Strength Tarot Card Meaning
Strength isn’t about brute force, it’s about knowing when to be gentle. If the Strength card were a person, they’d be the one calmly walking up to a snarling wolf, whispering something soft, and watching as it lays its head in their hands. This card speaks to quiet resilience, emotional mastery, and the power of patience. When Strength appears in a reading, it reminds you that true courage isn’t about overpowering your challenges but about facing them with grace, compassion, and unwavering self-trust.
Taming the Lion
The Strength card in tarot represents patience, courage, inner strength, and resilience. Unlike brute force, this card signifies the power of quiet determination, emotional intelligence, and control over one’s instincts. Often depicted as a woman gently taming a lion, Strength reminds us that true power comes from within, through understanding, compassion, and self-discipline.
While both The Chariot and Strength are about knowing how to fight, their approaches differ. The Chariot is intentional, calculating each move like a strategist. Strength, however, is not about tactics, it’s about identity. She is not strong because she planned to be; she is strong because life has shaped her that way. Every challenge, every hardship, every moment of restraint has forged her into someone who knows how to tame the lion, not through dominance, but through an unshakable sense of self. She does not need to overpower, her presence alone commands respect.
Key Takeaways:
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Strength is a card of courage, self-confidence, and perseverance.
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When upright, it symbolizes inner fortitude, patience, and emotional control.
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When reversed, it can indicate self-doubt, lack of confidence, or suppressed anger.
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Symbolism in the Strength card includes the lion (raw emotions), the infinity sign (endless potential), and the woman (gentle power).
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In love readings, it represents emotional resilience and deep connections.
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In career readings, it signals perseverance, leadership, and overcoming obstacles.
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Associated with the zodiac sign Leo, Strength is a reminder to lead with heart and courage.
The Strength Tarot Card: An Overview
In the Tarot deck, Strength is a testament to the power of your inner strength. It is the eighth card in the Major Arcana reminds us that true power comes not from domination but from self-control and understanding. The imagery often features a woman gently closing (or opening) a lion’s mouth, an act of trust and mutual respect rather than force. Strength is not just physical but also emotional and spiritual, requiring patience, resilience, and love.
The lemniscate (infinity symbol) above her head mirrors The Magician’s, suggesting that Strength is a force we can always tap into when we trust ourselves. This card invites us to approach life’s challenges with grace rather than aggression, reinforcing the idea that gentleness does not mean weakness. It is, in fact, the highest form of power.
When Strength appears in a reading, it asks you to step into your confidence, but not in a way that demands control over others. Instead, it reminds you to cultivate control over yourself, your fears, your doubts, and the parts of you that may try to act out of anger or insecurity. True strength is found in the ability to remain kind in the face of adversity and to move forward with courage, even when the path is uncertain.
Symbolism of the Strength Tarot Card
The Lion
The lion represents our primal instincts, desires, and emotions. Instead of using force, the woman on the card tames the lion with calmness and patience, showing that true strength comes from within, not from domination.
The Woman
She symbolizes grace, emotional intelligence, and spiritual power. Her ability to control the lion without struggle demonstrates the importance of self-mastery and inner peace.
The Infinity Symbol
Above her head, the infinity symbol represents limitless potential and the balance of mind, body, and spirit. It suggests that strength is a continuous force, always present within us.
The White Robe & Flowers
Her white robe symbolizes purity and wisdom, while the flowers represent a harmonious connection between nature and the human spirit.
The Strength
Upright Meaning
When the Strength card appears upright in a tarot reading, it brings a message of resilience, patience, and courage. It encourages you to face challenges with confidence and grace rather than aggression.
Personal Growth & Inner Strength
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Encourages you to trust yourself and remain steady in difficult situations.
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Represents emotional balance and the ability to stay composed.
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Teaches the importance of leading with compassion and understanding.
Love and Relationships
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For singles: A reminder to be patient in love, as the right connection takes time.
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For relationships: Indicates emotional resilience, understanding, and a strong bond between partners.
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Advice: Approach love with patience, honesty, and emotional strength.
Career and Finances
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Suggests perseverance in the face of workplace challenges.
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Encourages self-confidence in leadership roles.
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Indicates overcoming obstacles through determination rather than aggression.
Health and Well-being
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A sign of inner healing and emotional balance.
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Encourages mindfulness and self-care.
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Suggests a strong connection between mental and physical well-being.
The Strength
Reversed Meaning
When reversed, the Strength card highlights struggles with self-doubt, emotional instability, or feeling overwhelmed.
Personal Challenges
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Difficulty maintaining confidence and inner strength.
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Feeling powerless in certain situations.
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Warning against suppressing emotions or letting fear control decisions.
Love and Relationships
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For singles: A sign of insecurity or fear of vulnerability in relationships.
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For relationships: May indicate emotional imbalance, power struggles, or unresolved issues.
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Advice: Focus on self-love and emotional healing before pursuing deep connections.
Career and Finances
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Feeling unmotivated or lacking confidence in professional endeavors.
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Indicates burnout or workplace stress.
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Encourages taking a step back to regain perspective and motivation.
Health and Well-being
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Warning against emotional exhaustion or neglecting self-care.
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Signals the need to regain balance and inner harmony.
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Encourages self-compassion and stress management.
The Strength Card in Different Life Aspects
The Strength card influences various aspects of life, encouraging resilience, patience, and emotional mastery. When you align with the energy of Strength, you cultivate inner courage, self-discipline, and a deep trust in your ability to handle whatever life throws your way.
Whether in love, career, finances, or personal well-being, this card serves as a reminder that true power comes from balance—balancing force with compassion, action with patience, and confidence with humility. Strength urges you to approach challenges with grace, knowing that enduring success is built not on aggression, but on persistence, wisdom, and self-control.
Love and Relationships
When the Strength card appears in a love reading, it signifies deep emotional bonds, patience, and understanding.
If You’re Single
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Indicates self-love and emotional preparation before entering a new relationship.
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Suggests that patience will lead to the right romantic connection.
If You’re in a Relationship
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Represents a strong emotional foundation between partners.
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Encourages resolving conflicts with compassion rather than force.
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Suggests that mutual trust and patience will strengthen the bond.
Career and Work
In career and financial readings, Strength represents perseverance, leadership, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
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Encourages confidence in professional abilities.
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Suggests overcoming challenges with patience rather than force.
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May indicate stepping into a leadership role or handling a difficult situation with grace.
Financial Outlook
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Suggests maintaining patience and discipline in financial matters.
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Encourages avoiding impulsive decisions and focusing on long-term stability.
Astrological Meaning of the Strength Card
The Strength card is astrologically associated with Leo, ruled by the Sun. Leo represents confidence, courage, and heart-centered leadership, while the Sun symbolizes vitality, self-expression, and personal power. This card encourages embracing one’s inner light and using it to navigate life’s challenges with strength and grace.
Numerological Significance
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Power & Inner Mastery – The number 8 is associated with strength, resilience, and mastery over challenges. In the Strength card, this is reflected in the image of a woman taming a lion—not through brute force but through calm confidence and inner control.
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Balance & Infinity – The infinity symbol (∞) above the figure’s head connects Strength to eternal wisdom and balance. The number 8 also represents the cyclical nature of life, showing that true strength is found in adaptability and patience.
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Karmic Energy & Responsibility – In numerology, 8 is linked to karma, cause and effect, and taking responsibility for one's actions. Strength teaches that power must be used wisely, and patience leads to true success.
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Endurance & Determination – Just as the number 8 represents material success and ambition, Strength embodies determination and perseverance in overcoming obstacles—both physical and emotional.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Strength Tarot Card:
What does the Strength tarot card mean in a reading?
The Strength card represents courage, resilience, and emotional control. It advises handling challenges with patience and self-confidence.
Is the Strength card a yes or no card?
Strength is generally a yes card, especially if the situation requires perseverance, inner strength, and patience.
What zodiac sign is associated with the Strength card?
The Strength card is associated with Leo, a sign known for confidence, heart-centered leadership, and determination.
How does the Strength card relate to manifestation?
Strength teaches that manifestation requires inner balance, patience, and unwavering belief in oneself. It encourages trusting the process and using emotional intelligence to achieve goals.
What crystals and herbs enhance the Strength card’s energy?
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Crystals: Carnelian (confidence), Tiger’s Eye (courage), Citrine (positivity).
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Herbs: Chamomile (calm), Ginger (energy boost), Basil (inner strength).