‘outer’ strength as well as the will to grab hold of the reins and move into the future.  This year, the Strength card talks about ‘inner’ strength: the will and power to overcome any obstacles and to conquer what stops us.  Do you posses the strength to succeed in what you wish to do? When we look at the Strength card, we see a woman holding a lion’s mouth and she is either closing or opening his jaws. The action in this image would require a lot of strength and courage to do.  However, with assurance and inner strength we can conquer any obstacles in our way through life. We, likewise, find out that she is calm, controlled and gentle with the king of beasts. She even has an air of compassion for the lion.  Would you be so serene and cool if you were this close to a lion? The lion seems to be ok with her touching his mouth. I am certain if the lion wanted to bite her, he would.  The lion seems to be almost tame under her touch. This seems to tell us that to be calm, cool and compassionate is the best way to approach an obstacle. It reminds us to not only follow our physical passions, but to remember our spiritual side. The lion represents the beasts or demons which are fears and obstructions that hold us back from being who we truly are. The animals can be the outer obstacles we face, though there are inner obstacles too. We need to remember not only to be gentle with outer beasts, but to be compassionate with our self too.  It is important to be accepting of others and ourselves as well as forgiving the acts of others and our own responses. We must possess the will and passion to overcome our shyness, the reverence of being embarrassed, and/or our self-criticism which we all know is the worse demon of all of them.  We must conquer these beasts to succeed in being who we really are and doing what we desire. This is the year to overcome your fear and conquer that self-defeating inner voice within.  With a mature approach and a spirit of compassion, you can handle any beasts that roam your way.  Weigh both sides spiritually, stand up, and honour your truth.  Honour the truth of your heart not violently, but with faith and trust, and with a sense of integrity. Getting back to the name ‘Lust’ this often refers to physical lust, but, in this case, I guess it could cite to a “lust for life.” To live the life we spiritually desire and to be free to express who and what we are.   Do you have the bravery and determination to conquer your dream regardless of your demons?  To hang on regardless of the unfavourable judgment and reactions of others or your negative internal critic? To find the compassion towards our self and others? Or, do you enable the beast (ego, doubts, fears etc.) that’s keeping you back? This can be the year to address your creative desires and find that lust for your life, the drive that would make you wake up in the morning and roar, “YES, I AM ALIVE!” It is your life after all. Finding that passion for life will make your life sunny and warm, just like the colours in the card. The sideways 8 above her head in the card resembles the infinity sign, the continuous flow of energy, infinite and limitless. Do you look at your abilities and possibilities as limitless? Are you aware when your thoughts or words limit yourself?  The infinity sign has been described as the union of dualism, which is often referred to as the union between male and female, physical and spiritual. The balance of these various forces is required for perfection. Are you applying your intuitive side as easily as your logical position to reach determinations? Do you respond intuitively and instinctively or just physically react?  Do you stay calm and patient or react in anger or fear? When we react in anger or fear, or when we are swayed by our inner negative critic, we lose our fortitude and our strength. What is more helpful is for us to continually focus on what we wish to accomplish through positive thinking and physical action, for without the other, how can our wishes become reality? Adding the numbers 2015 together brings the numeral 8 for the year. The numeral 8 is an auspicious number in Chinese feng shui, meaning prosperity, wealth and fortune.  If we wish to bring prosperity into our life, we must first feel deserving of it.  This could be the year for financial security if we sense we are worthy of receiving it. Perhaps then the Universe will reciprocate. Like the law of attraction, if one doesn’t feel rich, then one remains poor. If one is insecure, one does not succeed. Our thoughts and words are very powerful. Are you ready to be truly wealthy?  Let’s get rid of the blindfold and see our true potential! Do you rationalize everything you manage? Are you worthy or not?  Are you a fair judge or one sided?  She understands both sides and she understands the whole truth. Are your scales out of proportion? In this card, the Justice holds a sword in her hand.  Can you get through the delusions, distractions, and delays? Are you ready to get right to the point? Ready to stand on the mountain or are you still hiding? Justice balances her scales to equilibrium.  We must decide and be open to give and receive.  In life, perhaps we are to balance work and play, as well.  Life is to enjoy, not merely to struggle.  Are you willing to let go of the struggle?  Though in life, sometimes we are faced with struggles to remind us to be grateful for what we have and to look at what really matters. Sometimes we will dishonour ourselves by not being honest to our self. Let us make this year the year to look more honestly – to examine our self and be authentic.  One needs to observe both the spiritual and physical sides of life and us. By drawing on the qualities of both the Strength and Justice Card we can make 2015 the year to have the courage to express our “Authentic Us” and to live our “Authentic Life.”  Instinctively follow our heart and be civilized to yourself as well as others. It requires a great deal of courage, will power, and discipline to stick with your spiritual passion and create the life you want. Make this the year you tame the beasts in your life and be free to do so. May you be blessed with the strength to have a “Happy Authentic New Year!” If you would like help to find strength to live your life authentically for the New Year, please feel free to contact Erin.  She is a Transitional Coach and Intuitive Consultant.   Erin is also a Diamond Psychic for Bellesprit Magazine. A consultation with Erin is like a coaching or counselling session with an intuitive twist, translating time-honoured symbolic wisdom into practical, doable solutions to help you take steps to reaching your goal and the freedom of choice. Views:]]>