General Meaning
The Strength card symbolizes vital energy, the fearlessness of spirit, and the priority of moral strength over physical power. This arcana teaches us not to hide our instincts and weaknesses, nor to run from circumstances, but to confront and tame them, bringing them under our will.
You are about to bravely face the twists and turns of fate, not through brute force, but by showcasing your finest inner qualities—persistence, patience, wisdom, and love.
Card Motto
Discover true strength—the power of the mind, spirit, and love.
by Marta Winter
Core Card Meanings Strength
Description and Symbols of the Card Strength
The Strength card represents courage and the fearlessness of spirit, personal growth, and the balance between the physical and spiritual realms. It portrays a young woman who has tamed a fierce beast with her gentle, feminine inner strength.
In this Tarot card, the woman calms the majestic lion not with force or aggression, but with tenderness, kindness, and care. Her strength is of a spiritual nature, indicated by the white color of her clothing and the infinity symbol above her head. The wreath of flowers symbolizes her pursuit of peace and love.
Meaning in Upright Position
The Upright Tarot card Strength is a beacon of hope—your goal is attainable, even if challenges lie ahead. You are imbued with inner strength, energy, knowledge, and experience to overcome difficulties and emerge victorious!
This card appears when you need to tackle internal barriers, hidden desires, and thoughts. Often, mastering oneself—your thoughts and desires—is much harder than dealing with countless external challenges and adversaries.
In a reading, the Strength Tarot card signals the need for self-improvement, taming your passions and the darker side of your nature. Essentially, it's time to wage a battle—a battle with yourself and your "inner lion." This requires courage, persistence, and willpower. Mastery over yourself grants you mastery over your destiny! You will achieve success in your endeavors not through brute force and aggression, but through compassion, patience, and considerate treatment of others.
Key Meanings of the Upright Strength Card
- Inner strength and energy, resilience, courage, protection, a test of endurance.
- Love, composure, persuasive skills, tact, reconciliation.
- A desire to take action, control over situations and your actions.
- Healing, recovery, fullness of strength, endurance, unleashing inner resources.
Reversed Position
The Tarot card 'Strength' in its reversed position indicates the presence of aggression, pressure, or manipulation in your life. You might find yourself acting as a tyrant or despot, belittling and manipulating others. Alternatively, you may be under the influence of someone who abuses their power.
Either way, there is an imbalance in your life, characterized by a lack or excess of strength and rigidity that needs to be addressed. This imbalance is obstructing the realization of your talents and aspirations!
To resolve the situation indicated by the reversed 'Strength' card, it's essential to bring order to your thoughts and soul, eliminate contradictions, and root out the traits that make you a slave to your own or others' desires.
Additionally, it's important to restore balance between the physical and spiritual aspects of your life. For instance, while building muscles at the gym, don't forget to 'work out' your mind as well—consider enrolling in a course or reading a book on a topic that interests you.
Key Meanings of the Reversed Strength Card
- Cruelty, despotism, oppression, submission.
- Imbalance, inner disharmony, destructive impulses.
- Weakness, defeatist attitude, insecurity, negative influence.
- Inability to cope with circumstances, losses, disgrace, illness, failure.
Meaning in Love Readings
The upright Strength card signifies a fiery passion between partners. There is a mutual interest and attraction between them, with feelings that are strong and growing stronger every day. The couple won't fall into routine or monotony; their relationship is filled with passion and vibrant emotions. You are completely devoted to your relationship and your partner, freely expressing your feelings to your loved one.
The Strength card may also describe your partner as an artistic, energetic, determined, and ambitious individual who captivates you with their tenderness and love. They have a gentle way of achieving their goals without engaging in unnecessary arguments.
When reversed, the meaning of the card shifts to highlight extremes in relationships, jealousy, and a tendency toward excessive drama.
In readings about a suitor or beloved
In readings concerning a suitor or partner, the upright card indicates that your chosen one is very persistent and patient in love. They understand that building a relationship isn't easy and are ready to bravely overcome any obstacles.
A reversed card suggests that in love, your chosen one behaves like a domestic tyrant. They are 110% convinced of their own rightness, unable to grasp why their beloved isn't always quick to agree with them.
Reading for Money, Career
When the Strength card appears in a career reading, it speaks of enthusiasm, a readiness to move toward goals, and strong motivation to achieve what you desire. You are passionate about your ideas, approach them creatively, sincerely believe in success, and reach it despite challenges.
