strength tarot card 8

The Strength Tarot Card Meanings (Upright & Reversed)

Last Updated: March 19, 2024.

Strength is card number 8 (VIII) in modern cartomantic tarot decks and the 9th major arcana trump card (The Fool, number 0, is the first card). Divination practices such as cartomancy can help us make decisions, offer guidance, and help us tune into our intuition when we are at a crossroads in our lives. Understanding the meanings of each tarot card can help you sharpen your interpretative skills so you can get the most out of your readings.

Strength is the tarot card that is all about our own inner strength, ability, and drive to survive what’s thrown at us. Much like the Chariot, the Strength card encourages success through your own willpower, but this card calls upon you to look inward, and use your emotions, your grace, and your gentle positivity. This is an internal battle, but one you can win.

“I survived because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me.”  – Joshua Graham

In this article, we will explore the different meanings of the Strength tarot card in various reading contexts as well as the different advice it can offer.

strength vector

4 Quick takeaways about this tarot card

  1. Strength represents courage, determination, and inner strength.
  2. Strength signifies the need to take pride in your inner strength.
  3. Strength can also represent a need to stand up for yourself or others.
  4. Finally, Strength can represent a need to overcome adversity with ease.
Table of Contents

The Strength tarot card key correspondences

Upright keywords

Inner strength, compassion, confidence, overcoming self-doubt, courage, and bravery

Reversed keywords

Self-doubt, weakness, lack of confidence, vulnerability, fear, cowardice

Yes or No

Yes

Numerology

8 (VIII)

Element

Fire

Ruled by

The Sun

Astrological Sign

Leo

Jungian archetype

Light aspect: The Warrior, The Nature Child / Shadow aspect: The Sustainer, The Creator

Tarot timing

July 23rd to August 22nd

Associated deities

Artemis, Sobek, Sekhmet

Other name(s)

La Force (Tarot de Marseille), The Muzzled Lion (Egyptian Tarot) and Lust (Thoth Tarot).

Pictorial Symbolism in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck

The artworks from the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck contain deeper esoteric meanings that tarotists love to decipher. This card shows a calm woman, dressed in white, caressing a lion. The woman, through her will of gentle steadiness, assurance, and confidence… She has overcome the over-powering, aggressive lion. Her self-control and ability to take the higher road have resulted in her winning over the aggressive nature of the lion. The lion here represents instinctual aggressive animalist nature and raw emotions, but discipline has allowed her to tame the beast. 

strength rider waite smith imagery

What does the upright Strength (tarot card VIII) mean?

In Latin, major arcana translates to “big secrets” and each of the 22 cards in this section of the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck represents an important life lesson we must all face at some point. Strength, arcanum 8, is no different.

The Strength card is all about our own inner strength and ability to overcome any and all obstacles that may come our way. This card reminds us that it is our own strength that carries us through life, and we each individually have the power to take control of a situation and come out on top. 

That power is always within us, we must just trust ourselves and our ability to be our own heroes. To trust in our patience, to be confident with our ability to push on, and to know that our composure and our bravery will be met with reward. You don’t need to use brute force to get what you want, you can manipulate your own win by your own powers of patience, persuasion, and positive influence. 

You don’t need to fight for control, you can bring it about with your compassion and determination – you can be kind but firm without letting yourself be walked all over. You don’t need to give in to your heated aggressions. 

upright strength tarot card

If pulled in the upright position, Strength is linked with inner strength, compassion, confidence, overcoming self-doubt, courage, and bravery.

What does the upright Strength card mean in a love reading?

If you are single, the presence of this card suggests during a love tarot spread means that right now you have the confidence that’s required to attract your next partner! So put yourself out there if you feel you’re ready to meet someone – you’re in a very good space to do so!

The type of person you may attract may seem like they need to be ‘tamed’, just be wary that you don’t try and do this in a controlling manner, you won’t need to dominate this person, just slowly ground them – if this is someone you think is worth your time of course, then allow yourself to enjoy the passions of this relationship!

If you’re in a relationship, then this could be suggesting that there have perhaps been problems? And the way forward to move past these hardships is with patience, understanding, empathy, and compassion.

You have it in you to persevere for the sake of your relationship, and right now isn’t the time to be acting rashly towards your significant other. It’s time for a kind and gentle approach.

What does the upright Strength card mean in a career reading?

Drawing Strength during a career meaning is a strong message that you need to start believing in yourself – because you can do it! Stop holding yourself back, don’t let your fears win, you want that promotion? Go for it! Want to get noticed more by your boss/colleagues? Do it! You have the ability to completely unlock your true potential here, so push those fears aside and believe in yourself, you can do it. 

