Strength Tarot Card Meaning
Upright Keywords
- Inner Strength
- Gentleness
- Vulnerability
Reversed Keywords
- Aggression
- Overbearing Behaviour
- Lack of Trust
Strength represents inner strength that comes from gentleness and vulnerability. This card shows a person embracing a lion, suggesting that real strength doesn’t require aggression or power. Instead, it’s about being trustworthy and connecting with people in a genuine way. Reversed, it can indicate a loss of confidence or overbearing behaviour, lacking gentleness.
Strength Imagery and Symbolism
The imagery of Strength in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck symbolises inner power, patience, and the harmony between instinct and grace. A figure in a flowing white robe gently tames a lion, their touch calm and assured rather than forceful. The lion represents raw passion, primal urges, and untamed instincts, yet rather than using brute strength, the figure exerts influence through compassion and quiet confidence. Above their head, the infinity symbol floats, signifying boundless potential and the wisdom that comes from inner mastery. Their floral crown and belt reinforce a deep connection to nature and the beauty that emerges from balance and understanding.
Pamela Colman Smith’s artwork portrays a serene landscape in the background, suggesting stability and emotional control. Unlike The Chariot, which represents external willpower and control, Strength is an internal force—the ability to navigate challenges with patience, resilience, and grace. The figure’s white robe reflects purity of spirit, reminding us that true strength does not come from domination, but from self-awareness and emotional intelligence. The golden-yellow sky bathes the scene in warmth, reinforcing the themes of confidence, courage, and harmony.
Across different tarot decks, Strength has been reimagined in various forms, but the essence remains the same—mastery over one’s emotions, gentle but firm influence, and the power that comes from within. Whether depicted as a figure guiding a beast, an embrace of one’s shadow self, or an act of patient resilience, the card reminds us that true strength is not about overpowering obstacles, but about working with them to find a path forward.
Strength Tarot Card Meaning Upright
Inner Strength
The Strength card is a powerful symbol of inner strength, highlighting the importance of resilience and courage. This card suggests that true strength comes from within, not from physical power or force. It’s about having the confidence to face challenges with grace and composure. The Strength card encourages you to trust in your own abilities and to draw upon your inner reserves of strength when times are tough. Their energy reminds you that you are capable of overcoming any obstacle with patience and perseverance.
Gentleness
Gentleness is at the heart of the Strength card’s message. It signifies that strength doesn’t always need to be forceful or aggressive. Instead, it can be gentle and compassionate. This card encourages you to approach situations and people with kindness and understanding. The Strength card shows that by being gentle, you can create stronger and more meaningful connections with others. Their presence in a reading suggests that embracing gentleness will lead to better outcomes and foster a more harmonious environment.
Vulnerability
The Strength card also represents the power of vulnerability. It suggests that allowing yourself to be open and vulnerable is a sign of true strength. This card encourages you to embrace your vulnerabilities and to share them with others, as this can lead to deeper connections and mutual trust. The Strength card reminds you that showing vulnerability is not a weakness but a courageous act that can enhance your relationships and personal growth. Their energy supports you in being authentic and genuine, which in turn builds real strength.
See how the themes of Strength could be playing out for you. Book a tarot reading with me today.
Strength Upright in Love and Relationships Readings
In a love and relationships reading, Strength symbolises compassion, patience, and unconditional support, suggesting that love is growing through mutual respect and understanding. This card indicates that both partners are dedicated to nurturing the connection. Strength in love readings encourages kindness and resilience, helping both partners to support each other’s growth. Its energy supports gentleness, reminding you that a loving relationship is sustained through acceptance and empathy.
Wondering what Strength means for your relationships? Book a tarot reading with me to gain insight.
Strength Upright in Self-Care and Empowerment Readings
In self-care readings, Strength represents the importance of inner resilience, self-compassion, and nurturing yourself through challenges. This card suggests that treating yourself with kindness can lead to personal growth. Strength in self-care encourages patience, helping you to embrace your inner power without force. Its energy supports emotional stability, guiding you to face obstacles with confidence and a gentle approach.
Strength Upright in Career and Creativity Readings
In career and creativity readings, Strength symbolises perseverance, confidence, and the ability to overcome challenges, suggesting that a steady approach can bring success. This card indicates that calm, consistent effort is essential. Strength in career readings encourages courage, helping you to remain steadfast in your ambitions. Its energy supports long-term goals, guiding you to face career obstacles with grace and patience.
