Rampant Lion

From the Sheridan Douglas Tarot, Fortitude (Strength); from the Pages of Shustah, Closed Gate:

          The red lion in this card reminded me of the Royal Flag of Scotland. The flag shows a rampant lion - standing upright with forelegs raised and claws unsheathed, as if to strike. This lion has been subdued by the woman in blue, who looks like she may as well be scooping a litter box instead of holding a lion's mouth. Douglas writes that the woman represents the inner strength of purpose rather than the outer strength of action. She doesn't allow moods or other distractions to cause her to lose her focus or self-control.

          The Closed Gate looks jury-rigged (an old sailing term that meant temporarily fixing a damaged mast with the materials on hand). It represents a blockage, but not one that will be permanent. Until it is resolved, patience and acceptance will be required. I'm guessing that blockage will be the frustration that winds up the red lion. Yet giving in to these feelings by reacting to them will only further impede progress.

The more passion one has about the faults of others, the more agitated the mind becomes.

~ B. Alan Wallace