Strength and Chariot and Ace of Swords tarot card combinations

Cards combination description

High arcan Strength and high arcan Chariot and low arcan Ace of Swords combination - inner and outer resolve in order to overcome setbacks, an unstoppable force.

Card 1 - Strength

In this tarot card, you will see a woman who calmly holds the jaws of a fully grown lion. Despite the fact that the lion looks menacing and strong, the woman seems to have dominion over it. What is captivating is how gracefully she controls the lion. She is calm and collected, which is representative for being in control and disciplined especially in times of great adversities. The fact that she is also holding the jaws of a lion also shows that she has courage. Her control of the lion without being too rough shows love and compassion. The blue background over the mountains shows stability and the kind of calmness that comes with being stable.  The lion is a symbol of courage, passion and desire which are very much part of the human feelings that are necessary for survival. But if these feelings are not put in check can lead to our eventual destruction.

Associations:

Similar or supporting cards:
In the Life Spread, the Nine of Wands is often found nearby to reinforce the message of pulling on inner reserves. Temperance (patience and balance) .

Opposing or contradictory cards:
 The Chariot is similar but expressed more outwardly so slightly different, (Similar yet different, in the same way we find with The Empress and The Emperor).

Full card's description

Card 2 - Chariot

The Chariot tarot card depicts a figure sitting inside a vehicle that is being driven by two black and white sphinxes. The whole card has a bit of a celestial influence; the figure sits underneath a blue canopy adorned by white stars. On his shoulders, he carries the sign of the crescent moon, representing the spiritual influence under which he is guided. On his head sits a crown, meaning that he is enlightened, and that his will is pure. Emblazoned on his chest is a square, denoting the element of earth, of the material world, which grounds him and his actions. The sphinxes are colored in black and white, a symbol of opposing forces that the charioteer must learn to control. Here they are calm, but they frequently get into scuffles as they seem to want to move in different directions. His task is to guide these sphinxes towards a destination, one that is marked by the cosmic forces that he represents. The Chariot is linked to the Cancer zodiac sign.

Associations:

Similar or supporting cards:
Ace of Swords (triumph over adversity) and any of the success cards would be relevant (The World, etc) The Magician (focused thought), The Emperor (taking control) 

Opposing or contradictory cards:
Any cards indicating defeat or failure. Hanging Man and Two of Swords (non-movement). Four of Cups (apathy). Strength is similar, but the element of control is expressed differently, these two often appear together to reinforce the message but Strength indicates a gentler approach. (Similar yet different, in the same way we find with The Emperor and Empress.)    

Chariot combinations
Other cards that also indicate travel (Six of Swords, Eight of Wands, Knight of Wands) would reinforce this meaning through association.

Full card's description

Card 3 - Ace of Swords

The Ace of Swords shows a hand emerging from the clouds wielding a double-edged sword. This double edged sword carries a golden crown while being encircled by a wreath. The wreath has for a long time been associated with victory, success and great achievement. The crown is used as the symbol for both royalty and the power to rule that comes with royalty.   Behind the foreground, the sword stands floating over a varied setting - which holds both mountains and sea, which are used as symbols of the vast reach and distant lands that the swords can be used to conquer, as well as ambition. 

Associations:

Similar or supporting cards:
The Chariot (triumph over obstacles) many others reinforce varying aspects, such as, The Emperor (taking control) Strength (fortitude and courage) The Hermit (wisdom) Justice (logical and just thinking) The World (success) Seven of Wands (conviction).   

Opposing or contradictory cards:
The Moon (clouded thinking) Two of Swords (indecision) Eight of Swords (fear paralysis) Ten of Swords (disappointing end).    

Ace of Swords combinations
Due to the nature of the meaning, this is one of those cards that you love to see in the final position if the seeker is going through a tough time. Look to the preceding cards to see what is being overcome.

Full card's description