In card no.8 of the Major Arcana we are faced with Strength, one of the four cardinal virtues. This virtue is more specifically known as Fortitude. This isn’t mere physical power; it’s the ability to control and restrain our own inner energies. Fortitude is the art of self control.
In the Son Tarot, Strength is shown in all its fiery glory. The top of the card shows the face of a lion with its mane of fire. At the base of the card we see two opposing aspects of the same face, representing our rational thought and our emotions. They are linked together by a lemniscate; the figure of eight symbol for infinity. The facial aspects are bathed in the fire of the lion’s mane and linked to the lion’s forehead by the glowing triangular symbol for the element of fire.
The lion is our inner fire. This is the energy of our libido; our sexuality and our creativity. If you’ve ever experienced an overwhelming lust and attraction for another man, it’s the lion’s fire you’re experiencing, burning from within. He represents the animal side of your existence, whilst the faces at the base of the card represent your feelings and reason.
To live healthily, we need both aspects of the card in our lives. The elemental triangle shows the indivisible link between your mind and your heart. The Lion’s fire gives you your warmth, your fervour and your humanity whilst your rational capacity restrains the excesses of your passions. The virtue of Fortitude is attained when balance between the two is struck. This kind of inner strength allows our raw animal passions to be tempered and to express themselves with moderation and a conscience.
There’s a fine line to be drawn when learning the art of controlling your passions. The art of Fortitude can also encompass the ability to know when the Lion should be allowed freedom as well as restraint. Sometimes it’s as important to say yes to your passions as it is to say no. Too much control ceases to be an expression of Fortitude and transforms itself into repression.
In the gay world, we often see this when men, living in fear of persecution for their sexuality mask their true feelings, hiding behind a pretence of heterosexuality and sometimes even marrying. In many such cases, the Lion soon re-asserts itself but not before wives and children have been hurt in the process.
Too little control is the most obvious manifestation of the lack of this virtue in gay culture. Promiscuity and emotional excess are the sad consequences of not being able to say ‘no’ to our own inner urges. The Lion is a precious part of ourselves but he is not our master. The man who knows the virtue of Fortitude also knows the dance of his two selves around the figure of eight. The passions and the mind are partners who, like a loving couple, enrich and restrain each other simultaneously.
When Strength appears in your reading, look to your heart. Are your inner passions controlling your life or can you strike a correct balance? Conversely, are you repressing your true desires for fear of the consequences of letting them shine? You either fear your inner lion or else need to tame it a little. Strength and Fortitude are achieved through a combination of self acceptance and gentle self restraint.
Chris.
Order the Quantum Tarot from Amazon
