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. 

"Positive:  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.
Upright:  This may indicate an obvious, physical, compelling force.  Something outside you is strongly urging you to take a certain action.  You may feel irresistibly drawn to a particular person of your may be struggling to create a farm in rocky soil.  Your fierce determination to pursue your goal doesn't seem logical but does seem irrefutable."

I love when Tarot give me a snarky, smack in the head type of answer.  I've drawn so many reversed cards lately that I was beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed by them.  Obviously something is going on, but what point am I missing?  What is blocked or not being tapped into here?  So of course when I ask the Tarot this question I draw Strength.  I have always felt and affinity for the Strength card because it's connected with my Sun sign (Leo) and I have always wanted a pet lion (it's a long story).  Ironically on both these Strength cards the woman is aligned with a wolf.  I've usually associated wolves with lunar tendencies and the darker side of life.  Of course at this time of year that is a wonderful connection to have.

Although the wolves appear as if they can be quite threatening should the need arise, they seem quite at ease with their accompanying human.  There seems to be a bond between them both.  On the All Hallows card, the woman is stroking the wolf as if he is a beloved companion.  On the Vampire Strength card she is hovering in the air near the wolf and the relationship seems to be more of a hunting partnership.  They are both on the prowl for sustenance under the dark night sky.

So what can both of these cards tell me?  Perhaps I need to connect with my more wild, more instinctual nature.  Is it possible I've become too civilized?  Okay, okay I didn't say civil or polite, I said civilized.  I have often expressed that I have a tendency to take an overly intellectual and rational approach to things.  It can be paralyzing sometimes.  I'm often afraid to take chances unless I'm confident that I will do well.  This has often caused me to not take chances in areas I'm not comfortable - anything athletic springs to mind.  Sometimes I don't know what I fear more - success or failure.

So maybe what I need to do to unblock this energy is tapped into my inner strength, develop some fortitude and just take a chance or two.  Life doesn't always come with a safety net and when we fall is often when we learn our best lessons.  Why deny myself that opportunity because I am so afraid I won't do well or I won't look good?  That's be short-sighted and letting letting my fears run my life.  I need to learn to work with those fears and face them; to tame them.  If I can manage to do that I might find myself open to opportunities and experiences I would have fled from before.