VIII. Strength


95 Best Strength (Tarot) images | Strength tarot, Tarot, Tarot cards 

Meaning: Patience, tension, and strength.

Depiction: From the gunwale of the Pequod, Queequeg gently pats a whale on the forehead. As in the original card, and the Magician as well, the infinity sign floats over his head.

Text: Chapter 87-The Grand Armada

I mention this circumstance, because, as if the cows and calves had been purposely locked up in this innermost fold; and as if the wide extent of the herd had hitherto prevented them from learning the precise cause of its stopping; or, possibly, being so young, unsophisticated, and every way innocent and inexperienced; however it may have been, these smaller whales—now and then visiting our becalmed boat from the margin of the lake—evinced a wondrous fearlessness and confidence, or else a still becharmed panic which it was impossible not to marvel at. Like household dogs they came snuffling round us, right up to our gunwales, and touching them; till it almost seemed that some spell had suddenly domesticated them. Queequeg patted their foreheads; Starbuck scratched their backs with his lance; but fearful of the consequences, for the time refrained from darting it.

Comments: This might be the only scene in the entire book that could even remotely be described as cute. It's a good analogue for the card: like the lion, this "suddenly domesticated" whale is capable of causing great damage, yet allows this affectionate touch.

Petting a Whale | Michael R Perry | Flickr
Michael R. Perry/Flickr

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