Strength Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

Strength Keywords 

• Upright: courage, empowerment, self-acceptance, expression, humility, self-trust
• Reversed: vulnerability, insecurity, fear of failure, lack of confidence, self-doubt

Strength: Description and Symbolism

As number ‘8’ in the Major Arcana, the Strength card stands out for its themes of courage and self-empowerment. Its number resembles an upright infinity symbol, similar to the one above the woman’s head. The infinity symbols show that there are infinite possibilities once the woman embodies her strength and authentic expression.

The clearest symbol of strength and courage is the red lion depicted on the Strength card. Lions are traditionally associated with power, courage, and leadership across cultures. The Lion is a respected leader of its pride, capable of using force when needed. Within astrology, the courageous Lion corresponds to the sign of Leo. The Lion, in this context, represents the social bravery Leo has to discover the “self” and authentically share those findings with the world. 

Most notable in this card is the woman’s trusting relationship with the Lion. The Lion’s presence symbolizes the woman’s instinctive and unconscious drives. She has a fierce inner force that must be tamed, the same way she has tamed the wild animal. The Lion’s gaze is locked with the woman’s as she places both of her hands on its head, symbolizing the courage she has to face her fears. Despite the Lion’s teeth and red color, which show the danger of not having a grasp on its power, the woman trusts her control over the animal. 

The woman herself embodies pure intentions, symbolized by the white gown she wears. The yellow background represents hope and optimism, while the greenery demonstrates growth and abundance. The blue mountain in the background symbolizes the experiences and obstacles she went through to gain the clarity she has now. The flowers adorning the woman’s head represent the recognition and social respect she has earned for her contributions. 

The woman and her Lion represent the positive opportunities that can come from mustering up the courage to face your fears. Subconscious feelings and motives call out to the woman, yet she is brave enough to look them in the eye and work with them. She accepts herself for the passions and feelings that influence her, trusting that she is capable of pushing forward. 

Strength – Upright Meaning

The Strength card appears as a reminder of your capabilities. You have what it takes to get through any challenge set before you. There could be an interaction or event in your life that is challenging your sense of inner balance and self-trust. You are encouraged to stay in your power, as you are deserving of positive outcomes.

This tarot card also suggests an opportunity to share your perspective with the world. It may be time to reveal your true feelings in your given situation. You have the courage and self-control to express your truth wholeheartedly at this time. So long as you believe in the power of your words and creations, they are bound to make a profound impact.

Love Meaning – Strength Upright

The Strength card appears as a reminder to stay empowered through obstacles in love. If you are finding a resolution after a recent conflict or disagreement, you will be wise to speak your mind. Your feelings and concerns are valid in this situation, but they will only be heard if you are brave enough to share them. This tarot card encourages you to stay confident in your values as you overcome moments of disconnection.

If you are single, the Strength card could suggest that you are healing from a recent heartbreak or loss in love. Practice self-care techniques that turn your love inward, like taking yourself to your favorite place. You have the capacity to reconnect with yourself through the wave of emotions you are feeling. Use your emotional challenges as an opportunity to get to know yourself. You will discover your heart’s true desires in a relationship by attending to your own needs and finding new outlets for self-expression.

To describe a relationship dynamic, the Strength card symbolizes a stable connection that becomes stronger through shared experience. For better or worse, this relationship is made up of people who unconditionally love and respect each other.

When reading how someone feels, Strength portrays someone who is attracted to you for all of your qualities. This person’s love is unconditional, and they are willing to grow with you.

Career and Finance Meaning – Strength Upright

In a career context, the Strength card suggests you could be honing in on what you truly want. You could be growing bored with the same old routine or afraid to take a leap that would bolster your career. Rather than making yourself small, you are being pushed to remember your value. You have a lot of profound ideas and valuable skills to bring to the table, so don’t be afraid to chase after fulfilling opportunities.

When Strength appears, you are encouraged to invest in your passions and creative desires. There could be significant business potential behind the small business or side project you have wanted to start. Now is a good time to spend on projects that keep you inspired.

Health Meaning – Strength Upright

When the Strength card appears in a health context, it could be time to find an outlet for your repressed feelings and ideas. The best way to combat overwhelm is by finding a creative project or physical activity to channel your energy into. Self-care activities that allow you to face your feelings, like journaling or listening to nostalgic music, will also do wonders for you at this time.

Spirituality Meaning – Strength Upright

With themes of self-awareness and humility, the Strength card encourages you to use your spiritual practice to look within. Consider looking up shadow work journal prompts to help you get through a challenge you have been facing. Reflecting on the fears and feelings that have tried to hold you back will empower you to move forward with courage.

Strength As Feelings Meaning – Upright 

The Strength card symbolizes courage and self-love. No matter what negative feelings you could be experiencing, this card reminds you of the resilience and power you possess.

