Strength

Words describing Strength: courage, inner strength, patience, resilience, determination, self-control, compassion, balance, taming of instincts, gentle power.

How to interpret Strength in tarot

Past

The Hermit

The Hermit (reversed)

Present

Strength

Strength (reversed)

Future

Two of Pentacles

Two of Pentacles (reversed)

Strength

The Basic Meaning of Strength (Rider-Waite)

The basic meaning of the Strength card (Rider-Waite) is one of courage, endurance and inner strength. In the Rider-Waite deck, the card is depicted as a woman gently opening the jaw of a lion, symbolizing patience and control over our instincts and fears.

Strength – Upright Meaning

Strength is the eighth card in the Major Arcana and represents inner strength, courage, patience, and compassion. It symbolizes the ability to face challenges with grace, understanding, and emotional resilience. The Strength card encourages you to harness your inner power and to approach difficult situations with a calm and collected demeanor. Key aspects of the upright Strength include:

  1. Inner Strength: Harnessing your inner power, self-discipline, and emotional resilience to overcome obstacles and face challenges with grace.
  2. Courage: Facing your fears and standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of adversity or opposition.
  3. Patience: Remaining patient and understanding in difficult situations, allowing yourself the time and space to process emotions and make well-considered decisions.
  4. Compassion: Showing empathy, kindness, and understanding towards yourself and others, recognizing the importance of emotional connections in your life.
  5. Self-Control: Managing your emotions and impulses effectively, demonstrating restraint and maturity in your actions and decision-making.

Strength – Reversed Meaning

When the Strength card appears reversed, it can signify a lack of inner strength, self-doubt, impatience, or feeling overwhelmed. This card often represents a situation where someone is struggling to find the courage or emotional resilience to face challenges or overcome obstacles. The reversed Strength can also indicate a need to develop self-control, compassion, or patience. Key aspects of the reversed Strength include:

  1. Lack of Inner Strength: Feeling overwhelmed or powerless in the face of challenges, and struggling to find the emotional resilience to cope.
  2. Self-Doubt: Questioning your own abilities, confidence, or self-worth, which can hinder your progress and ability to face challenges.
  3. Impatience: Experiencing frustration or impatience in difficult situations, which may lead to rash decisions or emotional outbursts.
  4. Lack of Compassion: Struggling to empathize or connect emotionally with others, potentially causing misunderstandings or strained relationships.
  5. Poor Self-Control: Failing to manage your emotions and impulses effectively, leading to impulsive actions or decision-making.

The Strength card, whether upright or reversed, emphasizes the importance of inner strength, courage, patience, and compassion in your life. It serves as a reminder to cultivate emotional resilience, remain calm and composed in the face of challenges, and to develop self-control and empathy for both yourself and others.

Example Interpretation

An example of an interpretation would be if Strength appears in a reading where the querent is feeling overwhelmed by a difficult situation, the card could encourage them to find their inner strength and courage to handle the problem. If the card is surrounded by other positive cards such as The Sun or The Star, it could indicate that the person will succeed in overcoming the challenges and come out stronger on the other side.

Psychological Interpretation

Archetypal Meanings

The Strength card is a powerful archetype that represents inner strength, courage, and resilience. It depicts a woman taming a lion, symbolizing the ability to control our animalistic impulses and instincts. This card also embodies the energy of the Major Arcana card, The Chariot, which represents the triumph of will and determination. In the tarot, Strength is often associated with the astrological sign of Leo, representing qualities such as leadership, vitality, and passion.

Behavioral Patterns

When the Strength card appears in a reading, it may indicate that the individual is going through a period of inner strength and confidence. They have the ability to face challenges head on and overcome obstacles with their courage and determination. This card can also suggest that the individual is learning to control their emotions and impulses, finding a balance between their animalistic desires and their higher self.

Integration and Shadow Work

Psychologically, working with the Strength card can help individuals connect with their inner strength and develop a sense of resilience. It encourages them to trust in their own abilities and be confident in their decisions. This card can also invite individuals to explore any underlying fears or doubts that may be holding them back from fully embracing their strength. By facing these shadows and integrating them, the individual can fully embody the energy of Strength and use it to overcome any challenges they may face.

More Tarot Cards In "Major Arcana"