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Strength Tarot Card Meaning

Strength

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.

Book a tarot reading with me today to explore how the energy of Strength might be showing up in your life.

Strength Imagery and Symbolism

Strength 1

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.

Find out how the message of Strength connects to your self-care journey—book a tarot reading with me.

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.

What could Strength reveal about your career or creative path? Book a tarot reading with me to find out.

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.

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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.

Not sure how the energy of Strength is affecting your career? A tarot reading with me can shed light on it.

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, symbolizing 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?

Is Strength a yes or no card?

What is the role of Strength in the tarot deck?

What does Strength symbolise?

What does Strength suggest about navigating life’s challenges?

Is Strength a positive or negative card?

How does Strength align with themes of personal growth?

What are some other names for Strength?

What other tarot cards often appear with Strength?

How can Strength guide me in overcoming challenges with resilience?

Major Arcana

Minor Arcana