The Strength tarot card as feelings/emotions

If you are asking the tarot how someone feels about you, pulling The Strength card suggests that they have very intense feelings towards you, but this could be either a positive or a negative. 

This could be someone that has a lot of passion towards you, whether that’s romantically or simply lustfully, but this could also be someone that feels restrained, that they may even have to submit to you when in your presence. 

But on the other hand, they could feel very comfortable and understood, and even calmed, by your presence. This person may even see you as their rock, their support. 

The Strength tarot card as a person

As a personality archetype, The Strength card represents someone that is a resourceful hero. This person wields their own wins through their determination to take the peaceful, higher road than giving in to their instinctive, animal-like, aggressive reactions. 

This is a person that doesn’t need to use brute force to get what they’re after, this is someone that’s resourceful and knows how to utilise what’s available. They know the simplest action isn’t always the best; other paths exist, and they know how to use them to their advantage. 

This is someone that will be courageous, brave, and willing to use their best nature to win what challenges they face, and this is someone that will make for an excellent friend, partner, or even colleague, as they offer a lot in the way of learning how to control our instinctive tempers, and aggressive reactions, in favour of self-discipline.  

The Strength tarot card as advice

The strength card is calling you to practice self-discipline as a priority, even if your mind is telling you to attack, now is not the time. You need to have confidence in the fact your patience will pay off. It’s time to believe in yourself, your bravery will see you through this, so keep calm. 

Be gentle, but stand your ground, you can be calm and firm at the same time, you have all the power to get things under control. This situation is in your hands, discipline will make sure it doesn’t escalate. Trust your gentle nature, it doesn’t make you a pushover.  

What zodiac sign is associated with the Strength tarot card?

The Strength card is connected to the astrological sign Leo. This fixed fire sign rules the heart and is represented by the lion, and much like the Strength card, this sign is all about being fearless, and brave, but having a gentle emotional approach – instead of brute aggressive force.

Leo perfectly represents the duality represented by the Strength card’s visual depiction.  

Is the Strength a yes or no card?

Due to the Strength card’s overall positive nature when it comes to our own ability to gain control over a situation, the answer is usually a yes! You have the power to create the change you want to see.

Below are some of my interpretations, as a tarot practitioner, based on different types of questions:

Question: “Will I get the job?” 

Card interpretation: Patience and persistence are required to go after the job/career you want, and it shows that you’re willing to put in the hard work required to get where you want to be. Persistence looks to be the key to achieving the job you’re chasing. So long you act rationally and don’t jump the gun, the control is in your hands.

Question: “Is this new person in my life good for me?” 

Card interpretation: Overall, yes! For sure! This person will be someone that’s in balance with you, and you may both end up teaching each other valuable lessons. This could very much be a transformative bond, one that teaches that patience, hard work, and persistence can all go hand in hand with a gentle but firm touch. A bond that highlights our instinctive nature and what can be done to be better than that, at times when aggression is not needed. This could be someone to tame you, or you equally tame them. This connection will see you experience positive growth, so embrace it.

Question: “Will I achieve my current goals?” 

Card interpretation: Through steadiness, you have the ability to manifest what you want. Through patience, and truly believing in your own abilities, you have the courage to face up to the journey ahead of you that will edge you towards your goals. Be persistent in your approach, don’t leap without thinking, and you’ll get there. Keep focused, keep calm, and trust in yourself. 

Question: “Should I start my own business?” 

Card interpretation: If you started now, then you will require a lot of persistence to get this going and keep this going. You cannot make any sudden decisions if you want this to be a successful venture, this is a path that you need to think out in its entirety and trust in the process at a slow and steady pace. Be confident in your ability to make the right decisions, you need not rush this journey, no matter how exciting or tiresome it seems. The keywords here to focus on are “confidence” and “calmly”. Slow and steady wins the race!

Strength reversal meanings

You have a lot of your own inner strength left to unlock but right now you’re letting your fears, concerns, and vulnerabilities rule you. You need to turn inward and work on finding your self confidence once again to be able to get over what’s going on. 

Whilst we all may feel disconnected with ourselves in one way or another from time to time, it doesn’t mean we don’t have the strength to get back to our ‘best selves’, it just means we have to find a way to start focusing on all the positivity that surrounds us, begin to push away the negative, and find gentle ways to start believing in ourselves again – and you must do just that to move forward. 

You have it in you, you just need to tune back in with yourself. 

reversed strength tarot card

When pulled in the reversed position, Strenght is linked with self-doubt, weakness, lack of confidence, vulnerability, fear, and cowardice.

What does the inverted Strength card mean in a love reading?

