5 Ways to Find Thecla of Iconium Represented on Tarot’s Strength Card

by James Admans

December 27, 2022

**Strength** is a Major Arcana Tarot Card, and is numbered either XI or **VIII**, depending on the deck.

The Strength card from the Tarot deck has been a source of fascination for centuries, and many believe it contains powerful religious symbolism, particularly relating to Christian faith. So, who exactly is the individual depicted on this card? This article explores how the Strength card may have origins in an ancient Christian figure—Thecla of Iconium—and an extraordinary encounter with a lion.

The Strength Card

The Strength card is part of the Major Arcana in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. This card's symbolism includes a lion and a woman dressed in white and gently but assertively closing the lion's mouth. The lion puts up no resistance to the woman, seemingly accepting its fate. She has flowers in her hair and around her waist and the lemniscate (figure-8 on its side) over her head.

The general meaning of this card is the taming of the wild, inner beast by our inner strength and gentleness. Some may say that this power comes from the “higher self” or the soul. Power, action, energy, and courage are all descriptors used by A.E. Waite’s book Pictorial Key to the Tarot. In Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Deck, it is called the Lust card. Other decks refer to it as the Power card.

The Strength card was initially called Fortitude in the original deck and was number eleven. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, changes were made to the name. Strength became card number eight to fit astrologically with the sign of Leo.

The card serves to remind us that we have free will and, therefore, the power to direct our own destiny. We can learn to live in peace and harmony with these two seemingly opposite parts of ourselves.

Who was Thecla of Iconium?

From right to left: Theocleia (mother of Thecla), the Apostle Paul, and Thecla. Fresco from the Grotto of Saint Paul at Ephesus. Source.

Thecla was a saint of the early Christian church, reported to be one of the followers of Paul the Apostle. Their story is one of the writings of the New Testament Apocrypha (Note: I use they/them pronouns to refer to Thecla of Iconium, due to evidence of their genderfluidity.). Originally from a wealthy family in Iconium, Thecla was expected to marry well as was expected for a young feminine-presenting person in their social class. Their mother had already chosen a suitable man who had a good position in life and could provide well for Thecla. At this time and location in antiquity, unmarried women could not expect a comfortable life without support and money. Marriage guaranteed that a woman could have stability and children to carry on the family name.

However, when the Apostle Paul came to Iconium and gave his teachings, Thecla chose not to marry and instead devoted themself to God. Thecla’s mother and fiancé were outraged and tried to have both Paul and Thecla punished. As Thecla’s fiancé was well-connected politically, he complained to the authorities, and Thecla was sentenced to burn at the stake.

In one of many miracles Thecla experiences throughout their life, they were saved due to the onset of a storm. Rain and hail drenched the fire, and they escaped and traveled to Antioch with Paul to continue preaching. There, Thecla came to the attention of a politician who tried to sexually assault Thecla. But Thecla fought back! They ripped off the politician’s cloak and crown. He felt humiliated and retaliated by reporting Thecla to the authorities. Thecla was sentenced to death by being eaten by wild beasts.

Yet another miracle saved Thecla from death, as the beasts would not harm them in the arena. In particular, as The Apocryphal Acts of Paul and Thecla recount, a particularly fierce lioness protected Thecla from bears and other lions. And still, while Thecla actively prayed, all the other beasts still could not harm them. And in breaking from common tradition in which only men were allowed to perform baptisms, Thecla sponateneously baptized themself by jumping into a nearby pit of water, echoing a queer interpretation of the Ethiopian Eunuch baptizing themself as well (Acts 8:28).

One could say that Thecla lived an unconventional life according to the gender norms of antiquity. They chose to live on their own, following the word of God, and living a life of celibacy. They never married or had children and chose to live life as an evangelist—a life different than the one that was chosen for them. Thecla was living independently, taking on a public role as a preacher.

In what can now be seen as early gender-bending behavior, Thecla cuts their hair short and wears men’s clothing to search for Paul in Myra. They go on to live as a preacher and a healer.

Is that Thecla on the Strength card?

When you look at the Strength card, it is not hard to find how it could be imagined that the card's symbolism is based on the story of Thecla and the Lioness, particularly how Strength portrays gentle taming of an aggressive beast. It seems incredible at first glance, but the meaning and symbolism of the Strength card and the story of Thecla’s life seem to illuminate each other.

