Tarot de Marseille: The Picturebook of Fate: The Twos Part 2

This article continues my series examining the trumps of the Tarot de Marseille, adapted from my unpublished manuscript, Tarot de Marseille: The Picturebook of Fate. As throughout this series, the emphasis is placed upon the traditional eikōn of the card, its historical context, and the practical significations I have found useful through divinatory practice. The interpretations presented here reflect my own experience of working with the Tarot de Marseille and should be understood as a working method rather than a definitive authority.

The Twos: The Popess, Fortitude and the Angel

Trump XI, La Force, or Fortitude, is one of the most iconic images within the Tarot pack. Yet its meaning is often misunderstood. Does it merely signify endurance? Why do some speak of integrating the shadow? And what has the card to do with magnetism and attraction? Fortitude is not concerned with brute strength or domination. Rather, it describes the capacity to persevere, to remain steadfast, and to overcome adversity through constancy of purpose.

The traditional eikōn of Fortitude is remarkably consistent throughout the early modern period. We see a well-dressed woman calmly opening the jaws of a majestic lion with her bare hands. There is no suggestion of violence, struggle, or fear. The lion is not beaten into submission, nor is the woman portrayed as physically overpowering it. Instead, the image conveys mastery through composure. She prevails not through force, but through the quiet confidence of one who possesses complete command of herself.

The essence of Fortitude is endurance; its function is to overcome. The card concerns those situations in which success cannot be achieved through talent alone, nor by force, but only through perseverance. It speaks of resolve in the face of resistance and the determination to continue when easier alternatives present themselves.

Fortitude has long been regarded as one of the cardinal virtues and is also counted amongst the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed through the sacrament of confirmation. Yet Fortitude is not simply the capacity to endure hardship. One may suffer unwillingly and possess no virtue at all. Rather, Fortitude is the willingness to persevere in pursuit of the good despite adversity, discomfort, opposition, or fear.As a gift of the Holy Spirit, Fortitude equips a person not merely to withstand difficulty, but to act rightly in the face of it. It provides the resolve necessary to continue when enthusiasm fades and the constancy required to fulfil one’s obligations when they cease to be enjoyable. The virtue manifests itself not only in moments of crisis, but also in the ordinary demands of daily life. Commitment, discipline, perseverance, and reliability all belong to the sphere of Fortitude.

The lion represents more than instinct or passion. It signifies those fears, desires, discomforts, and difficulties that tempt us to abandon our duties. The woman prevails not by destroying the lion, but by mastering it. Fortitude is therefore not domination of others, but mastery of oneself. True strength lies in governing one’s own impulses and remaining committed to what is right, even when doing so is difficult.

For this reason, the card frequently appears when a person must overcome disinterest, discouragement, or a perceived lack of aptitude. It reminds us that character is not formed by doing only what comes naturally, but by persevering when circumstances become difficult. Obstacles are not necessarily signs that one should abandon a course of action. More often, they are the means through which resilience, self-mastery, and strength of character are developed.

In a reading, Fortitude points towards the need to cultivate the virtue itself. The querent may be required to temper impulses, restrain unhelpful urges, and act with patience rather than haste. The card advises standing firm, remaining committed, and pursuing the highest good despite opposition or inconvenience. Success is unlikely to come through force of will alone; rather, it is achieved through steady application and unwavering resolve. Fortitude teaches that true strength is revealed not in domination, but in endurance.

General: Courage in the face of adversity. Difficulties are overcome through perseverance, self-discipline, and steadfast resolve. The card signifies the successful harnessing of natural forces, whether internal or external, and the capacity to master emotional reactions, impulses, and fears. Though challenges may be considerable, Fortitude promises that they can be endured and overcome.

Love: Relationships often encounter testing circumstances under this card, and one or both partners may feel tempted to walk away. Fortitude confirms, however, that all is not lost. The road ahead may be difficult, but the love, loyalty, and support necessary to repair the relationship remain available. Success depends upon patience, commitment, and the willingness to persevere. For those who are single, the card is highly favourable, promising strong attraction, personal magnetism, and the potential for a passionate and enduring connection.

Career: Fortitude is naturally associated with professions involving animals, including veterinary medicine, conservation, animal welfare, training, breeding, and grooming. It also governs occupations concerned with rehabilitation, development, and support, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic practice, speech and language therapy, and similar fields. More generally, the card favours careers requiring patience, resilience, and the ability to work through gradual improvement.

