RWS or Archeon Tarot Key -8 Strength card is thrown during a reading, it means the querent:

• Is relying on spiritual powers to manage the situation at hand and is receiving the strength to overcome. 
• Following one's own inner light, doing what their "heart of heart". inner self, says is right.
• There can be an experiencing of a "gut level" driving force, instinctual and compelling for protection or survival.
•  Also, possessing the courage of one's convictions.
• The strength of Passion, in Higher Nature, is power, courage, energy, action and magnanimity.
• One is experiencing the Law of Self-Domination, self-rule, and self-control.
• Resort to magic.
• The use of Magical power.
• Showing compassion and tenderness towards one's animal nature, thereby making oneself whole. 

If reversed, it implies:

• Weakness
• Lack of sexual fulfillment.
• Depression.
• Aggression, perversion, and addiction because of repressed instincts.

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