Strength Tarot Card Meaning: Ultimate Guide

What does the Strength tarot card mean?

The Strength tarot card represents courage, resilience, and inner mastery. It speaks to the quiet power of compassion, patience, and balance over brute force.

Upright, it reflects self-mastery, courage, and resilience. Reversed, it warns of self-doubt, suppressed emotions, or misuse of power.

At its core, Strength asks: are you taming your instincts with compassion—or letting fear or force disrupt your inner harmony?

What is the symbolism of the Strength card?

The imagery of Strength illustrates the balance between instinct and self-mastery:

• The Woman and the Lion – Represent the union of calm compassion with primal passion and instinct.
• The Lemniscate (Infinity Symbol) – Reflects eternal spirit, divine balance, and mastery beyond force.
• The White Gown – Symbolizes purity of intent and harmony.
• The Lion – Embodies strength, passion, and instinctual drives.
• The Serene Expression – Shows that true control comes through peace, not domination.

Esoterically, Strength corresponds to the Hebrew letter Teth (the Serpent) and in the Thoth Tarot appears as Lust—representing ecstatic mastery through the joyful integration of will and desire.

What does the Strength card mean upright?

When upright, Strength reflects courage, compassion, and mastery over inner and outer challenges.

Upright Meanings

• Courage to face adversity with calm presence
• Inner strength and resilience in trials
• Self-mastery, balancing instinct and reason
• Compassionate control, not forceful dominance
• Integration of passion with higher purpose

The message: true strength is gentle yet unwavering—it tames by love, not by fear.

What does the upright Strength card mean in love?

In love readings, the upright Strength card represents compassion, patience, and heart-centered connection.

• Singles: Building self-confidence attracts authentic love.
• Couples: Relationships grow through patience, empathy, and emotional resilience.

The lesson: love thrives when passion is balanced with compassion and mutual respect.

What does the upright Strength card mean in career?

In career readings, Strength upright suggests success through patience and resilience.

• Confidence to face professional challenges calmly
• Leadership through compassion and understanding
• Success through perseverance rather than force

The guidance: lead with calm strength—gentle persistence achieves lasting results.

What does the upright Strength card mean in finances?

Financially, the upright Strength card represents discipline and patience.

• Gradual, steady financial improvement
• Confidence in managing resources wisely
• Long-term stability built through discipline

The advice: don’t force outcomes—financial security comes from consistency and self-control.

What does the upright Strength card mean in health?

In health readings, the upright Strength card reflects resilience and steady healing.

• Confidence and calm aiding recovery
• Balance between physical strength and emotional well-being
• Compassionate self-care creating vitality

The message: health is strengthened through patience and self-love.

What does the upright Strength card mean spiritually?

Spiritually, the upright Strength card represents integration and inner mastery.

• Trusting your inner strength and resilience
• Uniting instinct with higher wisdom
• Progress through compassion and courage

This card reminds you that true spiritual sovereignty comes from embracing—not denying—your primal self.

What does the Strength card mean reversed?

Reversed, Strength warns of self-doubt, repressed emotions, or misuse of power.

Reversed Meanings

• Lack of confidence or faith in resilience
• Suppression of passion or anger leading to imbalance
• Misuse of power through intimidation or force
• Inner conflict between instinct and restraint
• Overindulgence or denial of primal urges

The reminder: mastery comes from balance—neither repression nor indulgence leads to true strength.

What does the reversed Strength card mean in love?

In love readings, the reversed Strength card reflects imbalance or insecurity.

• Singles: Fear or self-doubt may block genuine connection.
• Couples: Struggles with control, anger, or insecurity affecting harmony.

The message: relationships flourish when both partners lead with compassion, not fear or force.

What does the reversed Strength card mean in career?

In career readings, the reversed Strength card signals insecurity or misuse of authority.

• Self-doubt preventing progress or recognition
• Misuse of power leading to conflicts at work
• Burnout from repressed emotions or overcontrol

The guidance: real leadership is balanced—rebuild confidence through patience and compassion.

What does the reversed Strength card mean in finances?

Financially, the reversed Strength card warns of instability through lack of discipline.

• Impulsive spending caused by insecurity
• Fear-driven financial decisions
• Lack of confidence in long-term planning

The advice: strengthen discipline—financial mastery comes through patience and balance.

What does the reversed Strength card mean in health?

In health readings, the reversed Strength card suggests imbalance or stress.

• Repressed emotions impacting physical well-being
• Self-doubt undermining recovery or consistency
• Loss of control leading to unhealthy habits

The message: healing requires balance—nurture both body and spirit with compassion.

What does the reversed Strength card mean spiritually?

Spiritually, the reversed Strength card reflects disconnection from inner power.

• Fear or self-doubt blocking growth
• Repression of instincts leading to imbalance
• Misuse of spiritual authority or lack of compassion

The lesson: spiritual growth requires integration of both strength and softness.

Astrology and Numerology of the Strength card

• Element: Fire – symbolizing vitality, courage, and transformation
• Astrology: Leo – strength, confidence, and radiant willpower
• Numerology: The number 8 represents mastery, resilience, and infinity of spirit

Card combinations with the Strength card

• Strength + The Magician: Mastery of will guided by compassion
• Strength + The Tower: Testing of resilience through sudden upheaval
• Strength + The Star: Healing and courage through hope and faith
• Strength + The Devil: Struggles with desire or temptation requiring balance

Shadow side of the Strength card

The shadow side of this card includes:

• Self-doubt and lack of resilience
• Repression of instinct leading to imbalance
• Misuse of power through control or fear
• Anger and frustration blocking harmony

True mastery comes from integration—gentle power is stronger than force.

Story example: A real-life tarot reading

A querent asks how to approach a difficult relationship. The Strength card appears upright, signaling that patience, compassion, and calm self-mastery will help resolve conflict. It encourages them to lead with empathy rather than force.

If reversed, it would suggest self-doubt or suppressed anger, urging them to restore inner balance before addressing the situation.

Is the Strength card a yes or no card?

• Upright: Yes – courage, resilience, and self-mastery support success.
• Reversed: No – self-doubt, anger, or imbalance may block progress.

Frequently asked questions about the Strength card

1. Is the Strength card a positive card? Yes. Upright, it reflects courage, resilience, and compassion. Reversed, it warns of self-doubt or misuse of power.

2. Can the Strength card represent a person? Yes. It may represent someone calm, compassionate, and resilient—or insecure and imbalanced if reversed.

3. What element is associated with the Strength card? Fire—symbolizing vitality, courage, and transformation.

4. What zodiac influence is tied to this card? Leo, representing confidence, courage, and radiant strength.

5. How should I interpret this card in a reading? Upright reflects mastery, compassion, and resilience. Reversed signals imbalance, self-doubt, or misuse of power.

Final thoughts on the Strength tarot card

The Strength tarot card represents courage, compassion, and self-mastery. Upright, it highlights resilience, patience, and integration of instinct with love. Reversed, it cautions against self-doubt, suppressed emotions, or misuse of power.

Ultimately, Strength teaches that true sovereignty is not found in domination, but in calm mastery—the fearless embrace of both passion and grace.