Strength Upright in Life Changes and Shadow Work Readings
In shadow work, Strength represents exploring self-acceptance, patience, and embracing your vulnerabilities. This card suggests that understanding your inner strength can lead to growth. Strength in shadow work encourages self-love, helping you to approach your shadow with compassion. Its energy supports healing, guiding you to integrate all parts of yourself without judgement or fear.
Explore the transformative energy of Strength in your own life. Book a tarot reading with me.
Strength Tarot Card Meaning Reversed
Aggression
When the Strength card appears reversed, it can indicate aggression and a lack of self-control. This card suggests that you may be responding to challenges with anger or force rather than patience and understanding. It’s a warning to check your impulses and to find more constructive ways to deal with conflicts. The reversed Strength card encourages you to replace aggression with calmness and to seek peaceful resolutions. Their energy highlights the importance of maintaining composure and using your inner strength to navigate difficult situations.
Overbearing Behaviour
Reversed, the Strength card can signify overbearing behaviour and a need to dominate others. This card suggests that you might be exerting too much control or being overly assertive in your interactions. It’s a reminder to step back and consider the impact of your actions on those around you. The reversed Strength card urges you to practice empathy and to allow others the space to express themselves. Their energy supports finding a balance between assertiveness and gentleness, ensuring that your strength is not overpowering but empowering.
Lack of Trust
The reversed Strength card highlights a lack of trust, either in yourself or in others. This card suggests that you may be struggling with self-doubt or finding it difficult to trust those around you. It’s a call to work on building confidence and fostering trust in your relationships. The reversed Strength card encourages you to address the underlying issues causing this lack of trust and to take steps towards rebuilding faith in yourself and others. Their energy reminds you that trust is essential for strong and healthy connections.
Struggling with the themes of Strength? A tarot reading with me can offer perspective.
Strength Reversed in Love and Relationships Readings
In a reversed love reading, Strength may indicate impatience, frustration, or feeling emotionally drained. This card suggests that one or both partners may need to focus on re-establishing compassion. The reversed Strength in love readings supports understanding, helping both partners to nurture a more balanced connection. Its energy assists in restoring patience, guiding the relationship toward mutual support and emotional renewal.
If Strength feels relevant to your love life, a tarot reading with me could bring clarity.
Strength Reversed in Self-Care and Empowerment Readings
Reversed, Strength in self-care readings may indicate self-doubt, impatience, or a lack of self-compassion. This card suggests that connecting with inner kindness can bring balance. The reversed Strength encourages gentleness, helping you to release self-criticism. Its energy assists in building confidence, guiding you to approach self-care with acceptance and trust in your own resilience.
Feeling stuck in the energy of Strength? A tarot reading with me might help you move forward.
Strength Reversed in Career and Creativity Readings
Reversed in career readings, Strength may indicate burnout, self-doubt, or feeling overwhelmed by challenges. This card suggests that reconnecting with inner resolve can improve outcomes. The reversed Strength in career readings supports pacing yourself, helping you to manage stress with self-care. Its energy assists in cultivating resilience, guiding you to approach your career path with renewed confidence and balance.
Strength Reversed in Life Changes and Shadow Work Readings
Reversed in shadow work, Strength may indicate fear of vulnerability, inner conflict, or self-criticism. This card suggests that embracing self-compassion can foster growth. The reversed Strength supports acceptance, helping you to release harsh self-judgment. Its energy assists in finding inner harmony, guiding you to approach self-discovery with a gentle heart.
Facing challenges linked to Strength? A tarot reading with me can help you work through them.
Strength on the Fool’s Journey
Strength is one of the cards on the Fool’s Journey, a symbolic narrative in tarot that explores the archetypes and experiences shaping our existence. The Major Arcana represents the grand themes and life-altering moments in the tarot. It’s a 22-card journey that begins with the Fool, symbolising new beginnings and adventure. Each card represents a distinct chapter, exploring the dualities, challenges, and transformations we face throughout our lives.
Understanding the themes in the Major Arcana is crucial for grasping the Fool’s Journey. As you progress through these cards, you will encounter symbols and lessons that resonate with various stages of life, offering insights into personal growth, relationships, and spiritual questions.
Strength in the Unconscious Realm: Exploring the Depths
Strength belongs to the Unconscious Realm. In this realm, tarot pushes you to explore deeper layers of your psyche. This section is about confronting hidden fears, desires, and subconscious motivations. It’s a journey into the unknown, where you carry a light to illuminate the corners of your soul and gain insights into what drives you. It’s a path to profound self-awareness and insight.