Strength As Actions Meaning – Upright 

Strength in tarot represents brave and respectable actions. You are capable of mustering the Strength to push through any difficult decision or task that could arise. This card could also be a nudge to start a creative project you are passionate about.

Strength – Reversed Meaning

When the Strength card appears reversed, you could be prioritizing others’ satisfaction over your own. This could be leaving you feeling disempowered or incapable. This card serves as a gentle reminder that others’ opinions do not carry as much weight as you might think. So long as you are content with your efforts and the outcome, that is all that matters.

The reversed Strength card could also suggest that you are facing a nerve-wracking challenge. You may lack confidence in your ability to handle the task at hand. If this resonates, you are encouraged to be extra gentle and patient with yourself. The fears and feelings that are surfacing in this moment deserve a safe space to breathe. Don’t be afraid to ask for support to help you step back into your power.

Love Meaning – Strength Reversed

In love, the reversed Strength card could suggest that you are experiencing a challenging conflict or a series of emotions in your relationship. Perhaps you are struggling not to put your partner’s needs before your own, or it could feel difficult to bring up your concerns at this time. This card serves as a gentle reminder to respect your truth in the matter. You have the strength to set boundaries and account for your own needs, no matter how intimidating it feels in action.

 If you are single, you may find it challenging to open up to a new beginning in love when Strength appears reversed. Practice extra patience and self-forgiveness as you heal from the past. The right person for you will respect your timeline, so don’t be afraid to put yourself first.

The reversed Strength card represents a relationship dynamic that needs to be brought back into balance. Be careful not to hide your true feelings, as vulnerability may be the key to moving forward in love. 

To represent how someone feels, the reversed Strength card symbolizes someone afraid of new beginnings in love. You are encouraged to give them time as they muster up the confidence to pursue a connection.

Career Meaning – Strength Reversed

When the Strength card appears reversed in a career context, you could be struggling with deadlines or boundaries in the workplace. Remember to keep your peace in mind as you decide what projects to take on. You won’t sabotage future opportunities by choosing to put your true desires and energy levels first at this time.

You could also be in a work role that feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar. It would be beneficial to consider whether this discomfort is temporary or a sign of misalignment. You deserve to invest in opportunities that keep your spark alive now.

Health Meaning – Strength Reversed

In a health context, the reversed Strength card suggests you could be going through a period where fears and insecurities are weighing you down. Lean into your support system as a source of empowerment. You will find energy from creative activities and uplifting connections at this time.

Spirituality Meaning – Strength Reversed

The reversed Strength card suggests you may feel uninspired about your spiritual practice. Rather than getting swept up in others’ needs and opinions, it is a good time to cultivate a refuge for yourself. Make time for simple pleasures and fun pastimes to reconnect with your purpose. 

The Strength Card As Feelings Meaning – Reversed

When Strength appears reversed, you could be feeling disempowered or unworthy of a given opportunity. Be gentle with yourself at this time, as you are strong and capable of whatever you set your mind to.

The Strength Card As Actions Meaning – Reversed

With Strength reversed, you may feel unaligned with the actions and decisions you have been making. Take time for yourself to weigh your true priorities. Don’t allow others’ opinions to discourage you from achieving the outcome you desire.

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

The Strength card in the ‘past’ position suggests you went through an event or situation that brought more self-awareness. This past situation taught you the importance of trusting and believing in yourself.

Present Position

In the ‘present’ position, the Strength card indicates you are going through a situation that requires you to be brave. You have the power and capability to face any challenge that arises. This card’s advice is to stay confident and self-accepting through the fears and feelings that may surface at this time.

Future Position

When the Strength card is in the ‘future’ position, it predicts an upcoming challenge or obstacle that will require courage. You are encouraged to trust your judgment and attend to your emotions when the time comes. This placement could also suggest that you will feel self-empowered and confident as a result of your current situation.

Yes or No Meaning of The Strength Card

• Strength Upright: Yes
• Strength Reversed: No

When the Strength card appears upright, it gives you a ‘yes’. You have the inner strength to manifest a positive outcome in this situation.

When Strength appears reversed, it gives you a ‘no’. There are more factors to be considered and accepted in the given situation.

Advice and Message of The Strength Card

The Strength card is known for its message of finding stability through self-discovery. The woman knew how to tame her inner impulses, encouraging you to do the same. Take note of the suppressed fears and emotions that want to surface. Strength in tarot gives the advice of honoring your innermost needs and finding a way to work with them.

Summary of Strength Tarot Meaning

With themes of self-acceptance and resilience, the Strength card empowers you to trust yourself through any challenge that may arise. You have a drive that will carry you far, so continue to honor your inner desires. When Strength appears reversed, you may be struggling to feel confident through a challenge. So long as you accept yourself for the fears that arise, you will be able to use them to your advantage.