Archetype of the Strength Card
According to traditional interpretation, the Strength card symbolizes inner fortitude, courage, calm confidence, bravery, and, importantly, the ability for self-control. The lion depicted on it, as a symbol of strength and power, represents an animal that one can control by learning to manage their fears.
Symbolism of the Strength Card
The Strength card in the Waite deck depicts a young woman representing the spiritual essence in everyone. She wears a wreath and a white dress, symbols of purity.The woman strokes the Lion with her bare hands, wrapping them around his powerful jaws. Her face shows no fear, and her posture emphasizes calmness. With her inner strength, she has tamed the king of beasts.
The Lion is also a significant symbol. He represents power, might, and the primal nature that resides in everyone. Here, he is in a pose that clearly shows he is subdued and controlled by the woman. This reminds us that true strength lies not in brute dominance but in the ability to manage our instincts and emotions—consciousness naturally prevails over the primal.
According to another interpretation, the beast represents a spiritual entity confined by matter. In its struggle to break free, it wastes its energy. The woman, symbolizing the soul, helps guide this energy in the right direction, teaching the beast to control its strength and use it purposefully.
The Strength card contains hidden symbols important for understanding its meaning. For example, above the woman’s wreath is the infinity symbol, indicating that she possesses a force central to all things and actions, which can be used to achieve balance in life.
Key Meaning of the Strength Card
The key meaning of the Strength major arcana card, outside the context of specific spreads, is the ability to manage internal fears, instincts, and desires, as well as to control power and influence over the external world.
The Strength card may also indicate the need to develop inner wisdom to achieve success and well-being. It reminds us that true strength isn't in physical abilities or cruelty. It is always love and only love.
Overall, the key meaning of the Strength major arcana card is managing one's strength, wisdom, and balance, which will help achieve the most ambitious goals.
General Meaning of the Strength Card in Upright Position
In readings, the Strength card often predicts challenges: external enemies, inner demons, and any kind of addictions. It signals a test of endurance from fate and warns that you will need to show willpower and resilience in the near future.
In work and career readings, Strength may indicate that achieving professional goals now requires total dedication. Decisive actions and persistence will help you succeed.
Additionally, the card promises good prospects for acquiring property and stable financial conditions, achieved through hard work.
General Meaning of the Strength Card in Reverse
Strength as an entity has two possible interpretations. If the Strength card appears reversed, its meaning often changes to the opposite.
Plans and intentions are doomed to fail due to a lack of consistency and self-discipline – the matter will be abandoned halfway.
In the context of a specific person, the card indicates an immature personality, susceptible to external influences, struggling with social approval but desperately needing it.
The reversed Strength can also be a marker of cruelty, abuse of power, using one's status and influence to suppress the will of others, despotism, and violence.
The card warns that immaturity, excessive assertiveness, and abuse of power can lead to failure and destruction.
Additionally, the arcana may point to external circumstances or people that will hinder the querent from achieving 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 appears upright in a love reading, it can have several meanings that help clarify the relationship situation.
Below are other general meanings associated with the Strength card in the upright position in the context of love:
- Strong feelings between partners. If the person is not in a relationship, the card may indicate the need to show courage and determination to get what they desire.
- Respect and interaction. True strength in a relationship comes from the ability to control emotions and act with respect and patience towards the partner.
- Showing strength at the right time to maintain the connection with the partner. Surrounding arcana can help understand when showing strength is necessary and when it’s better to use patience and respect.
- The need to show confidence and determination in the relationship.
The Meaning of the Reversed Strength Card in Love
The reversed Strength card has a negative meaning in a relationship reading. It points to problems in intimacy, emotional instability, and frequent quarrels between partners. These conflicts and disagreements will likely lead to a breakup: passion will fade, and the relationship, if based only on physical closeness, will become superficial.
- Unmet expectations due to high demands.
- Insecurity in the relationship, distrust of the partner, issues with jealousy.
- Disrespectful behavior, violation of personal boundaries, one partner dominating the other.
- Unbalanced feelings, one loves, the other allows being loved.
Strength as the Card of the Day
If the Strength card appears in a "Card of the Day" reading, its meaning can be as follows:- Upright position: In the upright position, the Strength card indicates an excellent day. It represents enthusiasm and success in endeavors, encouraging you to use your skills in work or personal growth. Be confident – you have the strength for all tasks. Any problems will be surmountable; you just need to act decisively but without aggression.
- Reversed position: Insecurity and fear of difficulties that may arise during the day. You need to strengthen your willpower; otherwise, you won't be able to overcome fears and doubts and achieve success in your affairs.
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:- Working on willpower is critically important to achieve your goals. The card reminds you of the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties and continuing the fight even in the toughest situations.
- Control over emotions and actions, the need to show understanding and respect towards others.
- The card urges you to trust your abilities and believe in yourself to achieve your goals and realize your potential.
- A reminder of the need to maintain balance and harmony: The Strength card highlights the importance of maintaining balance and harmony in relationships. It indicates the need for patience and respect towards others to avoid conflicts and keep harmony in your connections.
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