Strength and the Element of Fire
Strength aligns with the element of Fire, symbolising passion, creativity, and transformation. Fire burns with a vibrant energy, sparking the drive to take action, pursue ambitions, and embrace the courage within. This element reminds us of the power of inner flames, fuelling desire, inspiration, and boldness. Fire speaks to our ability to create, transform, and illuminate the path forward, motivating us to push boundaries and explore new possibilities.
Strength Journalling Prompts
How can I show myself compassion and patience when facing challenges?
Where in my life am I holding back out of fear, and how can I approach these areas with confidence?
How can I embrace my inner strength and navigate my journey with resilience and gentleness?
Frequently Asked Questions about Strength
What does Strength mean in a tarot reading?
Strength embodies inner courage, resilience, and the power of compassion to overcome challenges and face fears. It encourages you to approach difficulties with patience and kindness, using gentleness rather than force to find solutions. This card often reminds you of the quiet strength within you, urging you to trust in your ability to navigate adversity. In readings, Strength highlights the balance between power and grace, showing that true courage lies in staying composed and compassionate.
Is Strength a yes or no card?
Strength often indicates a yes, highlighting resilience, compassion, and inner power. It’s deeply connected to empowerment tarot and personal empowerment, encouraging you to overcome challenges and boost self-esteem. In tarot for burnout or healing from burnout, it serves as a reminder to nurture yourself and prioritise self-care. Strength is also valuable in life transitions or navigating change, helping you trust your inner voice.
What is the role of Strength in the tarot deck?
Strength embodies resilience, courage, and inner power, making it invaluable for tarot for burnout or support during transitions. It offers clarity for choices in empowerment tarot or guidance tarot, helping you gain confidence with tarot and nurture self-empowerment. This card invites you to trust your intuition, embrace change, and focus on wellness guidance. Strength encourages resilience in both personal and professional development, aligning with transformation and self-growth.
What does Strength symbolise?
Strength symbolises courage and inner power. In the imagery on the Rider-Waite-Smith version of the card, the infinity symbol above their head reflects infinite potential. The figure gently taming the lion highlights compassion and inner strength over brute force. The lion represents raw passion and desires, while their white robe signifies purity of spirit.
What does Strength suggest about navigating life’s challenges?
Strength suggests that life’s challenges can be overcome with patience, courage, and compassion. This card speaks to the power of inner resilience, whether you're facing burnout, career struggles, or personal growth. By relying on personal empowerment, tarot for confidence, or self-empowerment readings, you can summon the courage to tackle difficulties head-on. Strength also teaches you that true power comes from self-compassion and understanding, making it a key ally in navigating transitions or adjusting to new situations.
Is Strength a positive or negative card?
Strength is typically a positive card, symbolising inner courage, resilience, and patience. It represents the ability to overcome obstacles with grace, making it helpful when navigating burnout recovery or life transitions. Strength encourages you to tap into your inner power and stay calm under pressure. In tarot for life changes, it provides guidance in how to face challenges with confidence and self-belief.
How does Strength align with themes of personal growth?
Strength is a symbol of resilience, courage, and inner power. It’s a card that promotes personal growth through overcoming adversity and trusting in your own strength. If you're dealing with burnout or struggling with difficult life transitions, Strength offers guidance on healing and empowerment. Self-empowerment readings or managing burnout with tarot can help harness the energy of this card for navigating personal struggles.
What are some other names for Strength?
Other names for Strength include La Force in the Tarot de Marseille and Lust in the Thoth Tarot. La Force emphasizes courage and resilience, while Lust focuses on transformative passion and desire. Feminist and inclusive decks often retain Strength but may interpret it as inner power and compassion, avoiding themes of dominance or control over instincts.
What other tarot cards often appear with Strength?
Strength pairs well with The Chariot, emphasising the balance of physical and emotional strength. The Star adds inspiration and healing to its themes of resilience. With The Devil, it explores overcoming personal limitations, while The Moon delves into facing hidden fears. Justice reinforces courage tied to fairness and integrity.
How can Strength guide me in overcoming challenges with resilience?
Strength guides you in overcoming challenges with resilience and compassion. It encourages tapping into inner courage and maintaining balance in adversity. This card is perfect for building self-confidence and addressing difficult emotions. By aligning with Strength, you can develop patience and emotional intelligence. Its energy fosters empowerment and healing in tough situations.
