The Key to Strength

This week I'll be using the Nigel Jackson Tarot, created by Jackson and published by Llewellyn. I'll also be using the Viking Lenormand, created and self-published by my dear friend Carole Beasley. Today's draws are Fortitude (Strength) and 'The Key:'

          Fortitude indicates courage and strength in adversity. It doesn't mean the difficulty disappears; rather than reacting to it, we tame it with patience and kindness. Jackson includes three broken pillars in his card, a Renaissance symbol of fortitude. In kabbalah's Tree of Life, there are three columns: justice, beauty, and mercy. Justice represents power and severity, separation and distinction. Mercy represents unity and harmony, benevolence and goodness. But the middle pillar - Beauty - is the ideal balance between the other two. Such is the meaning of the Strength /Fortitude card. The Key implies that a door can be unlocked, an insight can be had, and a solution can be found. Perhaps its message is that people and situations can't simply be sorted into two columns of good/bad or right/wrong. To be able to see from a viewpoint of inclusivity - seeing the whole rather than just a few parts - is what will allow us to find strength in adversity.