Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
Mohandas K. Gandhi
Recently, while on the road in California, Virginia, Georgia and New Jersey, I have done tarot readings for a number of women on topics ranging from writing projects to career directions to relationship concerns.
I’m surprised by the number of times the Major Arcana card, Strength, has shown up–even in a reading I did for myself. 
I pay attention to patterns and here is what I am seeing:
It is time to claim the power within in order to fully express your creative gifts.
In the early history of this card, during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, it was also called Force or Fortitude, one of the four cardinal virtues, which at that time meant the subduing or overcoming of passion, especially lust. After all, it takes a certain kind of inner strength to resist the temptations of sexual desires.
Over the centuries, though, the meaning evolved, signifying inner strength, resolve, courage, and yes, fortitude.
It is interesting to look at early cards that show Hercules (a man using physical strength) wrestling with or subduing a lion as compared to contemporary cards that most often show a woman with her hand lightly on the lion. It’s an important difference, especially for women, because the implication here is that true strength or fortitude does not come from physical mastery but from internal mastery.
Rachel Pollack, in her book, Tarot Wisdom: Spiritual Teachings and Deeper Meanings, says that “this card calls for people to realize their own strength especially in situations where they believe themselves inadequate.” She also says that while other cards may tell you what needs to be done, the Strength card tells you, affirms for you, that you have the ability to do what is needed.
So, whatever your challenge is right now, whatever you wish to achieve or move through, you are affirmed in your Strength.
And that Strength doesn’t require impressive shows of ability or power.
Acknowledge who you are and what you can do. Then use your special gifts in a way that is creative, intuitive and compassionate…with Strength.