The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Strength, Or Fortitude

The Strength card shows a woman closing the jaws of a lion, symbolizing beneficent fortitude and overcoming strength

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Lovers→Ritual

The LOVERS and STRENGTH cards each focus on the theme of overcoming challenges through choice, though they approach this concept in distinct manners. The LOVERS card examines the realm of personal decisions and relationships, affirming the role of making informed and thoughtful choices in one's intimate and personal life. On the other hand, the STRENGTH card emphasizes the physical and spiritual challenges that individuals face, focusing on the capacity to endure and triumph over these obstacles. Both cards demonstrate the significance of choice as a pivotal element in personal growth and resilience. They suggest that whether the challenge is internal (as in the case of the LOVERS card, dealing with emotional and relationship dynamics) or external (as in the STRENGTH card, facing physical and spiritual trials), the ability to make effective and empowering choices is crucial for navigating these trials successfully.

Both MINISTERS and STRENGTH, OR FORTITUDE deal with overcoming power and authority, though in different spheres

Tests Of InitiationConcept

The initiation tests are foundational for developing the concept of strength and fortitude

Lion→Lineage

Strength and fortitude are shown overcoming the lion, a symbol of passion and challenge

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Strength, Or FortitudethroughLoversilluminatesTarot →
I. Strength, Or Fortitude & Lovers

The LOVERS and STRENGTH cards each focus on the theme of overcoming challenges through choice, though they approach this concept in distinct manners. The LOVERS card examines the realm of personal decisions and relationships, affirming the role of making informed and thoughtful choices in one's intimate and personal life. On the other hand, the STRENGTH card emphasizes the physical and spiritual challenges that individuals face, focusing on the capacity to endure and triumph over these obstacles. Both cards demonstrate the significance of choice as a pivotal element in personal growth and resilience. They suggest that whether the challenge is internal (as in the case of the LOVERS card, dealing with emotional and relationship dynamics) or external (as in the STRENGTH card, facing physical and spiritual trials), the ability to make effective and empowering choices is crucial for navigating these trials successfully.

II. Lovers & Tarot

The Tarot includes The Lovers card which emphasizes harmony and balance on the spiritual path

Strength, Or FortitudethroughLionilluminatesPhilosophy →
I. Strength, Or Fortitude & Lion

Strength and fortitude are shown overcoming the lion, a symbol of passion and challenge

II. Lion & Philosophy

The lion represents power, strength, and the establishment of the Kingdom of God, which is an ultimate goal of the Fraternity's philosophy.

Strength, Or FortitudethroughLoversilluminatesEmperor →
I. Strength, Or Fortitude & Lovers

The LOVERS and STRENGTH cards each focus on the theme of overcoming challenges through choice, though they approach this concept in distinct manners. The LOVERS card examines the realm of personal decisions and relationships, affirming the role of making informed and thoughtful choices in one's intimate and personal life. On the other hand, the STRENGTH card emphasizes the physical and spiritual challenges that individuals face, focusing on the capacity to endure and triumph over these obstacles. Both cards demonstrate the significance of choice as a pivotal element in personal growth and resilience. They suggest that whether the challenge is internal (as in the case of the LOVERS card, dealing with emotional and relationship dynamics) or external (as in the STRENGTH card, facing physical and spiritual trials), the ability to make effective and empowering choices is crucial for navigating these trials successfully.

II. Lovers & Emperor

The Lovers can represent the relationship between the Empress and Emperor in the deck

Strength, Or FortitudethroughLoversilluminatesHierophant →
I. Strength, Or Fortitude & Lovers

The LOVERS and STRENGTH cards each focus on the theme of overcoming challenges through choice, though they approach this concept in distinct manners. The LOVERS card examines the realm of personal decisions and relationships, affirming the role of making informed and thoughtful choices in one's intimate and personal life. On the other hand, the STRENGTH card emphasizes the physical and spiritual challenges that individuals face, focusing on the capacity to endure and triumph over these obstacles. Both cards demonstrate the significance of choice as a pivotal element in personal growth and resilience. They suggest that whether the challenge is internal (as in the case of the LOVERS card, dealing with emotional and relationship dynamics) or external (as in the STRENGTH card, facing physical and spiritual trials), the ability to make effective and empowering choices is crucial for navigating these trials successfully.

II. Lovers & Hierophant

The Hierophant and Lovers both represent spiritual and moral aspects in different forms The Lovers and the Hierophant are intertwined in a journey characterized by spiritual and moral guidance. Both entities support a path that is deeply rooted in spiritual principles and ethical choices. "The Lovers," in particular, play a significant role in assisting the Hierophant on this spiritual journey, offering support and guidance in making moral decisions. This relationship signifies a cooperative and guiding dynamic between the two, emphasizing the importance of spiritual and moral principles as foundational elements in the Hierophant's development and navigation of life's challenges. Together, they exemplify a harmonious blend of moral integrity and spiritual enlightenment, fostering a comprehensive approach to personal and spiritual growth.

Strength, Or FortitudethroughLoversilluminatesFraternity →
I. Strength, Or Fortitude & Lovers

The LOVERS and STRENGTH cards each focus on the theme of overcoming challenges through choice, though they approach this concept in distinct manners. The LOVERS card examines the realm of personal decisions and relationships, affirming the role of making informed and thoughtful choices in one's intimate and personal life. On the other hand, the STRENGTH card emphasizes the physical and spiritual challenges that individuals face, focusing on the capacity to endure and triumph over these obstacles. Both cards demonstrate the significance of choice as a pivotal element in personal growth and resilience. They suggest that whether the challenge is internal (as in the case of the LOVERS card, dealing with emotional and relationship dynamics) or external (as in the STRENGTH card, facing physical and spiritual trials), the ability to make effective and empowering choices is crucial for navigating these trials successfully.

