Strength
Major Arcana • Card 8
Strength represents the power of the soul to "tame" the wild instincts of the body through compassion, patience, and inner courage.
Key Concepts
Upright
- • Courage
- • Patience
- • Compassion
- • Influence
- • Gentle power
- • Inner strength
Reversed
- • Self-doubt
- • Low energy
- • Raw emotion
- • Weakness
- • Vanity
Visual Symbolism
The Lion
Represents our primal instincts, passions, and the "beast" within that must be befriended rather than defeated.
The Woman in White
Symbolizes the purity of the soul and the "soft" power of love that can tame even the most fierce energy.
The Infinity Symbol (Lemniscate)
Represents the spiritual nature of the woman and the unlimited power available to those who lead with the heart.
The Yellow Sky
Symbolizes the clarity of mind and the warmth of the solar consciousness that fuels inner courage.
General Interpretation
Upright
Strength is not about muscle, but about the heart. It is a card of incredible resilience and the ability to influence others through kindness.
Reversed
Reversed, Strength can signify a period of self-doubt or being "overwhelmed" by your own emotions. You may be feeling weak or lacking "spirit."
Specific Contexts
General Advice
Strength is number 8 (balance/justice in some decks). It is the "Courage" of the Tarot. It tells you that you are stronger than you realize. Use a gentle hand.
💕 Love
Upright: A relationship where both partners feel safe and supported. Using patience and compassion to navigate a difficult romantic situation.
Reversed: Allowing your raw emotions to dictate your actions with a partner. Self-doubt making you feel unworthy of a "good" love connection.
💼 Career
Upright: Influencing your colleagues through your character rather than your authority. Success through persistence and a "quiet" confidence.
Reversed: Feeling patternless or unmotivated at work. You may be avoiding a difficult project because you don't believe you have the strength to finish it.
✨ Advice
Upright: "Be gentle." You don't need to fight this battle with weapons. Use your compassion and your patience to turn a challenge into a victory.
Reversed: "Trust your soul." You are stronger than your fears. don't let a temporary setback make you feel defeated. Reconnect with your inner power.
The Fool's Journey Note
The Fool meets a lion and is afraid, but then he sees a woman taming it with a touch. He learns that the greatest power is not force, but love.