Deep Wisdom

The lemniscate (or infinity symbol) indicates wisdom, an inherent attribute to Strength. It can also represent the endless possibilities we have in our lives. Thecla chose to live a life of non-conformity, a path that undoubtedly would lead to their wisdom and faith. One could argue that Thecla was called to live their life in this way after hearing Paul’s teachings, similar to how many other prophets and preachers are “called.” Thecla’s story ends with her becoming an established wise teacher and healer.

Connection with Nature and the Divine

Even though the woman depicted on Strength is in the company of an open-mouthed lion, she looks calm and composed. There is no outward sign of a physical struggle. She is in tune with herself and with the lion. We would expect the opposite from any human having such a close! Thecla’s relationship with the lioness is unexpected, but she quickly steps into action and defends Thecla before being attacked by wild beasts. This speaks to how deeply Thecla is connected with her surroundings and the natural world and with the Divine. Throughout the story, we find examples of the way the natural world is magically manipulated for Thecla’s protection, not just by the lioness, but also by lightning and fire that destroys sea-calves and a mountain that opens the earth for Thecla to tunnel to safety.

Unshakeable Faith

We can find symbolism in the story of Thecla too—let us not be limited to the symbology of the Tarot! It could be argued that the lioness that protected Thecla is symbolic of the power that gentleness and faith have over brutality and injustice. As this ancient text demonstrates, Thecla’s faith in God helped them triumph over the beasts and escape death. Similarly, when the Strength card appears, one could argue that it is time to have unshakeable faith that requires embracing all parts of yourself and to accept the validity of your path.

Profound Leadership

The lion of the Strength card represents confidence and leadership abilities. Taking a look at the positioning of the lion, we can see that it faces forward, indicating that they are not one to shy away from life. Similarly, the woman on Strength is a true leader in her own right. She is in control. Likewise, Thecla showed incredible leadership and took charge of their own life, and lived as they wished—independent and somewhat unorthodox for the time period.

Tenacious Determination

The lion of Strength can also symbolize raw passions, desires, and animal instincts, especially when untamed. On this card, the woman shows how these attributes can be expressed positively and tempered by inner strength and resilience. Thecla portrayed remarkable resilience throughout her whole life, being in conflict with their mother and financé and escaping death on multiple occasions. They stayed strong and always kept moving on.

Final Thoughts

Thecla of Iconium is best known for their courageous acts of piety and martyrdom. Like Strength, they represent determination and perseverance in the face of adversity.

While they are different, Strength and Thecla of Iconium share some significant similarities. Both represent inner strength and courage in the face of adversity. They also both symbolize determination, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles. Whether you're looking for guidance from the Tarot or inspiration from the lives of the Saints, Thecla and Strength can be seen as powerful symbols of wisdom, courage, and resilience.

References

The Acts of Paul and Thecla. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/maps/primary/thecla.html

Catherine Kennedy. Thecla, Dangerous ‘Chick Lit.’ Dangerous Women Project. Published December 13, 2016. https://dangerouswomenproject.org/2016/12/13/thecla/

Derek Johnsen. Tarot Cards: The Hidden Symbols Explained. Independently published on October 17, 2018. https://www.amazon.com/Tarot-Cards-Hidden-Symbols-Explained/dp/172891552X/

Saint Thecla. Thecla Catholic Church. https://stthecla.com/about-us/saint-thecla/

Strength Tarot Card Meaning. Aeclectic Tarot. https://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/meanings/strength.shtml

Strength Tarot Card Meanings. Biddy Tarot. https://www.biddytarot.com/tarot-card-meanings/major-arcana/strength/

For Further Exploration

Meet Thecla (YouTube Video)

“Ever hear of a self-baptizing, gender bending, female apostle? Meet Thecla! Our video captures the heart of the beloved early Christian story of Saint Thecla from the second century. The creator of this film wishes to acknowledge grant support from the Louisville Institute.”

Strength Card Storytime with Rev. Lindsay Turner. High Desert Tarot. (Podcast)

“…we were delighted to talk with our special guest friend Rev. Lindsey Turner about the Strength-card themes of the radical, nonbinary Christian figure Thecla, and finding strength in the high desert.”