II. Lovers & Fraternity

The Lovers can represent the journey of life and relationships within a fraternity

Strength, Or FortitudethroughLoversilluminatesHigh Priestess →
I. Strength, Or Fortitude & Lovers

The LOVERS and STRENGTH cards each focus on the theme of overcoming challenges through choice, though they approach this concept in distinct manners. The LOVERS card examines the realm of personal decisions and relationships, affirming the role of making informed and thoughtful choices in one's intimate and personal life. On the other hand, the STRENGTH card emphasizes the physical and spiritual challenges that individuals face, focusing on the capacity to endure and triumph over these obstacles. Both cards demonstrate the significance of choice as a pivotal element in personal growth and resilience. They suggest that whether the challenge is internal (as in the case of the LOVERS card, dealing with emotional and relationship dynamics) or external (as in the STRENGTH card, facing physical and spiritual trials), the ability to make effective and empowering choices is crucial for navigating these trials successfully.

II. Lovers & High Priestess

Both the High Priestess and Lovers can symbolize spiritual quests and life choices

Strength, Or FortitudethroughLionilluminatesResurrection →
I. Strength, Or Fortitude & Lion

Strength and fortitude are shown overcoming the lion, a symbol of passion and challenge

II. Lion & Resurrection

Both concepts indicate a process of transformation and regeneration, common in religious symbolism

Strength, Or FortitudethroughLionilluminatesWorld →
I. Strength, Or Fortitude & Lion

Strength and fortitude are shown overcoming the lion, a symbol of passion and challenge

II. Lion & World

The lion, as an apocalyptic beast, accompanies the World card and is integral to its symbolism of the complete circle of life.

Strength, Or FortitudethroughLoversilluminatesHermit →
I. Strength, Or Fortitude & Lovers

The LOVERS and STRENGTH cards each focus on the theme of overcoming challenges through choice, though they approach this concept in distinct manners. The LOVERS card examines the realm of personal decisions and relationships, affirming the role of making informed and thoughtful choices in one's intimate and personal life. On the other hand, the STRENGTH card emphasizes the physical and spiritual challenges that individuals face, focusing on the capacity to endure and triumph over these obstacles. Both cards demonstrate the significance of choice as a pivotal element in personal growth and resilience. They suggest that whether the challenge is internal (as in the case of the LOVERS card, dealing with emotional and relationship dynamics) or external (as in the STRENGTH card, facing physical and spiritual trials), the ability to make effective and empowering choices is crucial for navigating these trials successfully.

II. Lovers & Hermit

The Hermit and Lovers both represent quests for meaning and fulfillment, albeit in different aspects The entities "The Lovers" and "The Hermit" are often depicted as symbols that reflect different facets of guidance and choice in life. The Lovers are portrayed as a journey guided by spiritual and moral principles, closely associated with the values and wisdom of the Hermit. Both figures embody a spiritual path that involves weighing and balancing life values, much like the Hermit's solitary but guiding role. Together, they represent a comprehensive approach to life's moral choices and the integration of individual and collective values, affirming the role of balanced decision-making and the influence of spiritual guidance. The card of the Hermit and the Lovers can represent different states of relationship and personal exploration.

Strength, Or FortitudethroughLoversilluminatesChariot →
I. Strength, Or Fortitude & Lovers

The LOVERS and STRENGTH cards each focus on the theme of overcoming challenges through choice, though they approach this concept in distinct manners. The LOVERS card examines the realm of personal decisions and relationships, affirming the role of making informed and thoughtful choices in one's intimate and personal life. On the other hand, the STRENGTH card emphasizes the physical and spiritual challenges that individuals face, focusing on the capacity to endure and triumph over these obstacles. Both cards demonstrate the significance of choice as a pivotal element in personal growth and resilience. They suggest that whether the challenge is internal (as in the case of the LOVERS card, dealing with emotional and relationship dynamics) or external (as in the STRENGTH card, facing physical and spiritual trials), the ability to make effective and empowering choices is crucial for navigating these trials successfully.

II. Lovers & Chariot

The Lovers, often representing a journey towards marriage and partnership, can be envisioned as a symbolic depiction in which two entities (referred to here as Lovers) travel together in a shared chariot. This imagery demonstrates the collaborative and harmonious nature of the relationship, symbolizing the commitment and mutual journey towards a shared destiny, where the act of traveling together in the chariot encapsulates both the journey and the destination of love and partnership. The CHARIOT and the LOVERS are two significant tarot cards that together illustrate a balance between external achievement and internal struggles, representing the journey toward harmony and success. The CHARIOT card symbolizes external achievement, embodying the trials, challenges, and efforts necessary for overcoming obstacles and achieving tangible results in one's life. It encompasses themes of strength, determination, and control, often representing the journey of self-control and the perseverance to maintain one's course in the face of adversity. The LOVERS card, on the other hand, speaks to internal struggles and the dynamics of the heart, focusing on the complexities of love and attraction. It portrays the decision-making process between choices, symbolizing the internal dialogue one experiences when faced with significant decisions that can profoundly impact one’s life path. This card often explores themes of choice, connection, and the balance between emotional desires and rational judgment. Collectively, the CHARIOT and the LOVERS highlight the dual nature of human experience—balancing external success and internal harmony. The CHARIOT card emphasizes the trials overcome and the success achieved, while the LOVERS card examines the internal landscape of desires, fears, and the struggle to reconcile love with personal growth. Together, these cards paint a picture of the journey toward a balanced life where external achievements and internal growth are intertwined, supporting and reinforcing each other.