Strength is the 8th card in the Major Arcana.  It symbolizes inner strength and fortitude; the ability to see things through no matter how difficult it becomes.  It also represents the triumph of inner spirit and will over our more aggressive, instinctive impulses; out soul over our more animal nature if you will. 

"The compelling drives that you feel right now are there for your protection and well-being.  They support your continued efforts to survive and take care of yourself.  You might not be clear about why you're doing this but it's important to follow your impulses.  This may indicate an obvious, physical, compelling force.  Something outside you is strongly urging you to take a certain action.  Your fierce determination to pursue your goal doesn't seem logical but does seem irrefutable." - Gail Fairfield

Strength is my card.  I've always felt a connection to it because it is often associated with the zodiac sign of Leo and that is my sun sign.  But I also like the concept of our intellectual/spiritual nature overcoming our more animalistic nature.  Right now that is something I am struggling with.  My impulses sometimes get the better of me, especially when it comes to food. 

I realized a long time ago that I do use food as an emotional crutch.  I use my size to hide behind.  I'm working on changing this pattern.  It's not as if eating too much or over-indulging in sweets ever makes me feel better.  All I end up feeling is bloated and out of control.  And yet despite knowing this, I keep succumbing to temptation.  So I think what Strength is reminding me is that I can overcome this "beast" of mine. 

I think they key might be to really looking at what is the underlying motivation.  Am I trying to hide something?  Am I afraid I'm missing something if I don't eat sweets, burgers and fries?  Sometimes I'm eating just to eat not because I really want the food.  I don't really taste it and can't say that I'm enjoying it.  And I certainly don't feel very good after I've eaten when I'm lying on the couch like a beached whale.

Looking at the image on the Tarot of Reflections Strength card I was struck by the fact that the female figure appears to be reaching towards a reflection of herself as though that is the beasts she is trying to tame - her own image of herself.  And that image appears slightly more colorful and vivid.  Or is she trying to tame that torrent of blue energy (or water) that is streaming between the two halves of herself.  It almost doesn't matter.  The important fact is that in this card we don't even need a visible animal.  She is strong enough and has the fortitude to face the challenge before her and appears determined to do so.

So I'm making a pledge to myself - I'm going to work harder on thinking before I act and getting some control over my impulses.  That doesn't mean I won't enjoy and occasional sweet or indulgence.  It simply means that I'll limit it to a treat rather than an everyday occurrence.