Originally called Fortitude, Strength concerns itself with the strength that comes over a concerted effort over a long period of time. Strength is controlled, coercive, compassionate, and most of all, patient.

Strength derives from the balanced aspect between the "animal" aspect of ourselves, our inner lions and all of the emotions and urges they bring, and our rational nature as humans.

Strength encourages you to hone the lion's strength to support you during a challenging time. Strength also expects you to reign in your temper, to manage your impulses and keep your focus on the goal using a compassionate application of rational control.

The balance, once achieved, is the apex of fortitude and the kind of strength we all hope to achieve.


1. Do you under or over regulate your lion self? Do you trust your lion nature?

2. What does a well integrated self (lion's strength, energy and emotions reigned in under compassionate control) look like to you? Are you there yet?

3. Do you forgive yourself when you make mistakes based out of emotion or impulse? Are you loving and compassionate to your lion nature?

4. Do you resist rational control and let your emotional self run free (and all it's side effects)? If so, why?