Strength — full meaning

The Picture

In the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, the Strength card features a woman, often depicted as Lady Justice or sometimes simply as a young woman with flowing hair and expressive eyes, holding a lion by its upper foreleg. This image is rich in symbolism: the woman represents inner strength, while the lion symbolizes primal power and fearlessness. The lion’s presence under her gentle but firm control underscores the notion that true power comes from wisdom and compassion rather than brute force.

Upright Meaning

The Strength card often signifies a deep well of inner resources that one can draw upon during challenging times. On a general level, this card suggests an individual who possesses courage to face difficult situations head-on with a calm demeanor. The woman’s gentleness towards the lion, despite its raw power, exemplifies how emotional intelligence and empathy can coexist with strength.

In terms of love, Strength often indicates a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding. It might suggest that the querent is in a position to lead or support their partner with both firmness and compassion. This card encourages taking a balanced approach to conflicts and disagreements, showing how love can be both powerful and tender.

For work, the Strength card suggests someone who has the inner resources to handle professional challenges effectively. Whether it’s managing a team, negotiating a difficult client, or standing up for one’s principles, this card indicates that the querent is equipped with the necessary courage and integrity to see through their goals despite obstacles.

Reversed Meaning

When the Strength card appears reversed, it suggests self-doubt and a lack of confidence. The individual might be struggling with feelings of vulnerability and insecurity, leading them to overreact or act impulsively in stressful situations. The lion’s raw nerve indicates that there is an absence of inner strength, perhaps due to past traumas or current anxieties.

Internally, the reversed card can point to a lack of self-belief or emotional resilience. The querent might find themselves avoiding challenges rather than facing them head-on. Externally, it could signify a situation where the querent is feeling outmatched by circumstances they cannot control easily.

In a Spread with Neighbours

Past Position

If Strength appears in the Past position, it often indicates that the querent has faced significant trials and emerged stronger for it. It suggests overcoming past fears or obstacles through perseverance and inner fortitude. This card can reflect a period of growth where the individual developed essential life skills and emotional resilience.

Present Position

In the Present position, Strength implies current challenges are being met with courage and determination. The querent is likely handling difficult situations with grace and wisdom, demonstrating their strength in action. It might suggest that the individual has the inner resources to navigate present troubles effectively.

Future Position

When Strength appears in the Future position, it suggests hope for a brighter future where the querent will face new challenges with renewed vigor. The card indicates that despite any current setbacks, the querent is poised for success and growth through their inherent strength and resolve.

A Meditation

Tonight, find a quiet space to sit comfortably, perhaps by a window at sunset. Take a few deep breaths, inhaling slowly and exhaling gently. Hold the Strength card in your hands or place it nearby as you visualize the image of the woman with the lion. Close your eyes and imagine standing firmly on the ground, feeling rooted yet open-hearted.

Breathe deeply and allow yourself to connect with the feelings of strength and gentleness depicted in the card. Visualize a situation from your life that required courage but was handled with compassion. Reflect on how you felt during this experience—both the fear and the resolution. Now, imagine embodying the qualities of the woman on the card: her inner calm, her gentle yet firm resolve.

Repeat to yourself, “In every challenge, I carry within me the strength to face it with kindness and courage.” Feel the weight of your own inner power as you speak these words aloud or silently. Allow this visualization to fill you with a sense of peace and readiness for whatever comes next in your life journey.