Strength: The Power of Inner Courage and Compassion

What Does Strength Represent in Tarot?

Strength is the eighth card in the Tarot’s Major Arcana (numbered as VIII in most decks, though sometimes numbered XI), symbolizing inner strength, courage, and the power of compassion. This card represents the ability to overcome challenges through patience, understanding, and a calm, composed approach rather than brute force. Strength embodies the concept of controlling one’s instincts and emotions with grace and wisdom, illustrating that true power comes from within. When Strength appears in a Tarot reading, it often signifies the need to rely on your inner resources, to face challenges with courage, and to approach situations with kindness and compassion.

The Symbolism of Strength

The Strength card is rich with symbolism, each element reflecting the themes of courage, compassion, and inner power:

The Figure: The central figure in the Strength card is often depicted as a woman gently holding or taming a lion. The woman represents purity, patience, and inner strength, while the lion symbolizes raw instincts, emotions, and untamed passions.
The Lion: The lion in the Strength card represents primal instincts, desires, and the powerful emotions that often need to be controlled or balanced. The fact that the woman is taming the lion with a gentle touch rather than force signifies the mastery of inner strength over raw power.
The Infinity Symbol: Above the woman’s head is often an infinity symbol, representing the limitless nature of strength and the eternal balance between mind and body, spirit and emotion. It suggests that true strength is boundless and comes from a deep connection with one’s higher self.
The Flowers: The woman is sometimes depicted wearing a garland of flowers or standing in a lush garden, symbolizing the beauty of harmony and the nurturing aspect of strength. The flowers represent the growth and flourishing that come from a balanced and compassionate approach to life.
The White Robe: The woman’s white robe symbolizes purity, spiritual strength, and the clarity that comes from acting with integrity and moral courage.

The Meaning of Strength Upright

When Strength appears upright in a Tarot reading, it is a powerful indication of courage, patience, and the ability to handle difficult situations with grace. This card encourages you to tap into your inner strength, to approach challenges with a calm and composed mindset, and to use compassion and understanding as your tools for overcoming obstacles. Strength upright suggests:

Inner Strength and Courage: The Strength card represents the inner courage that allows you to face challenges and difficulties with confidence. It’s a time to trust in your ability to handle whatever comes your way and to remain steadfast in the face of adversity.
Compassion and Patience: This card encourages you to approach situations with compassion, both for yourself and others. It’s a reminder that kindness, understanding, and patience are powerful tools for overcoming obstacles and resolving conflicts.
Self-Control and Mastery: Strength symbolizes the mastery of one’s emotions, instincts, and desires. It suggests that you have the ability to control your impulses and to act with wisdom and discernment, rather than being driven by raw emotions.
Confidence and Resilience: The Strength card is a sign of confidence and resilience. It encourages you to believe in yourself, to stay calm under pressure, and to know that you have the strength to endure and succeed.

The Meaning of Strength Reversed

When Strength appears reversed in a Tarot reading, it can indicate feelings of weakness, self-doubt, or a lack of control over emotions and impulses. The Strength reversed may suggest that you are struggling to find the inner courage needed to face challenges or that you are feeling overwhelmed by external pressures. The Strength reversed may imply:

Self-Doubt and Insecurity: You may be experiencing self-doubt or a lack of confidence in your abilities. The Strength reversed suggests the need to rebuild your self-esteem, to trust in your inner power, and to overcome feelings of inadequacy.
Lack of Control: The reversed Strength card can indicate difficulty in controlling your emotions, impulses, or desires. It’s a reminder to work on self-discipline and to find healthy ways to manage your emotions and reactions.
Overwhelm and Stress: You may be feeling overwhelmed by external pressures or challenges, leading to stress or burnout. The Strength reversed encourages you to take a step back, to practice self-care, and to approach challenges with a calm and measured response.
Avoiding Confrontation: The reversed Strength card can also suggest that you are avoiding confrontation or shying away from challenges out of fear. It’s a reminder that true strength comes from facing difficulties head-on with courage and resilience.

Strength in Different Contexts

Love and Relationships: In a love reading, Strength upright suggests a relationship characterized by mutual respect, patience, and emotional support. It indicates a strong bond where both partners are committed to nurturing each other’s growth. Reversed, it may suggest difficulties in maintaining emotional balance, conflicts due to insecurity or a lack of trust, and the need for greater self-awareness within the relationship.
Career and Finances: In a career reading, Strength upright signifies the ability to handle workplace challenges with grace and confidence. It’s a time to trust in your abilities, to remain calm under pressure, and to use diplomacy and patience in dealing with colleagues or superiors. Reversed, it may indicate feelings of inadequacy, stress due to work pressures, or difficulty in asserting yourself in your professional life.
Personal Growth: Strength represents the journey of personal growth through the development of inner courage, self-discipline, and compassion. Upright, it encourages you to embrace your inner power, to cultivate patience and resilience, and to approach life’s challenges with confidence. Reversed, it may suggest that you are struggling with self-doubt, facing difficulties in managing your emotions, or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of personal growth.

Lessons from Strength

Strength teaches us the importance of inner courage, self-control, and the power of compassion in overcoming life’s challenges. It reminds us that true strength is not about force or domination, but about mastering our inner selves and approaching situations with patience, understanding, and grace. Strength encourages us to trust in our abilities, to face challenges with confidence, and to use compassion as a tool for healing and growth. Whether upright or reversed, Strength challenges us to cultivate inner resilience, to remain calm in the face of adversity, and to act with kindness and integrity in all aspects of our lives.

Conclusion

Strength is a powerful symbol of courage, patience, and the mastery of inner power. As a card of compassion and resilience, it represents the ability to face challenges with grace, to control one’s instincts and emotions, and to overcome obstacles through inner strength and wisdom. Whether you are navigating personal challenges, seeking to build your confidence, or working to develop greater emotional balance, Strength encourages you to tap into your inner resources, to trust in your abilities, and to approach life with a calm and composed mindset.