Strength Tarot

The earliest known tarot card decks date to the early 1400s, and for most of their existence they were printed from woodcuts using the same techniques that I use today.

Traditionally, the Strength tarot card shows a woman gently embracing a lion, symbolizing the taming of raw emotions and desires that, left unchecked by a compassionate approach to the world, can be destructive forces. In this reinterpretation of the card, a MerB’y is pictured cradling a sea lion, which is wearing a sweater knitted by the MerB’y, whose hand rests on a ball of yarn pierced with knitting needles. This image builds on the original meaning of the card, and symbolizes the need to embrace gentler forms of masculinity that enable men to express their emotions in open and loving ways.

This print was made in conjunction with the release of the Newfoundland and Labrador Beard and Moustache Club’s 2019 MerB’ys Calendar.