Strength (or Fortitude)

Strength (or Fortitude) - Eleven

The Tarot of Marseilles

Historically, the eleventh Tarot card was called "force" or "fortitude". Fortitude meant moderation in attitudes toward pain and danger, with neither being avoided at all costs, nor actively wanted. The image shows a woman holding open the mouth of a beast. Clearly there is danger here, but she straddles the beast and appears to take great care in what she needs to do. This means having the courage to do what needs to be done, without acting recklessly. We might also call this card "prudence", stressing self-discipline and careful consideration of one's actions.

The number eleven is associated with the zodiac, because out of the twelve zodiac"signs" there is always one hidden behind the sun, leaving eleven visible. The eleventh sign of the zodiac is Aquarius, which the ancient Babylonians associated with the god Ea, also known as Enki. He is the master craftsman of the universe who bestows the "Arts of Civilization". In Christianity, the number eleven relates to the disciples of Jesus. When Judas betrayed Jesus, there were eleven faithful disciples left. In the ancient Babylonian creation story, Tiamat is supported by eleven monsters. In ancient Rome, a police force consisted of eleven men charged with the responsibility to find a wanted person. Several sports, such as football and cricket, consist of teams of eleven. All this suggests that the number eleven represents the cooperation of a group working together.

In the Kabbalah, eleven represents the sphere of Daath meaning "knowledge". The state of "knowing" can be likened to "enlightenment". Daath is a portal through which our perception becomes clear. In such a state of clear thinking, we are able to make wise decisions. Now we see how this links with the concept of fortitude as an attitude of prudence and artful mastery. This is what the eleventh Tarot card means to me.

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