Strength

This material is for entertainment purposes only
Strength
Discuss
Card Name:
Strength
Arcana:
Major Arcana
Key Meaning:
power, confidence, courage, self-control
Reversed:
impotence, self-deception, aggression, violence
Contents:
The Strength (or Fortitude) card is the 8th major arcana in the tarot deck, representing the powerful energy of balance. This card carries positive energy: while it may hint at challenges ahead, it promises they'll be conquered with grace.

Archetype of the Strength Card

In traditional readings, the Strength card represents inner fortitude, courage, quiet confidence, bravery, and—crucially—the power of self-control. The lion shown on the card symbolizes raw strength and power—a beast that can be tamed only by mastering our own fears.
Strength is calm confidence and control over life
Strength is calm confidence and control over life
Strength also embodies desires, joy of life, and passionate love. It teaches us that real strength flows from within, not from outside forces, and only benefits us when paired with wisdom and emotional mastery over our primal instincts.

Symbolism of the Strength Card

In the Waite deck, the Strength card shows a young woman who embodies the spiritual essence within us all. She wears a wreath and a white dress, symbols of purity.

The woman gently touches the Lion with her bare hands, placing them around his mighty jaws. Her face shows no fear, and her posture emphasizes calmness. Through pure inner strength, she's tamed the king of beasts.

The Lion is also a significant symbol. He embodies raw power, might, and the primal nature that lives within us all. Here, he is in a pose that clearly shows he is subdued and controlled by the woman. This shows us that real strength isn't about brute force but about managing our instincts and emotions—consciousness naturally wins over our primal nature.

In another reading, the beast symbolizes a spiritual force trapped within physical form. As it fights to break free, it burns through its energy. The woman—representing the soul—channels this energy in the right direction, teaching the beast to harness its strength with purpose.

The Strength card contains hidden symbols important for understanding its meaning. For instance, the infinity symbol above the woman's wreath shows she holds a universal force that connects all things—one that can create perfect balance in life.

Key Meaning of the Strength Card

At its core, the Strength major arcana represents mastering our inner fears, instincts, and desires—plus wielding power and influence in the world around us.
Strength speaks of the ability to control the world – internal and external
Strength speaks of the ability to control the world – internal and external
The card can also signal robust health, high energy, determination, and courage—all signs of inner resilience that keeps someone rock-solid in any situation.

The Strength card might also point to developing inner wisdom as the key to success and well-being. It shows us that real strength has nothing to do with physical power or cruelty. It is always love and only love.

Ultimately, the Strength major arcana is about mastering your inner power, wisdom, and balance—the perfect recipe for achieving your biggest dreams.

General Meaning of the Strength Card in Upright Position

In readings, the Strength card often signals upcoming challenges: external enemies, inner demons, and various addictions. It represents a test of endurance from fate, warning that you'll need to demonstrate willpower and resilience in the near future.
The card often predicts difficult trials
The card often predicts difficult trials
However, the card may also suggest the need to manage your emotions and desires without suppressing them. Stubbornness and fanaticism can lead to misfortune—like the saying goes, give a fool a prayer book and he'll bash his head with it. In the image, the woman tames the lion not by force but with gentleness. Similarly, a person should use intuition to understand their demons and learn to control them—gently but confidently.

In career readings, Strength suggests that reaching your professional goals will require complete dedication. Decisive actions and persistence will help you succeed.

The card also promises strong prospects for acquiring property and achieving financial stability through hard work.

General Meaning of the Strength Card in Reverse

The Strength card has two possible interpretations. If the Strength card appears reversed, its meaning often changes to the opposite.
The Antipode of Strength is Uncertainty, Weakness
The Antipode of Strength is Uncertainty, Weakness
The reversed interpretation of the VIII arcana represents physical and spiritual weakness, self-doubt, and lack of determination or direction.

Plans and intentions are destined to fail due to inconsistency and lack of self-discipline—projects get abandoned halfway through.

When referring to a specific person, the card reveals an immature personality that's easily influenced by others, craving social approval while struggling to earn it.

Reversed Strength can also indicate cruelty and abuse of power—using status and influence to crush others' will through despotism and violence.

The card warns that immaturity, excessive assertiveness, and abuse of power can lead to failure and destruction.

The card may also point to external circumstances or people that will block the querent's path to success. The Strength card teaches that true power lies in controlling one's emotions and avoiding aggression and despotism.

The Meaning of the Strength Card in Love in the Upright Position

When the Strength tarot card shows up upright in a love reading, it reveals several key insights that can shed light on your relationship dynamics.
In a relationship, the arcane promises passion and a bright temperament
In a relationship, the arcane promises passion and a bright temperament
First, according to tarot reader zoomboola.com, it signals intense passion, vibrant energy, and intimate harmony that creates the foundation for a strong, lasting relationship. However, the card can also reveal an imbalance between partners—one might be further along in their spiritual and intellectual journey. But through kindness and genuine love, they guide their partner and help them channel their raw emotions into building a healthier, more balanced connection.

Below are other general meanings associated with the Strength card in the upright position in the context of love:
  • Strong feelings between partners. If you're single, this card suggests it's time to step up with courage and go after what your heart wants.
  • Respect and interaction. Real relationship strength comes from managing your emotions and treating your partner with genuine respect and patience.
  • Knowing when to stand firm to protect your connection. The surrounding cards can reveal whether it's time to show strength or lean into patience and understanding.
  • The importance of bringing confidence and resolve to your partnership.

The Meaning of the Reversed Strength Card in Love

When the Strength card appears reversed, it brings challenging news for your love life. It signals intimacy issues, emotional ups and downs, and constant fighting between partners. These ongoing conflicts often lead to breakups—passion fizzles out, and relationships built purely on physical attraction become shallow and unfulfilling.
The Reversed Strength Card Indicates Relationship Problems
The Reversed Strength Card Indicates Relationship Problems
The reversed Strength card can also point to:
  • Disappointment when your standards are set too high.
  • Relationship insecurity, lack of trust, and jealousy problems.
  • Disrespectful treatment, crossed boundaries, and one partner controlling the other.
  • One-sided love where one person gives everything while the other just takes.
Bottom line: reversed Strength in love readings often reveals disappointment, insecurity, and toxic relationship patterns.

Strength as the Card of the Day

When Strength shows up as your daily card, here's what it means:
  • Upright position: Upright Strength promises an amazing day ahead. It brings enthusiasm and success to your projects, pushing you to tap into your talents for work or personal development. Stay confident—you've got what it takes to handle anything. Whatever challenges come up, you can handle them—just stay decisive without getting aggressive.
  • Reversed position: Insecurity and anxiety about challenges that might pop up today. You'll need to build up your inner strength, or fear and self-doubt will keep you from succeeding in what matters most.

What the Strength Card Warns About

If the Strength tarot card appears in a spread as a warning or advice, its meaning may be as follows:
  • Building your willpower is essential for reaching your goals. This card reminds you not to give up when facing difficulties and to keep fighting even in the toughest situations.
  • You need to control your emotions and actions while showing understanding and respect for others.
  • This card urges you to trust your abilities and believe in yourself so you can achieve your goals and reach your full potential.
  • The Strength card reminds you to maintain balance and harmony in your relationships. You'll need patience and respect for others to avoid conflicts and maintain harmony in your relationships.