Finance: Steady improvement through patience and perseverance. Financial difficulties can be overcome, though progress may be gradual. The card advises discipline, restraint, and avoiding impulsive expenditure.

Health: Anatomically, Fortitude is associated with the abdomen, intestines, and liver. It frequently points towards digestive complaints and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The card may also indicate conditions affecting the liver, including fatty liver disease and problems arising from excessive alcohol consumption. More generally, however, Fortitude is a positive indicator, signifying a strong constitution, resilience, and the determination to persevere in the face of illness or adversity.

Essence: Endurance.
Function: Overcoming.
Polarity: Positive.
Astrological Association: Virgo.
Timing: September.

Tarot Cards: Jean Dodal Tarot via Wikipedia Commons. Public Domain.

Featured Image: Ancient Tarot Major Arcana © BP Grimaud/John Waddington Ltd, Leeds & London, Les Tarot de Marseille Jean Noblet, 1650 © Editions «letarot.com» (2001 [hand stencilled trumps]). Les Tarot de Marseille Jean Dodal, 1701 et 1715 © Editions «letarot.com» (2002 [hand stencilled trumps])

16 July, 202611 July, 2026

Tarot de Marseille: The Picturebook of Fate: The Twos Part 1

The Twos: The Popess, Fortitude and the Angel

Trump II, La Papesse, or the Popess, is a fascinating and often polarising card. Does she represent the occult sciences and intuition? Is she Pope Joan, a symbol of heresy and forbidden knowledge? Or does she appear to remind us that there are things we do not yet know? The Popess is a card which resists certainty. Rather than providing answers, she compels us to ask questions.

The essence of the Popess is contemplation; her function is to examine. Where other trumps encourage action, movement, or decision, the Popess calls for reflection. She urges us to pause, reconsider, and investigate before proceeding. Her lesson is simple: matters are not yet sufficiently understood.

The traditional eikōn of the Popess is remarkably consistent. We see a seated woman holding an open book. She wears a cappa magna over monastic dress and is crowned with the Triregnum, the triple crown traditionally associated with the papacy. The image is immediately arresting precisely because it appears impossible. We are told that no woman can ascend to the Petrine ministry, yet here she sits enthroned. The Popess presents a challenge. She asks a simple but unsettling question: Why? Assumptions, conventions, and accepted truths are all subjected to scrutiny in her presence.

When the Popess appears in a reading, we are often being asked to think again. Something remains unknown, overlooked, or poorly understood. There is information yet to be gathered, a perspective yet to be considered, or an assumption that requires re-examination. Until this work has been done, progress is difficult. The card therefore cautions against rushing to conclusions or acting upon incomplete knowledge.

For this reason, the Popess is closely associated with education, study, research, and scholarship. She signifies the acquisition of knowledge, the development of new skills, and the disciplined pursuit of understanding. Her book is not a decorative object but a working tool. She reminds us that ignorance is remedied not by wishing to know, but by undertaking the effort required to learn.

It is, however, somewhat facetious to attribute intuition to the Popess. This is not a figure operating upon divination, instinct or vague impressions. The Popess has a book. She consults primary sources, examines evidence, and interrogates what she finds. Her conclusions are informed rather than intuitive or divined. If the High Priestess of other traditions may rely upon hidden insight, the Marseille Popess relies upon careful thought and diligent study.

Yet contemplation has its drawbacks. The Popess is a taciturn and withdrawn figure. She speaks little and reveals less. Consequently, the card can signify poor communication, emotional withdrawal, secrecy, and a tendency to bottle matters up rather than address them openly. For this reason, it is not generally regarded as a particularly favourable card in matters of love and relationships, whether new or established. Reflection may be useful, but excessive reserve can create distance between people.

The Popess also appears when motives are being questioned and rumours are circulating. People speculate, assumptions multiply, and half-truths acquire the appearance of fact. In such circumstances the card offers a straightforward warning: do not believe everything you hear. Nor should you accept everything that is said at face value. The Popess asks us to verify, examine, and investigate. Only then does she allow us to turn the page.

General: Unforeseen developments requiring a reassessment of existing plans. The card advises observation rather than action, reflection rather than reaction. Difficulties are resolved through common sense, careful examination, and logical thought. Answers emerge through study combined with contemplation.

