Strength is card number 8 in the Major Arcana and represents inner courage, patience, compassion, and gentle power. The card depicts a woman calmly taming a lion — not through force, but through love, patience, and quiet confidence. This is the strength of the spirit, not the body.
Upright Meaning
When Strength appears upright, it reminds you that true power comes from within. You are being called to face challenges with courage, patience, and compassion rather than aggression or force. This card suggests you have the inner resources to handle whatever situation you’re facing. It encourages you to tame your inner fears and doubts with gentle persistence. Strength is about mastering your emotions and impulses, finding the courage to be vulnerable, and leading with your heart.
Reversed Meaning
Strength reversed can indicate self-doubt, weakness, or a loss of confidence. You may be allowing fear or insecurity to control your actions, or you might be trying to exert control through force rather than compassion. It can also suggest burnout from carrying too much emotional weight. This card reversed asks you to be gentle with yourself and rediscover your inner resilience.
Love & Relationships
In love, Strength suggests a relationship built on deep emotional connection, patience, and mutual compassion. It encourages vulnerability and emotional courage. Reversed, insecurity, jealousy, or emotional withdrawal may be undermining an otherwise strong connection.
Career & Finances
For career, Strength indicates success through perseverance and emotional intelligence. Lead with empathy and patience rather than authority alone. Reversed, self-doubt may be holding you back from pursuing opportunities, or workplace stress may be draining your confidence.
Spiritual Meaning
Spiritually, Strength represents the courage to face your shadow self with compassion. True spiritual growth comes from embracing all parts of yourself — including the parts you’d rather hide , and transforming fear into love through patient, gentle awareness.
Explore Related Cards and Resources
Continue your Major Arcana journey with The Chariot or discover the meaning of The Hermit. Try using this card in one of our popular tarot spreads for deeper insight. If you are new to tarot, learn how to read tarot cards with our beginner guide.