What Does the Strength Tarot Card Mean?

The Strength tarot card is the eighth card of the major arcana, and it serves as a bridge between The Chariot and The Hermit. As part of a patriarchal society, the idea of “strength” may elicit images of fierce masculinity and its stereotypical traits – aggression, bravado, protection – but the original Rider Waite imagery depicts a much different meaning.

In this major arcana card, we see a lithe young woman with her hands around the jaw of a lion, a serene look on her face. The woman wears a long, white robe, her hair adorned with flowers. Her beautiful expression and demeanor represent femininity. Despite the danger to her, she does not use brute strength to snap shut the lion’s mouth. Instead, she patiently keeps a firm hold until the animal eventually tires.

The person in the Strength tarot card is not a knight or king, and this is with good reason. The Strength card is a representation of inner strength. It is the card of willpower. When fighting the lion in your life, physical strength will only get you so far, but willpower will keep you from its claws.

The infinity symbol above the woman’s head appears throughout the Tarot in both The Magician card and the Two of Pentacles card and illustrates the unbound, unending nature of what the cards represent. The infinity sign in Strength reminds us that we have more inner strength than we realize, and it is always there for us to rely upon.

The lion represents a situation, relationship, or obstacle at hand. Because of this card’s emphasis on inner strength, you should approach it with a compassionate heart.

A quiet conscience makes one strong.

Anne Frank

Once again, it’s helpful to think of the Strength card as the connection between The Chariot and The Hermit. While the Chariot boldly barrels onward, the Hermit pulls away and hides within. The Strength card serves as the middle ground between these two extremes, in which you cannot completely withdraw or forcefully overtake in order to move forward.

The lion – or in this card from the Tarot Del Fuego, the sea monster – can also represent a part of yourself. Like the Devil card, there is an instinctual, animal instinct that finds its home in the Strength card. This is not a part of yourself that must be killed, but a part of yourself that must be tamed. Even the uglier, darker aspects of ourselves have their purpose, and outright repression of this shadow side is not healthy. A tamed beast can still be unleashed when the moment is right.

Instead of hiding from your animal side, honor it.

---

Strength Tarot Card Meanings

Strength Tarot Card Meaning as Feelings

The Strength tarot card appears when you are feeling intimidated. You’re in the lion’s den, and no one is coming to save you. The wild beast you’re facing could be another person trying to exert their influence, or it could be a mental obstacle that’s preventing you from taking what you want from life.

Your own anxieties can be a beast, prowling around your mind so no sense of calm can take root.

Each of us responds to fear differently. Some may tuck their tail between their legs and hope they’re eaten quickly. Others may charge full force at the fully grown lion, led by passion or anger, but not wisdom. The Strength card advises that patience and perseverance are needed in the confrontation ahead.

There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.

Jane Austin, Pride and Prejuidice

When this card appears in a feelings reading, think of the lion not as a threat, but as a feral cat. You aren’t going to win it over by shoving it into your bedroom and forcing it into domesticity. Nor is it going to come to you on its own.

To win over a feral cat, you have to practice compassion and patience, and that is what the Strength card is all about. Put out a can of food and a warm blanket, and with time, you may soon have a kitten asleep in your lap.

Strength Tarot Card Meaning as a Person

The upright Strength card represents someone who may appear outwardly quiet and gentle but has a reserve of inner strength and confidence. This is someone who is calm in a crisis. They do what is needed unfailingly and inspire others through their own ability to draw from their inner courage.

This card alludes to someone with a great deal of self-control. While we can benefit from showing the world our animal spirit, letting our anger result in explosive behavior is a sign of weakness. This person works with the energy from their darker side without being ridden by it.

Additionally, this is not someone who is the loudest, most extroverted voice in the room, but they likely have a stronger sense of self than the person who is. Remember, a lion does not have to tell you they are a lion – you’ll just know.

Strength Tarot Card – Love Meaning

The Strength tarot card is often seen as a positive sign in a love tarot reading. It suggests that raw emotion and passion will fuel the relationship and that there is great potential for growth and change.

The energy of the card can also be seen as a symbol of commitment and endurance. In a love reading, the Strength tarot card indicates that a relationship has the power to weather any storm.

It also suggests that both partners are willing to put in the work to make the relationship thrive. If you are considering a new relationship, the Strength tarot card is a good sign that it has the potential to be long-lasting and fulfilling.

Strength Tarot Card – Money Meaning

In a reading about money, the Strength tarot card suggests that our instinctual urges can exert a powerful influence over our financial decisions.

This is a time to be aware of the need for control and discipline. Fear may tempt us to give in to reckless impulses, but if we can harness our power and stay the course, we will ultimately triumph.

The Strength tarot card reminds us that our true strength lies in following our hearts and trusting our intuition. When we are in touch with our innermost desires, we can make choices that align with our highest good. By tapping into our personal power, we can create the abundant life we desire and deserve.

Strength Tarot Card – Health Meaning

The Strength tarot card is often interpreted in a health context as a sign of physical strength and vitality. However, it can also represent other forms of strength, such as mental or emotional fortitude. It is a positive answer to your Tarot questions about health.

In a health tarot reading, the Strength card can suggest that your gut reactions are particularly accurate and that you should trust your animal instincts when it comes to making decisions about your health. The card can also indicate that you have the inner strength to overcome any health challenges that come your way.

Whatever form of strength the Strength tarot card represents in your health reading, it is a positive sign that suggests you are capable of overcoming any obstacles in your path.

Strength Tarot Card – Timing Meaning

If the Strength tarot card appears in a timing reading, it suggests that the querent is entering a period of personal power.

This is a time when they can exert control over their circumstances and take charge of their destiny. The Strength card can also indicate a time of inner growth and self-discovery.

Querents may find themselves exploring their raw emotions and coming to terms with their shadow selves. However, this is not a time to be reckless or impulsive.

Instead, it is a time to act with confidence and self-esteem, knowing that you are in control of your own fate. By harnessing your personal power, you can create the life you desire.

Strength Card Yes/No Meaning

The Strength Card is a “yes” card!

When the reversed Strength card appears in your tarot reading, it may be telling you to gain confidence. Your self-doubt is draining your mental resources, anxiety eating away at any productive thinking. Likely, you’re feeling low energy. Getting out a bed may seem like an impossible task. Take a beat to rest and gather yourself.

A reversed Strength card can also mean that you may be living out of your weaknesses or shadow side. Step back and ask yourself: what is strength really? It certainly isn’t living life with a short fuse.

When strength is reversed, you may be acting like a wild beast. It’s time to meditate and seek clarity.

Jagged edges are more likely to chip and crack. Call on your gentle nature to truly live in resilience.

Questions For The Strength Tarot Card

• What or whom do I need to stand up to?
• Am I letting myself be controlled by my darker instincts?
• Would I be better served to approach a situation gently?
• How do I draw on my inner strength?
• How can I honor the shadow part of myself?
• Do I stand firm in my convictions?