Strength

Major Arcana

Couragepatiencecontrolcompassion

Strength represents courage, patience, and gentle control. This card reminds you that true strength comes from within, from compassion and patience. You have the ability to overcome any challenge.

Overview

Strength (VIII) is the eighth card of the Major Arcana and represents inner power, courage, resilience, and compassion. Unlike The Chariot which signifies outer strength and will, Strength speaks to inner strength and the human spirit's ability to overcome any obstacle. Associated with Leo and the element of Fire, this card emphasizes that true strength comes from patience, self-control, and inner resolve rather than brute force.

Card description

The Strength card depicts a woman in a white robe gently stroking a lion on its forehead and jaw. Even though the lion is known for its ferocity, the woman has tamed this wild beast with her calming, loving energy. The lion represents raw passions and desires, and in taming him, the woman shows that animal instinct and passion can be expressed positively when inner strength and resilience are applied. The woman wears a white robe symbolizing purity of spirit, and a belt and crown of flowers represent the fullest, most beautiful expression of nature. An infinity sign floats above her head, representing infinite potential and wisdom.

Upright meaning

General

The Strength card upright represents inner power, courage, and resilience. When this card appears, it signifies a time when you can harness your inner strength to overcome challenges and navigate difficult situations with grace and composure. When you get the Strength card in an upright manner, it shows you have inner strength and fortitude during moments of danger and distress. It shows your ability to remain calm and strong even when life is going through immense struggle.

Love & relationships

Strength upright in relationships suggests emotional maturity, patience, and the ability to handle relationship challenges with grace. It indicates inner strength that allows you to love deeply and compassionately. This card suggests a strong foundation built on emotional intelligence.

Career & work

The Strength card upright indicates professional resilience and the ability to handle workplace challenges with poise. It suggests inner confidence that doesn't need external validation. This is a powerful time for facing workplace difficulties and emerging stronger.

Finances

Strength upright suggests the emotional resilience to handle financial challenges. It indicates the inner strength to make difficult financial decisions and stick to your financial goals despite obstacles.

Health

This card represents overall wellness and the inner strength to overcome health challenges. It suggests the power of mind over matter and the ability to maintain wellness through resilience and self-care.

Spirituality

Spiritually, Strength represents mastery over your base impulses and alignment with higher consciousness. It indicates the development of spiritual fortitude through meditation and inner work.

Reversed meaning

General

When the Strength card appears reversed, it can indicate a struggle with self-doubt and lack of confidence. This card suggests you might be feeling overwhelmed by challenges or unsure of your own abilities to handle them. Weakness, cowardliness, and lack of courage are represented by Strength Reversed. You lack inner strength and belief in yourself. Depression, despair, and hopelessness are evident. If you have recently experienced a setback, you may be vulnerable and lacking in self-confidence. Know that your core strength will always be with you - now is as good a time as any to reconnect with this power.

Love & relationships

Strength reversed may suggest emotional weakness in relationships or inability to handle relationship challenges. It can indicate emotional vulnerability or immaturity. You may be struggling with self-doubt in matters of the heart.

Career & work

The reversed Strength card suggests lack of confidence in your professional abilities. You may be struggling with workplace challenges or doubting your competence. This is a time to reconnect with your professional strengths.

Finances

This reversal suggests feeling overwhelmed by financial challenges or lacking the emotional resilience to handle financial difficulties. You may need support in managing finances.

Health

Strength reversed may indicate health challenges related to emotional or mental weakness. It can suggest the need for more self-care and emotional support in managing health.

Spirituality

Reversed, it may indicate feeling disconnected from inner spiritual strength or struggling with spiritual discipline.

Symbolism

The Lion: Raw passion, animal nature, and wild desires
The Woman: Gentle control through love and compassion, not force
White Robe: Purity, spiritual connection, and consciousness
Flowers: Beauty, growth, and the fullest expression of nature
Infinity Sign: Infinite potential and eternal strength
Her Gentle Touch: True strength through compassion and patience

Card combinations

Strength + The Chariot: Inner and outer strength combined
Strength + The Hermit: Inner wisdom and spiritual strength
Strength + The Sun: Strength combined with joy and success
Strength + Temperance: Balance and emotional mastery

Advice

Tap into your inner reserves of strength and courage. Face your challenges with compassion for yourself and others. Remember that true strength comes from patience, self-control, and emotional intelligence rather than aggression or force. This is a time to demonstrate your resilience and ability to overcome obstacles with grace. Trust in your ability to handle whatever comes your way. Be kind to yourself while pushing through difficulties.