Carolyn's Introduction

This loving tribute to Tarot as Muse is a fundraiser for Ink People Center for the Arts, conceived by Kathryne DeLorme, Carolyn Ayres and Libby Maynard. The twenty-two images seen here have been made into a collectible Major Arcana Tarot Deck which can purchased online with Ink People or found at the following venues in Humboldt County. In Eureka, Humboldt Herbals at 300 2nd Street and the Sewell Gallery of Fine Arts at 423 F street. In Arcata, the Global Village Gallery at 973 H Street; Hair Unlimited at 1640 G Street and New World Water at 778 18th street The original art was exhibited July 7th, 2012 at the new Ink Annex, 47B West Third Street, Eureka, California.
For more information contact Carolyn Ayres at tarotofbecoming @yahoo.com

Thursday, May 17, 2012

8. Strength


Strength can be seen as the loving acceptance of our animal nature which holds much of our raw power. Here the Divine feminine consciousness lovingly guides our more unconscious desires for the strength to hold the Self to a higher standard.  The Charioteer continues on his journey without being carried away or controlled by ego desires.  Compassion for who we are, spirit in an animal body, strengthens us, creating a more refined whole.

Key words: Integration of anima and animus/ Control of instinctual responses/ a merging of the extremes for a stronger whole

                                                  
 
Christy Mueller                  Strength  

When the Strength card arrived in my life I wasn't exactly surprised.  A series of surgeries to identify and correct a disease process within my body have left me contemplating my physical and emotional strength.  But I also have had significant doubts about my strength as an artist.

As I learned about Strength, visual metaphors seemed abundant: trees, mountains, eggs, spines all came to mind, as well as people that embodied the archetype.  But in my studio I found myself struggling.  With all my artistic might and force I tried to make the strongest strength card ever.  Yet image after image failed to capture the essence of the card.  One day in tears, with the deadline looming I just gave up. 

That evening, reflecting on my work and accepting that I was unable to make some sort of profound statement about Strength, I found some humor in the situation.  I was trying to power my way through the work and make a strong artistic statement.  I was approaching this work exclusively with my ego.

Returning to the studio the next day the image for this card came effortlessly. The masculine strength of the king of beasts (ego) and the strength of the woman (intuition and heart) working in a harmonious balance become a greater strength than when either works independently.

Personally I am grateful for the months that I have spent meditating on this card and honored to be a part of this amazing project.

See more of Christy's work on her website christymueller.com
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