Fortitude. This is one of the cardinal virtues, of which I shall speak later. The female figure is usually represented as closing the mouth of a lion. In the earlier form which is printed by Court de Gebelin, she is obviously opening it. The first alternative is better symbolically, but either is an instance of strength in its conventional understanding, and conveys the idea of mastery. It has been said that the figure represents organic force, moral force and the principle of all force.
8
Major Arcana
The Law
Strength
You stare the beast in the eye, unafraid. Power is not force—it is patience, compassion, and the quiet fire within.
Standard: Imposing restrictions on yourself for your own benefit. Bringing your passions under the control of reason. Resisting impulses that work against your best interests. Taking bold action.
Reversed: Indulging weakness, even when you know it will damage your health and happiness. Languishing in addiction. Allowing your instincts to tame and conquer you. Failing to take a stand when necessary.
Keywords
Discipline
Boldness
Self-Discipline
Power
Vitality
Questions to Ask
- To what extent is your life (or work) balanced?
- How can you achieve greater objectivity?
- What course of action would be fair to everyone concerned?
A. E. Waite's Pictorial Key to the Tarot