From Lab to Lore: The Science Behind the Northern Lights Strength Deck

September 2, 2025

The Northern Lights Strength Deck is often described as a meeting place between science and magic. But what does that really mean? While its visuals and symbolism draw from Nordic folklore and intuitive traditions, the foundation of the deck is firmly rooted in the rigorous science of positive psychology.

In this post, we’ll explore the research and theory that shaped the deck—and why that matters for anyone seeking meaningful, evidence-based tools for personal growth.

🔬 The VIA Classification: A Scientific Framework for Strengths

At the heart of the deck lies the VIA Classification of Character Strengths and Virtues, developed by psychologists Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman. This framework identifies six universal virtues—Wisdom, Courage, Humanity, Justice, Temperance, and Transcendence—each composed of specific character strengths that influence how we think, feel, and behave.

These strengths are not abstract ideals. They’ve been studied across cultures and historical periods, validated through peer-reviewed research, and shown to contribute to wellbeing, resilience, and life satisfaction.

🧠 Why Strengths Matter: Insights from Psychology

Working with character strengths isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s a scientifically supported method for navigating life’s complexities. Research cited in the guidebook shows that strengths help us:

Bridge opposites and embrace paradoxes (e.g., Perspective)
Find connection and wholeness in ourselves and others (e.g., Kindness)
Gain deeper insight beyond cause and effect (e.g., Love)
Recognise the next right action (e.g., Social Intelligence)
Understand our shared humanity (e.g., Humility)

This approach resonates deeply with the deck’s purpose: to offer a toolbox for reflection, integration, and transformation.

📚 The Research Behind the Deck

The guidebook includes references to key studies and thinkers whose work shaped the deck’s design. These include:

Peterson & Seligman (2004) – The foundational text on character strengths and virtues. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/character-strengths-and-virtues-9780195167016
Niemiec et al. (2020) – Exploring the synergy between spirituality and strengths. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02040/full
Crocker et al. (2008, 2017) – On compassionate goals and social motivation. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0022-3514.95.3.555
Finkel et al (2017) – Social motivation and the costs/benefits of selfishness vs. otherishness. https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-psych-010416-044038
Giuliani et al. (2020) – Investigating how strengths enact virtues. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01545/full
Stellar et al. (2017) – On self-transcendent emotions like awe and gratitude. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1754073916684557

These studies are all publicly available and offer a rich context for understanding how and why the deck works.

🧭 From Theory to Practice: Why This Matters

The Northern Lights Strength Deck translates complex psychological theory into a format that’s accessible, intuitive, and beautiful. Each card is a reflection of a scientifically defined strength, illustrated with symbolic depth and designed to support: