Strength
Keywords
Upright Meaning
Strength in the upright position reveals your capacity to face difficulties with calm determination and quiet confidence. This card emphasizes inner fortitude rather than aggressive force—it's about harnessing your personal power to overcome obstacles through perseverance and self-discipline. You possess the mental and emotional resilience needed to handle current challenges, even if they seem insurmountable. The Strength card encourages you to trust in your abilities and maintain composure during turbulent times. It suggests that patience and gentle persistence will serve you far better than forceful action. This card often appears when you need reminding that vulnerability and strength coexist; true power lies in emotional maturity and the ability to remain centered. Whether facing health challenges, difficult relationships, or professional obstacles, Strength indicates you have the reserves needed to succeed. The card also speaks to taming your inner impulses—channeling anger into productive energy, controlling fear through courage, and directing passion toward meaningful goals. In personal development, Strength suggests you're developing greater self-mastery and emotional balance. This is a card of becoming the best version of yourself through consistent effort and inner work. Trust that your character and determination will carry you through present circumstances.
Reversed Meaning
Reversed Strength suggests you may be struggling with self-doubt, feeling powerless in your current situation, or lacking the confidence needed to move forward. This position can indicate suppressed anger, low self-esteem, or difficulty managing your emotions effectively. You might be using aggression or intimidation rather than genuine inner strength, revealing insecurity beneath a tough exterior. The reversed card warns against giving away your power to others or accepting victimhood as your identity. It may also suggest physical exhaustion or burnout—you've depleted your reserves and need rest and recovery. There's a tendency toward self-sabotage or allowing fear to paralyze you into inaction. You might be struggling with discipline, unable to maintain healthy boundaries or resist destructive impulses. The card reversed can indicate that challenges feel overwhelming because you're approaching them from a place of anxiety rather than calm determination. It's time to reconnect with your inner resources and remember your resilience. This position encourages honest self-assessment: Where have you given your power away? What fears are holding you back? Building strength begins with acknowledging current limitations without judgment. Consider whether you need to release anger, heal wounds, or rebuild confidence. The reversed card is ultimately a call to internal restoration.
Yes/No Meanings
In Love
Yes—Strength indicates the relationship has solid foundations and the capacity to overcome obstacles through compassion and commitment.
In Career
Yes—This card suggests you have the resilience and determination needed to succeed in your professional endeavors.
In Finances
Maybe—While Strength indicates personal discipline, financial outcomes depend on practical action combined with emotional control around money.
In Spirituality
Yes—Strength strongly affirms spiritual growth and your ability to master yourself through patience and inner development.
Symbolism
The Strength card typically features a figure gently controlling or caressing a lion, representing the taming of primal forces through love and understanding rather than violence. The infinity symbol often appears above the figure's head, suggesting limitless potential and spiritual wisdom. The figure's calm, serene expression contrasts with the powerful lion, illustrating that true strength emerges from composure and inner peace. Roses or garlands may be present, symbolizing beauty, love, and gentleness as sources of power. The natural setting represents alignment with the world and oneself. The lion traditionally symbolizes raw power, passion, and the beast within us all. Together, the image conveys that mastering ourselves—our emotions, desires, and impulses—requires patience and compassion rather than force. The card's visual narrative teaches that dominion over external challenges begins with dominion over internal chaos. Colors often include reds and golds representing vitality and spiritual illumination, reinforcing the transformative nature of genuine strength.
Practical Advice
Channel your inner strength by first identifying what challenge you're currently facing. Rather than approaching it aggressively, pause and access your emotional intelligence—consider multiple perspectives and responses. Practice self-discipline in small ways daily: meditation, consistent sleep, healthy eating, and maintaining boundaries reinforce your personal power. When stressed, remember that forcing outcomes often backfires; gentle persistence works better. Develop patience with yourself and others through compassionate communication. Recognize that vulnerability isn't weakness—acknowledging struggles actually strengthens your ability to overcome them. If you're feeling powerless, rebuild confidence through accomplishing small goals incrementally. Seek mentorship or guidance if needed; true strength includes knowing when to ask for support.
Example Scenarios
Scenario 1
Sarah faces a difficult conversation with her boss about unfair treatment. The Strength card suggests she approach it calmly and confidently, speaking from her authentic power rather than anger or fear. Her quiet determination and clear communication will be more persuasive than emotional outbursts or aggression.
Scenario 2
Marcus struggles with addiction and recovery feels impossible. Strength indicates he possesses the inner resilience needed for transformation. The card encourages consistency, self-compassion, and patience through the difficult process—reminding him that true power emerges through daily choices and persistence.
Scenario 3
Jennifer faces job loss and financial uncertainty. Strength suggests tapping into her emotional stability and problem-solving abilities rather than panic. She can weather this storm through disciplined planning, maintaining composure during interviews, and channeling anxiety into productive action toward new opportunities.