The key to victory is inner strength and resilience. You are willing to take risks or even sacrifice something precious for your goal. Or perhaps a little physical effort might be necessary to get things moving?
In its reversed position, the meaning of the card shifts to the opposite, indicating a misapplication of effort, unchecked emotions, and retreating from challenges due to a lack of self-belief.
Reading for a Person
When the 'Strength' card appears upright in a Tarot reading focused on a person, it signifies someone remarkably strong—both physically and in character. This individual possesses a powerful inner strength, persistence, patience, and the gift of persuasion.
In its reversed position, this card suggests a person who is overly influenced by others and takes the opinions of those around them to heart, often in a painful way.
Reading for Advice
When upright, the card encourages you to look within: you possess vast reserves of inner energy, and by harnessing it, you can overcome any challenge.
If the card appears reversed in a reading, it advises you not to exert pressure on those around you. Remember, the path of strength is not always the easiest or the happiest one.
Reading for Outcome
If the card appears upright, the forecast for your situation is very positive. You will achieve what you desire through your perseverance, patience, and immense inner strength.
In a reversed position, the forecast for your situation is ambiguous. A lack of inner strength, persistence, and self-confidence may hinder the realization of your plans.
Meanings In Combination with All Tarot Cards
Major Arcana Combinations
With the 0 Fool card - Playful energy, wasting a chance, an athlete or engaging in sports.
With the 1 Magician card - Starting a new venture, becoming a private entrepreneur, daring to change one's life for the better.
With the 2 High Priestess card - Holding important information, exercising willpower to keep a secret, patience.
In combination with the 3 Empress card - A strong woman, efforts for a specific result, finding a profitable niche.
With the 4 Emperor card - Strict boss, charismatic leader, head of a company or family.
With the 5 Hierophant card - Spiritual mentor or pastor, iron will based on beliefs, pressure from religion or societal morality.
With the 6 Lovers card - Assistance is needed, a willful decision, unexpected and passionate feelings.
With the 7 Chariot card - Obsession with an idea, chaotic activity, the danger of hurting someone with words or actions.
With the 9 Hermit card - Healing, being a loner, working for oneself or on oneself.
With the 10 Wheel of Fortune card - Financial gain, the key is not to miss the opportunity, maintaining luck.
With the 11 Justice card - Slowing down a matter, a legal dispute with a positive outcome, the use of force.
With the 12 Hanged Man card - Painful romantic attachment, dependence on someone, tactical waiting.
With the 13 Death card - Intensive self-work, relentless changes, hopes not being fulfilled.
With the 14 Temperance card - Amicable divorce, temporary job or hobby, reaching a limit.
With the 15 Devil card - Intrusive influence from others, persistent admirer with ill intentions, living by instincts.
With the 16 Tower card - Outburst of anger, major argument involving violence, a state of impulse.
With the 17 Star card - Surge of inspiration, becoming a professional or gaining recognition, starting to earn a living doing what you love.
With the 18 Moon card - Obsession, serious danger, unruly temperament not receptive to arguments.
With the 19 Sun card - Justifiable self-esteem, basking in the rays of fame, love for attention.
With the 20 Judgment card - Smooth changes, oratorical skills, receiving support from family.
With the 21 World card - Being at peace with oneself, entering a large company or group, becoming an informal leader.
Wands Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Wands - Impulsiveness, drive, and demanding nature towards others, a successful leader or entrepreneur.
With the Two of Wands - Confusion or frustrating delay, wasting time, missing the chance to showcase one's winning qualities.
In combination with the Three of Wands - Inner exultation, finding a loophole, a career on the rise.
With the Four of Wands - Decision to start a family or move in together, establishing a household, receiving parental support.
With the Five of Wands - Letting criticism go unheard, ignoring the path of development, following one's own path or gaining experience.
With the Six of Wands - Catching the current, understanding the mechanism, and moving with doubled energy, becoming a favorite of fortune.
With the Seven of Wands - Overcoming difficulties, getting involved in fights, acquiring enemies or enviers.
With the Eight of Wands - Structuring work, everything falling into place, organizing management or taking the lead of a group without scandals and friction.
With the Nine of Wands - Losing interest, insisting on one's own, groundless hopes for luck.
With the Ten of Wands - Multitasking, distrust towards others, working to exhaustion.
With the Page of Wands - Enthusiasm for the process, interesting acquaintance, a promising young man or woman.
With the Knight of Wands - Getting rid of complexes, overcoming shyness, achieving success.
With the Queen of Wands - Successful entrepreneurship, good connections, the ability to establish contacts.
