The Pictorial Key to the Tarot

VIII. Strength, or Fortitude
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VIII
Strength, or Fortitude
A woman, over whose head there broods the same symbol of life which we have seen in the card of the
Magician, is closing the jaws of a lion. The only point in which this design differs from the conventional
presentations is that her beneficent fortitude has already subdued the lion, which is being led by a chain
of flowers. For reasons which satisfy myself, this card has been interchanged with that of justice, which
is usually numbered eight. As the variation carries nothing with it which will signify to the reader, there
is no cause for explanation. Fortitude, in one of its most exalted aspects, is connected with the Divine
Mystery of Union; the virtue, of course, operates in all planes, and hence draws on all in its symbolism. It
connects also with innocentia inviolata, and with the strength which resides in contemplation.
These higher meanings are, however, matters of inference, and I do not suggest that they are transparent
on the surface of the card. They are intimated in a concealed manner by the chain of flowers, which
signifies, among many other things, the sweet yoke and the light burden of Divine Law, when it has been
taken into the heart of hearts. The card has nothing to do with self-confidence in the ordinary sense,
though this has been suggested--but it concerns the confidence of those whose strength is God, who have
found their refuge in Him. There is one aspect in which the lion signifies the passions, and she who is
called Strength is the higher nature in its liberation. It has walked upon the asp and the basilisk and has
trodden down the lion and the dragon.
file:///C|/My%20Documents/Spiritoality/Books/The%20...y%20to%20the%20Tarot%20-%20A.E.%20Waite/pktar08.htm [15/07/2001 23:10:22]