The Strength Tarot card is an important card in the Major Arcana of the Tarot deck. This card embodies the essence of inner strength, courage and fortitude. The imagery of a woman and a lion represents the harmonious balance between our primal instincts and our higher consciousness. This card encourages us to embrace our inner strength and use it to overcome obstacles.

A brief history

The Strength Tarot card, originally called “La Force”, has been part of Tarot decks for centuries. In the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, it is the eighth card in the Major Arcana, although in some older decks it is the eleventh. Its consistent depiction of a woman and a lion emphasizes the timeless importance of inner strength and courage across cultures and time.

Numeration and symbolism of the Strength card

The Strength card is numbered differently in different Tarot schools. In the English Rider-Waite tradition it is the eighth of the Major Arcana. In the French Papus deck it is the eleventh card and corresponds to the Kabbalistic letter Kaf. This distinction is important and distinguishes the decks of the two schools, so pay attention when choosing a deck!

The Strength card is rich in symbolism. It shows a beautiful young woman, full of grace and dignity, dressed in white, which symbolises inner purity. She is partially naked, indicating natural attractiveness and charisma. Her face is calm and mysterious. Above her head, the symbol of infinity shines like a halo. At her feet is a lion — a symbol of divine power, strength, authority and majesty, as well as a symbol of passion, the sun, and fire. The lion also represents the essence of physical desire. With her delicate hand, the woman holds the fierce beast’s mouth. This is strength subduing wildness.

Astrological associations

Astrologically, the Strength card is associated with the zodiac sign of Leo, ruled by the Sun. This association emphasises qualities such as courage, leadership, and a strong sense of identity.

Key meanings

Strength Upright Meaning

General Interpretation

In its upright position, the Strength tarot card signifies courage, compassion and inner strength. It suggests that you have the resilience to overcome any obstacle with patience and gentle determination.

Love and Relationships

In love readings, the upright Strength card indicates a deep, passionate commitment balanced by mutual respect and understanding. It encourages patience and compassion in relationships.

Career and Finance

In career and financial matters, the Upright Strength card suggests that success will come through perseverance and a calm, determined approach. It advises you to use your inner strength to face challenges. The card helps you to step into a position of leadership and bring order out of chaos.

Health and Wellbeing

In a health readings, the Strength card represents vitality and resilience. It suggests a period of robust health or a strong recovery when facing health challenges. The card also helps to overcome inner limitations and move forward in self-development.

Reverse meaning

General Interpretation

When reversed, the Strength Tarot card can indicate self-doubt, lack of confidence, or an imbalance between your primal urges and your higher self. It can be a reminder to reconnect with your inner strength.

Love and Relationships

In love readings, the reversed Strength card can indicate struggles with self-esteem or power dynamics in the relationship. It advises working on self-love and balance within the partnership. In some readings, the Strength card can also signify sexual energy when appropriate.

Career and finances

Reversed, the Strength card can indicate feeling overwhelmed by work pressure or financial stress. It encourages finding inner balance and not letting fear dictate your actions.

Health and well-being

In health matters, the reversed Strength card can indicate stress-related problems or the need to build physical and emotional resilience. It advises taking time to heal and regain strength.

Strength as someone sees you

Upright perspective

When seen upright, the Strength card indicates that others perceive you as a compassionate, resilient and courageous. They see you as someone who can handle challenges with grace.

Reversed perspective

Reversed, the Strength card could suggest that others see you as someone who struggles with confidence or inner balance. It indicates a need for self-empowerment.

Strength in conflict or challenge

Upright perspective

Upright, the Strength card in conflict readings suggests facing challenges with patience and inner courage. It advises using compassion and calmness to solve problems.

Reversed Perspective

Reversed, the Strength card indicates potential difficulties in dealing with conflict. It suggests the need to regain inner balance and approach challenges with a calm and collected attitude.

Advice from the Strength

Upright perspective

From an upright perspective, the Strength card advises cultivating inner strength, patience and compassion. It encourages you to face life’s challenges with resilience and a calm, determined attitude.

Reversed perspective

Reversed, the Strength card advises addressing any inner imbalance or self-doubt. It suggests taking time to reconnect with your inner strength and not allowing fear to dominate your actions. The card recommends working through internal negative beliefs and fears in order to step confidently into a leadership role and overcome obstacles.

Conclusion

The Strength tarot card embodies the essence of inner strength, courage and fortitude. Whether upright or reversed, this card offers profound insights into our ability to face life’s challenges with resilience and compassion. By understanding and applying the meanings of the Strength card, we can harness its powerful energies to navigate various aspects of life, from personal growth to relationships, career and beyond.