Love: For those who are single, the Popess generally indicates a period of waiting. The right person may not yet have appeared, and greater effort will be required to leave one’s comfort zone, socialise, or pursue new interests. The card often favours classes, courses, and educational settings as avenues through which relationships may develop. In established relationships, the Popess frequently points towards poor communication, unspoken concerns, and assumptions left unchallenged. Partners need to talk openly and honestly. More often than not, what we imagine is worse than the reality.

Career: The Popess is associated with professions involving records, information, and the preservation of knowledge. Typical occupations include archivists, librarians, curators, bookkeepers, accountants, actuaries, and those employed within the insurance sector. The card may also signify women entering professions traditionally dominated by men. In matters of employment, the Popess often indicates a gap in knowledge, qualifications, or experience. Additional study, training (including an apprenticeship), or the acquisition of new skills may be required before progress can be made.

Finance: A need to review finances carefully and gather more information before making commitments. The card favours research, budgeting, and long-term planning over speculation. Important details may be hidden or overlooked.

Health: The Popess is associated with otorhinolaryngology, particularly conditions affecting the throat and voice. Communication disorders may occasionally be indicated. More commonly, the card points towards investigation, testing, specialist referrals, and second opinions. It advises gathering more information before reaching conclusions.

Essence: Contemplation.
Function: Examine.
Polarity: Neutral.
Astrological Association: Taurus.
Timing: May.

Tarot Cards: Jean Dodal Tarot via Wikipedia Commons. Public Domain.

12 July, 202611 July, 2026

Tarot de Marseille: The Picturebook of Fate: The Ones Part 4

This article continues my series examining the trumps of the Tarot de Marseille, adapted from my unpublished manuscript, Tarot de Marseille: The Picturebook of Fate. As throughout this series, the emphasis is placed upon the traditional eikōn of the card, its historical context, and the practical significations I have found useful through divinatory practice. The interpretations presented here reflect my own experience of working with the Tarot de Marseille and should be understood as a working method rather than a definitive authority.

The Ones in Action:

Let us now turn to a practical example.

The following is a simple three-card spread intended to provide a clear answer to a specific question. After shuffling the Fool and twenty-one trumps and cutting the deck, three cards are drawn as follows:

01 – 03 – 02

Position 1: The querent and their approach to the matter.
Position 2: The question or situation itself.
Position 3: The answer or outcome.

Sallie-Anne had been involved in an intermittent relationship with Dean for approximately two years. She worked as an emergency department nurse and led a busy, structured life. Dean, by contrast, struggled to maintain stable employment and drifted from one opportunity to another.

Following several months of separation, Dean had returned seeking reconciliation. He insisted that he had changed and asked for another chance. Sallie-Anne’s friends were unanimously opposed to the idea, believing she would be making a serious mistake by taking him back.

Her question was simple: “Would it be different this time?”

The cards drawn were:

Position 1: The Empress
Position 2: The Juggler
Position 3: The Wheel of Fortune

The answer is a clear no.

The Empress describes Sallie-Anne’s role within the situation. Although we have not yet examined this trump in detail, it portrays a capable, open, and communicative individual. The card suggests someone who approaches others directly and seeks to build relationships through honesty and cooperation.

The Juggler describes the situation itself and, in relationship readings, will often represent the other party. Here the card paints a familiar picture. Dean is charming, persuasive, and highly skilled at telling people what they wish to hear. The Juggler’s essence is cunning and his function misdirection. He understands Sallie-Anne’s hopes and expectations and knows how to present himself in the most favourable light.

The outcome is shown by the Wheel of Fortune. Rather than indicating meaningful change, the Wheel suggests recurrence and repetition. Circumstances are destined to follow a familiar course. The same patterns that characterised the previous relationship are likely to emerge once more.

My conclusion was straightforward. Dean undoubtedly knew what Sallie-Anne wished to hear and was telling her precisely that. There would almost certainly be a honeymoon period in which matters appeared improved. Yet the Wheel of Fortune strongly suggested that, once the novelty wore off, the relationship would return to its former cycle of highs and lows. Whatever promises had been made, the underlying circumstances had not changed.

Tarot Cards: Jean Dodal Tarot via Wikipedia Commons. Public Domain.