Strength
Discover the Strength tarot card meaning. Explore inner strength, courage, resilience, patience, and gentle power.
Keywords
Upright meaning
Strength represents the power of gentle mastery, the courage that comes from a loving heart, and the patience that tames even the wildest forces. The figure in the card gently closes the mouth of a lion, not through force, but through compassion and inner confidence. This is the strength that comes from knowing who you are. When Strength appears upright, it reminds you that true power does not come from domination or force, but from patience, compassion, and inner confidence. You have the inner resources to handle any challenge, not through aggression, but through gentle persistence and unwavering faith in yourself. This card also represents the taming of our own inner beasts—our fears, desires, and raw emotions. When we approach these aspects of ourselves with compassion rather than judgment, we transform them into sources of power. The lion is not destroyed; it is befriended.
Reversed meaning
Strength reversed suggests that you are doubting your own power and capabilities. You may feel overwhelmed by challenges and tempted to give up. This self-doubt is the real obstacle—not the external circumstances you face. This card can also indicate that you are trying to control your emotions or instincts through force rather than understanding. Suppressing your feelings does not make them disappear; it gives them more power over you. True strength comes from acknowledging and working with your emotions. Alternatively, Strength reversed may point to a misuse of power—either through aggression and domination or through allowing others to dominate you. Finding your authentic strength requires honesty about where you are giving away your power.
Advice
Trust in your inner strength and approach challenges with patience and compassion. True power comes from gentle persistence, not force. Befriend your inner fears.
Meditation
Imagine a powerful lion before you. Instead of fear, feel love and compassion. Reach out gently and feel the lion responding to your gentle strength. You are more powerful than you know.
Story
Strength is often associated with the myth of Hercules and the Nemean Lion, but the card's message goes beyond physical conquest. The gentle figure taming the lion represents the mastery of instinct through love and patience. The infinity symbol above the figure's head reminds us that this inner strength is limitless when we learn to access it.