If you’re single, then this card cropping up could suggest that your behaviour, especially your impulsive behaviour, is no doubt attracting the wrong kind of romantic partners, and you’re experiencing bad romance after bad romance on an endless loop – and in turn, this is having an impact on your self-confidence! 

You need to assess these behaviours and look at what you can change, especially your rash and impulsive choices made based on ‘excitement’ and something spur of the moment. These aren’t serving you personally or romantically, let it go. 

If you’re in a relationship, then your own self-doubt, lack of confidence, and impulsive behaviour are most likely making you act out in a way that isn’t true to how you see your romantic partner and relationship as a whole. This can of course results in making things go sour and fast. If this is the case then don’t try and cling to these bad times, take a step back to not only give tour partner some space but yourself too. 

You need to work on yourself, find your balance again, assess why you’re being the way you are and make those gentle changes, whilst trusting that this process will see things get back on track.

What does the upside-down Strength card mean in a career reading?

Drawing Strength in the reverse position during a career tarot spread indicated that you’re in a position where you could go for that new job or the promotion, but you’re holding yourself back. You’re letting your doubts win, you’re letting those demons in your head lie to you and snuff out your self-confidence.

Stop letting these thoughts drive you. It’s time to take back control, work on pushing your fears aside, and trust in the fact that you are so capable. You can do this. You can be the one to shine. 

Believe in yourself, because you have all the power you need to get back in control and start smashing it. 

Symbolism with dreams

Based on the Strength card depicting that you have the power to take control of situations in your life without the need for brute force, the appearance of this card in your dreams, in one form or another, would suggest that your subconscious is trying to remind you just of who you are and what you are capable of. 

There’s this reminder that you need to trust in the process, trust in your patience, believe in yourself and build that confidence that is so rightfully yours for the taking. 

You have the ability to face and endure whatever it is that you need to, no matter how scary or even tiresome, or stressful, it seems. You are more than capable in your entirety! You need to call upon yourself to work through your fears and your doubts, work on looking inward and really make sure you are bringing the best version of yourself forward for you, you deserve that. You can persevere, you can be patient, and you can find all the control you need. 

Whatever form of strength you need to call upon, now is the time to do so. Go through that inner journey, tune in with yourself, know you’re in control, and see where it takes you!

A Poem to remember the upright meanings

Poems can be a good way to remember information because they often use rhyme and rhythm, which can make them easier to memorize.

Additionally, poems often use vivid imagery and figurative language, which can help to make the information more interesting and engaging.

The Strength card is a sign of inner power,

A reminder to trust your innate hour;

To look within and to not despair,

For with Strength you’ll find courage to bear.

 

It’s a symbol that speaks of will and determination,

Finding the strength to take the right direction;

It’s a sign that when things look grave,

We can find the strength to be brave.

 

It speaks of strength of both body and mind,

Of courage and patience that we must find;

It’s a symbol of our own inner power,

To make it through even the darkest hour.

 

The Strength card tells us to remain true,

To have faith in ourselves and press through;

It’s a sign of a courage and strength,

That can help us to reach any length.

A Poem to remember the reversal meanings

The Strength card in reverse, a sign of distress

An issue that has no end and can’t be addressed

The lion and the woman, the picture so clear

The struggle ahead of them, no longer so near

 

The reversal of Strength, can often mean fear

That you’ll find yourself stuck and can’t seem to steer

The power of your inner strength is gone

And you can’t seem to just move on

 

It’s a sign that you’re stuck in one spot

And you’re feeling the pressure a lot

The lack of strength and inner power

Makes it hard for you to move forward

 

The Strength card in reverse, a sign of distress

A reminder to find your inner power, take a moment and rest 

The challenge ahead is daunting, but you can still strive

To find the courage and strength to survive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Strength tarot card is a powerful symbol of confidence, courage, and bravery. When this card appears in your reading, it is often a sign that it is time for you to find your inner strength and face your obstacles head-on.

Despite its association with mysticism and occultism, the tarot has grown to become much more than a simple “fortune-telling” tool. For many tarot readers, it is a complex system made of symbolic imagery and psychological considerations (Jungian archetypes for example) that can be used for self-exploration, meditation, and personal transformation.

The 22 major arcana cards each correspond to different aspects of the human experience that are universal. They represent the different stages of the “hero’s journey”: our biggest challenges and life lessons, as well as our highest aspirations and greatest potential.

Have you ever had a reading where the Strength card appeared? What was the outcome? What does Strength mean to you personally? How do you interpret this card in your own tarot practice? Share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments below.

If you want to know more about the different tarot cards, feel free to check out our complete list of all 78 tarot cards and their meanings.

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