Major Arcana · Card VIII
Strength
About Strength
A woman gently closes the jaws of a lion, demonstrating that true strength comes through compassion and patience rather than brute force. An infinity symbol floats above her head, connecting her to The Magician and the infinite nature of inner power. She wears a white robe symbolizing purity of intention and a garland of flowers representing the beauty of compassionate strength.
Strength Upright Meaning
\u2726 General Meaning
Strength represents courage, patience, compassion, and inner strength. Unlike The Chariot's forceful willpower, this card speaks to a gentler form of power — the strength to face challenges with grace, to tame your inner beasts through love rather than force, and to persevere with quiet confidence.
\u2665Love & Relationships
In love, Strength indicates a compassionate, patient approach to relationships. Deep emotional courage allows you to be vulnerable and authentic with your partner. Love expressed through kindness and understanding creates bonds stronger than any force.
\u2606Career & Finances
For career, Strength suggests that patience, diplomacy, and emotional intelligence will serve you better than aggressive tactics. Lead through influence rather than authority. Your quiet confidence commands respect.
\u271AHealth & Wellbeing
In health, Strength encourages patience with your healing process. Recovery takes time, and gentle persistence is more effective than forcing results. Your mental and emotional resilience are your greatest health assets.
Strength Reversed Meaning
\u2726 General Meaning
Strength reversed suggests self-doubt, weakness, insecurity, or raw emotion overpowering reason. You may be struggling with inner demons or lacking the confidence to face challenges. Alternatively, you might be suppressing your true feelings to the point of emotional breakdown.
\u2665Love & Relationships
Reversed in love, Strength indicates insecurity, codependency, or suppressed anger within relationships. You may be sacrificing too much of yourself or avoiding necessary confrontations out of fear.
\u2606Career & Finances
In career reversed, this card warns of professional burnout, loss of confidence, or being too passive in advocating for yourself. Find the courage to speak up for your needs and set boundaries.
\u271AHealth & Wellbeing
For health reversed, Strength suggests depleted energy, weakened immune function, or ignoring the emotional roots of physical ailments. Rest, nurture yourself, and seek support when needed.
Symbolism of Strength
The lion represents primal desires, raw emotions, and the untamed aspects of human nature. The woman's gentle control over the lion symbolizes mastering these forces through love and patience rather than suppression or violence. The infinity symbol connects this card to infinite spiritual strength. The mountain in the background represents challenges overcome through inner power.
Key Advice From Strength
“Approach your challenges with compassion — for others and for yourself. True strength is not about dominating or forcing outcomes but about having the courage to remain gentle when the world demands aggression. Your patience and inner resolve will carry you further than any forceful action.”
See Strength in Action
Pull Strength in one of our free interactive tarot readings and discover what it means in the context of your personal question.