Many of us are familiar with the concept of strength — the inner courage and ability to persevere in the face of adversity; however, the Strength Tarot card offers an unexpected interpretation of this trait. In the major arcana of the Tarot deck, the Strength card provides an important resource for those striving to preserve their stamina and determination.
While a person’s inner strength is the main focus of the Strength card, it is important to recognize that it posses a unique interpretation that can lead to bigger lessons about life. In order to understand its deeper message, it is essential to review the card’s imagery — from the card’s accompanying figures to its bold white and yellow color palette.
At first glance, the Strength card features a valorous figure depicted in the form of a female lion-taming with a gentle, yet firm, hand. Her approach is not forceful, but instead based on grace and harmony. This figure is meant to symbolize the need to administer strength with care and poise — a thought that often gets lost in the quest for triumph. The imagery of Strength reinforces the idea that life should not be approached with aggressive brute force — but instead one should strive to reach goals in a more subtle manner.
The second figure on the Strength card offers further insight into its purpose. This image is more of a spiritual entity — one that garners its power from the heart and compassion. In a sense, this concept of Strength speaks to the power of containment one can possess when they prioritize emotion over acts of brute strength. This card is a powerful reminder of the impact of internal energy that many of us overlook when invoking our strength.
Overall, the Strength card is steeped in statements about tapping into internal power, restraint, and perseverance. Fittingly, the card’s message is strengthened by its unique color palette. The bright yellow color lands a resounding tone of optimism — echoing the belief that weakness and hardship are not permanent and eventually strength will prevail.
The visuals of the Strength card paints a picture of the need to balance inner courage with external sensitivity. This realization is a crucial one — particularly, as many of us battle personal battles of our own. It is important to remember that Strength has many forms and that its effectiveness relies on the application that is best suited to each situation. Ultimately, the Strength card is a reminder of this important truth.
The Significance Behind the Strength Tarot Card
The Strength card encourages us to acknowledge our inner courage and harness it to turn situations to our favor. Our inner strength is always at our disposal, even when the odds seem to be stacked against us. That said, the Strength card also advocates for staying strategic when confronting a situation and pushing forth with wisdom. It teaches us that when we tap into our courage, the road to success can become much smoother.
It is also important to recognize that the Strength card challenges us to keep our egos in check and be honest with our own capabilities. The Strength tarot card speaks to the truth that sometimes our expectations yield higher than what we can actually deliver— in effect, becoming diminishing to our own strength. When this occurs, it is important to step back and bring outer and inner strength into balance, instead of relying too heavily on one or the other.
In terms of our overall spiritual growth, the Strength card is a gentle reminder that such progress entails facing fears and learning from them. It teaches us that fear in and of itself is not necessarily bad, but welcome to an extent when it allows us to build our courage and move into more powerful spaces.
This sort of mindful thinking can bring us out of psychological ruts and other barriers that serve as limitations. On the flip side, when left unchecked this logic can also entice us to move forth aggressively, leaving us with regret instead of triumph.
Regardless, the Strength card is a sign of better things to come. It calls us to build both external and internal strength and allowing them to work in tandem, which is beneficial to our mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.
The Strength Tarot Card Reversed
When the Strength card appears reversed, it is a warning sign that assertiveness and aggression are veering out of control. It may also signal that a person is using their strength in ways that are harmful instead of helpful. The Strength card reversed points to a need to take a step back and assess a situation in order to understand how to better optimize inner strength.
The Strength card reversed also speaks to the increased presence of addictions, especially when it comes to seeking approval from an external source such as social media or achievements. This card reversed suggests that having an awareness of our own power and resilience is the healthiest way to push forth with our goals.
The Strength tarot card reversed also speaks to the need to confront one’s emotions, especially when such feelings are faced with shame and fear. This is an essential point as it allows us to tap into our inner courage, rather than hiding behind false bravado or resorting to aggressive tactics.
The main takeaway from the Strength card reversed — depending on the reader — is ultimately how to approach power and emotion without them becoming a hindrance. A good way to achieve this is to temper strength with empathy and flexibility — ensure that those traits are weaved into life’s plans of progression.
Interpretations Across Divinatory Practices
It is important to know that different practices may provide unique interpretations to the Strength card — with each archetype reflecting its own flavor. For instance, the Strength card may indicate a time for positive transformation when utilizing the I-Ching — whereas in Norse mythology, it may reference an emotional battle one must conquer.
In the practice of astrology, the Strength card may speak to the cosmic alignment that is influencing a person’s period of growth. Such interpretations may suggest the importance of following the will of the planets, by understanding the energy they emit in order to tap into your courage during hard times.
Another divination system, palmistry, determines a person’s courage by interpreting the mount of the Sun and other interconnected creases located in the hand. The Life Line and Fate Line — along with other methods — are examined to provide a person with a detailed map of how to employ their internal strength.
Keeping this in mind, it is important to note that the card’s overall message is the same regardless of the divinatory practice. This sign signifies a greater resonance of truth and courage, reminding us all to perform with strength in the face of any challenge.
The Impact of the Strength Tarot Card
The Strength card speaks to the duality of power and emotion. It brings to the surface the idea that inner strength is an undeniable asset, but not at the expense of sensitivity. For many, the Strength card serves as a sign of much-needed encouragement — reminding them of their courage without inducing unnecessary aggression. The imagery of the Strength card is ultimately a call to awaken an internal power that is often times left behind.
In truth, the Strength card also serves as a reminder to temper our expectations of life. It speaks the reality that it is impossible to manipulate other people or situations into our will — instead, it is wiser to use our strength carefully.
That said, the Strength card honors the idea of accepting our power and wielding it to bring out the best of us. It teaches us to embrace its presence as well as our limitations — allowing us to tap into spiritual reserves with full awareness of its impact.
The Strength card remains a powerful weapon in our metaphorical tool belts — emphasizing our ability to face anything life throws our way. Whether this relates to a major life change or just having enough fortitude to continue a arduous journey, the Strength card is a constant reminder that we have the power within to face any challenge with courage and grace.