Strength

Strength Card Meaning

The Strength card can refer to physical strength, but more in the sense of resistance than exertion. It often represents inward-directed strength, or force that is expended in order to subdue or contain something else. This often manifests as self-restraint, gaining control over something powerful, or being pushed around by forces much stronger than you. These situations often demand willpower and forbearance. In a personal growth reading, it often indicates that you are or will gain the power of self-mastery: try your Self Direction Reading Here.

Symbolism in Strength

Strength is symbolized by tamed animals, a well-functioning machine, the kind of calmness that can only comes from confidence, and mathematical equations. The Strength card, which typically depicts a lion, is naturally associated with the zodiac sign Leo, the sign of the lion, in the context of Astrology. Its number, 8, also relates to power and mastery. In some Tarot decks, Strength is assigned number 11, because it is a card of balance and equality. Notice how both 8 and 11 are highly symmetric numbers, but in opposite directions (eight vertically, eleven horizontally).

The Lion: Wild Power

This card is about the tension between the raw power of a wild animal, and the constraints that hold it back and direct this power in a careful way. The Lion on this card represents that raw power. Notice how its jaws are being closed by the figure standing over it. However that figure does not seem angry, or scared; they are confident that the lion will do as needed, as long as they use a firm hand. Strength is telling us that this is how we should treat our own mind, or our own source of raw and primal power; it will do what we want, as long as we direct it with firmly and with confidence. If you are not convinced it will obey your orders, then perhaps it will not…

The Infinity Symbol: Limitless Patience and Force

The infinity symbol above the figure’s head represents the limitless reserve of patience and assurance that they have to draw from while taming the lion beneath them. The animal can instinctively sense that there is no way to outlast or get a rise out of them, and so they submit. By maintaining infinite composure, the figure becomes master to all unkept forces in the world.

The Flowers: Beauty Not Forgotten

Raw nature has a beauty to it, even in its most violent and destructive forms (have you ever watched a thunderstorm?). The flowers on the woman’s head and body are a reminder that this beauty should not be forgotten or suppressed during the taming process; instead, the whole point is to redirect or transform these beautiful elements into a form that is less destructive and more useable. If we focus too much on the tamping down of something that is powerful, we risk trampling or destroying the very thing that it’s good for.

Strength Reversed Meaning

Strength reversed can mean giving up, losing control, a bout of destruction, and unchecked emotions. It can mean being ungenerous to others, blaming them for your problems, or refusing to see their contributions.