Strength
Strength encourages us to view strength as a compassionate act, not a forceful one. Discover its deeper meanings and symbology.
The Strength Tarot Card Description
"Spiritual awakening is the process of recognizing our essential goodness, our natural wisdom and compassion"—Tara Brach, Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha.
The Strength card is a power image of resilience, perceptivity, and courage. It typically shows a woman or figure gently holding open a lion's mouth, a scene that perfectly captures the balance between strength and compassion. The woman wears white robes, symbolizing calmness and inner strength, and a crown of flowers, representing beauty and gentleness. Above her head is the infinity sign, showing endless possibilities and the eternal nature of the human spirit.
The lion represents raw power and passion, but it’s calmed by the woman’s gentle touch and serene demeanor. This imagery tells us that true strength is not about overpowering others but about mastering ourselves and showing compassion, even in tough times.
Key Takeaways
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The Strength card features a woman gently holding open a lion's mouth, which key meaning symbolizes the balance between inner power and calmness
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Connected to Leo and the element of Fire, the Strength card represents qualities like courage and resilience, with the lion signifying raw power, self esteem, and passion.
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In love and relationships, the Strength card upright suggests deep emotional connections and the importance of patience and mutual support.
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In career and finances, this card highlights the ability to face challenges with confidence and lead by example, promoting a positive and stable work environment.
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When reversed, the Strength card indicates challenges like self-doubt and feeling overwhelmed, which encourages reflection and tapping into your inner confidence.
Qualities
- Upright: Courage, inner self control, compassion
- Reversed: Self-doubt, powerlessness, apathy
Celestial Influence
- Planet/Zodiac: Leo
- Card Number and Arcana: VIII (Major Arcana)
- Element: Fire
- Crystal: Amber or red jasper
Try meditating on The Strength card, the ninth major arcana card in the tarot deck while holding amber or red jasper to channel your inner strength and its fiery Leo energy.
Symbology of The Strength Tarot Card
Lion
The lion represents raw power and untamed passions. It key symbolizes our wild instincts and the powerful emotions that can sometimes feel overwhelming. The lion, though fierce, is calmed by a gentle touch, illustrating that true strength comes from compassion and understanding rather than force.
Crown of Flowers
The crown of flowers on the woman's head represents beauty, gentleness, and the natural world. It illustrates the harmony she maintains within herself and her surroundings. Her crown reminds us that strength can be soft and nurturing, not just hard and unyielding (which we love!)
Infinity Sign
Above the woman’s head floats the infinity sign which symbolizes infinite possibilities and the eternal nature of the human spirit. This sign reminds us that our inner strength is boundless and that we can always draw from it, no matter the circumstances.
Upright Strength: Interpretations and Meanings
Strength and the resilience it conveys is an optimistic card to see in a reading. Here are some possible interpretations that may resonate with you:
Love and Relationships
When the Strength card appears upright in a love and relationship reading, it signifies deep emotional connections and mutual support. This card encourages patience, understanding, and compassion in your relationships. It’s a reminder that true love is not just about passion but also about nurturing and supporting each other
Career and Finances
The Strength card upright signifies perseverance, resilience, and the ability to face challenges with confidence. In a career reading, this card shows that you have the inner strength and determination to overcome any obstacles in your professional life.
The Strength card suggests that you are in a position to lead by example. Your calm and compassionate approach to challenges inspires those around you and creates a positive work environment.
Reversed Strength: Warnings and Challenges
Strength is here alongside us, even when it is reversed. We may just need a little extra TLC as we work through life's inevitable challenges and setbacks, lacking inner fortitude:
Love and Relationships
In a love tarot reading, the reversed Strength tarot card can indicate challenges like self-doubt, lack of confidence, or feelings of powerlessness. Find strength within yourself and approach your relationship with compassion and understanding.
If you're single, the reversed Strength card may indicate a fear of vulnerability. Focus on building your inner strength and self-confidence. By addressing these feelings, you'll be better prepared to open yourself up to love and attract a healthy, supportive relationship.
Career and Finances
In a career tarot reading, the reversed Strength card can signify challenges like feeling overwhelmed or a lack of direction. You may face obstacles that seem insurmountable, which can leave you feeling frustrated or defeated.
This card compassionately suggests taking a step back to reassess your situation. Recognize your strengths and find ways to access your confidence (it's already there, you just need to rediscover it!). Seeking support from colleagues or mentors can also provide valuable perspective and guidance.
Departing Wisdom from Strength
The Strength card carries profound wisdom and guidance. It gently reminds us that true strength comes from within, through patience, compassion, and self-love.
In relationships, the Strength card teaches the importance of mutual support, understanding, and patience. It emphasizes the value of compassion and kindness in building strong and lasting connections.
In career and finances, the Strength card highlights the power of perseverance, resilience, and wise management of resources. Success is achieved through a combination of inner strength and thoughtful action.
Mantra: I find strength in self-acceptance.
References
The Way of Tarot | Alejandro Jodorowsky, Archive.org
The Marseille Tarot Revealed A Complete Guide to Symbolism, Meanings & Methods | Yoav Ben-Dov
The Pictorial Key to the Tarot | Arthur Edward Waite
Disclaimer
The contents of this article are provided for informational purposes only. Take what resonates with you and leave behind anything that doesn't. Anahana is not liable for any interpretations, insights, or outcomes that may arise from using the information provided.
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