Strength: Tarot Card Meaning

Meaning of the Strength card upright

A woman calmly closes the jaws of a lion with her bare hands. This is strength that is not force: it is patience, kindness and inner confidence. The card says that instincts and fears are tamed by tenderness and steady attention, not by a fight.

Strength reversed

• self-doubt
• a breakdown
• suppressed emotions

Reversed, Strength points to self-doubt, exhaustion or suppressed emotions that may break out. You may be holding too tight or giving up too soon. Remember that gentleness with yourself is part of strength.

Strength in love and relationships

In love this is trust that grows through patience, acceptance of a partner's difficult sides and passion that is kept in balance. Reversed, jealousy, insecurity or emotional outbursts.

Strength in work and finances

At work it means persistence under pressure, diplomacy in a tense team and the ability to lead without shouting. Reversed, you are drained or afraid to show your abilities.

Symbolism of the Strength card

The infinity sign above her head is inner resource without limit. The white robe is purity of intent. The lion is raw instinct, and the garland of flowers she wears shows that it can be led by gentleness.

Strength in a yes or no reading

In yes or no spreads, Strength upright reads as “yes” and reversed as “yes”. The answer comes from the general meaning of the card (gentle strength, patience), so always take the wording of the question and the neighbouring cards into account. Try a yes or no reading.