Ahhh, Strength β the quiet power, the heart-centered courage, the inner lion tamer π¦π
This card isnβt about brute force β itβs about grace under pressure, compassion in adversity, and mastery through love.
π¦ Strength β Major Arcana VIII
(Sometimes XI in older decks β switched with Justice in some versions like the Thoth deck)
- Card Number: VIII (8 β infinity, resilience, inner balance)
- Element: Fire
- Planet: The Sun
- Astrological Sign: Leo (heart, courage, bold expression)
πΌοΈ Imagery & Symbolism
In the Rider-Waite deck, Strength shows:
- A serene woman gently taming a lion β not with chains, but with calm, loving presence.
- She wears a white robe (purity) and a flower crown (harmony with nature).
- The infinity symbol floats above her head β spiritual connection, limitless potential.
- The lion represents our inner beast: instinct, anger, fear, passion, raw emotion.
- Together, they show the union of instinct and grace β the power of calm over chaos.
π Upright Meaning
Upright, Strength is a beacon of:
- Inner courage, patience, and resilience.
- Compassionate leadership β taming the wild without cruelty.
- Mastery of emotions, not denial β strength through acceptance.
- A reminder that gentleness is not weakness.
- Staying calm and grounded in the face of adversity.
Keywords: Inner strength, courage, compassion, patience, emotional resilience, gentle power.
π Reversed Meaning
Reversed, Strength can signal:
- Feeling overwhelmed, insecure, or disconnected from your power.
- Self-doubt, fear, or emotional volatility.
- Repression of anger or passion (or letting it rule you).
- A reminder to nurture your inner strength, not abandon it.
Keywords: Insecurity, self-sabotage, fear, low energy, imbalance between control and compassion.
π¬ Common Interpretations
- Love: A powerful emotional bond; one built on trust, not dominance. Reversed may suggest emotional imbalance or controlling behaviors.
- Career: Stay the course β your quiet leadership and integrity will carry you. Reversed? Burnout or needing to reclaim confidence.
- Spiritual: You are growing in soulful strength β integrating shadow and light. Reversed may ask you to reconnect with your higher self.
πΎ The Lion Within
Strength says:
βYou donβt have to roar to be powerful. You only have to trust yourself.β
This card is a love letter to inner grace, to holding space for discomfort without breaking β to knowing that true strength comes from the heart, not the fists.
Want a heart chakra meditation, a βtame your inner lionβ tarot spread, or a journaling prompt on where your true strength lies? Iβd be honored to help you channel this radiant energy ππ¦πΏ