With the King of Wands - Excellent leadership, a great reputation and influx of clients, the ability to manage one's abilities and time.
Swords Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Swords - Pressure from above, unwavering will for success, resorting to forbidden methods.
With the Two of Swords - Domestic quarrels, baseless nitpicking, disregarding criticism.
In combination with the Three of Swords - Love intoxication, enchantment, lack of common sense.
With the Four of Swords - Need for rest, releasing tension, burning out or becoming disillusioned with an idea.
With the Five of Swords - Persuading someone, breaking the opponent, not receiving the expected benefit.
With the Six of Swords - Achieving one's goals with great difficulty, a long and exhausting battle behind, valuable life experience.
With the Seven of Swords - Forced departure or relocation, calculating profits or losses, accidentally discovering useful information.
With the Eight of Swords - Being confined within limits, restricted authority or influence, grievances from a spouse.
With the Nine of Swords - A bad sign, justified premonition, dwindling enthusiasm.
With the Ten of Swords - Defeat in work or personal life, emotional burnout, professional callousness.
With the Page of Swords - Intrusion, unpleasant relationships, bullying or social outcast.
With the Knight of Swords - Fearless friend, defending your better half, someone who stands by your side.
With the Queen of Swords - A hurt girl, seething hatred or envy, fighting against injustice.
With the King of Swords - Prosecutor, judge, or interrogator, serious life circumstances associated with the letter of the law.
Strength and Swords Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Cups - Professional intuition, a nose for profit or important connections, good calculation.
With the Two of Cups - Dominant romantic partner, head of the family, meeting with a pleasant and trustworthy person.
In combination with the Three of Cups - Being in the spotlight, well-deserved honors, fawning over the powerful.
With the Four of Cups - Forgiving debts, empathizing with someone's position, renouncing patronage.
With the Five of Cups - Deep understanding of things, correctness, secret knowledge that helps to understand what is happening.
With the Six of Cups - Taking someone under your wing, showing indulgence, helping someone in their career.
With the Seven of Cups - Outside influence, empty promises, attempting to profit by using authority.
With the Eight of Cups - Failed negotiations, canceled dates, refusal to cooperate.
With the Nine of Cups - Wholeness of personality, great possibilities, a reliable person.
With the Ten of Cups - Excellent relationships, union, united by a common ideology, a party, or a harmonious team.
With the Page of Cups - Intense infatuation, emotional obsession, maximalism, or loud calls to action.
With the Knight of Cups - Friendship with an energetic ally, liveliness, effective application of forces, event organization.
With the Queen of Cups - Resourceful, cunning woman, controversial personality, a vibrant rival.
With the King of Cups - Persuasive abilities, guru or political figure, dazzling attractiveness.
Pentacles Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Pentacles - Well-deserved success, substantial profit, exemplary financial management.
With the Two of Pentacles - Extortion, banking fraud, illegal fees, or small-scale enrichment.
In combination with the Three of Pentacles - Rights infringement, unfair contract, deception regarding wages.
With the Four of Pentacles - Lavish gift, veiled bribe, a stingy suitor or friend.
With the Five of Pentacles - Political struggle, government competition, taxes.
With the Six of Pentacles - Losing vigilance, criminal negligence, short-sightedness.
With the Seven of Pentacles - Government share, receiving subsidies or benefits, joint construction or mortgage.
With the Eight of Pentacles - Limiting needs or ambitions, skill development or upgrading qualifications, stagnation.
With the Nine of Pentacles - Social payments, old capital, investments in gold or precious stones.
With the Ten of Pentacles - Attempts to obtain funds or support, offering services, obtaining financing.
With the Page of Pentacles - Fresh perspective on problems, practical approach, intern or young employee with interesting ideas and enthusiasm.
With the Knight of Pentacles - Desire for wealth, advantageous acquaintance, setting priorities.
With the Queen of Pentacles - Clash of interests, opportunity to find a path to prosperity, drawing necessary knowledge.
With the King of Pentacles - Moneybag, available funds, sponsor or philanthropist.
Example Interpretation In a Daily Spread
A Card Has Fallen for You Strength? This Signifies:
Today might prove to be a challenging day, but you'll ultimately be able to turn any unfavorable event to your advantage! Don't be surprised if the situation and the people around you test your resilience. The card of the day suggests that this is actually for the best: setbacks will motivate you to mobilize your hidden reserves of strength and potential. So, confidently face the struggles ahead! You may even achieve something today that you never expected from yourself.