Strength Tarot Card Meaning
Strength is card VIII of the Major Arcana in the Rider–Waite–Smith deck. It is not about force but about inner power: courage, patience, compassion and the ability to tame wild emotions with calm and kindness.
- Upright
- inner strength · courage · patience · compassion · self-control
- Reversed
- self-doubt · weakness · anger · lack of control · fear
| Arcana | Major Arcana |
|---|---|
| Number | VIII (8) |
| Correspondences | Sign: Leo. Element: Fire. Number: 8. |
| Yes or no | Yes (upright), maybe (reversed) |
Symbolism of the card
A woman in a white dress, crowned and belted with flowers, gently holds the jaws of a large lion. She does not fight it; her touch is calm, almost tender, and the lion lowers its head. Above her floats the sign of infinity, the sky is yellow, and a mountain rises in the distance.
The lion is passion, instinct, anger and fear — everything powerful and wild in us. The woman tames it not with a whip but with patience and love: true strength is gentle. Her white dress is purity of intention, the flowers are the natural growth of virtues, and the infinity sign, the same as above the Magician, shows that this power is endless and spiritual rather than physical.
Upright meaning
Upright, Strength tells you that you can handle what lies ahead. You have more courage and endurance than you think. Difficult emotions, a tense situation or a stubborn person will yield not to pressure but to calm persistence.
The card also speaks of compassion — for others and for yourself. Instead of fighting your fears or impulses, understand them and guide them. Soft words and steady patience will achieve more now than any show of force.
Reversed meaning
Reversed, Strength points to self-doubt and a sense of weakness: you may feel unable to cope, or let fear decide for you. It can also show the opposite — emotions out of control, outbursts of anger, impatience.
Return to yourself. Rest, reconnect with what gives you confidence, and remember past situations you have already overcome. Inner strength has not disappeared; it needs care to return.
Love and relationships
Upright
In love Strength brings a relationship based on trust, patience and mutual support. For single people it can mean attracting someone with confidence and warmth rather than games. For couples, it is a sign that you can overcome difficulties through understanding and gentleness. Passion is strong but well balanced.
Reversed
Reversed, Strength warns of insecurity, jealousy, emotional outbursts or one partner dominating the other. Work on your self-esteem and speak calmly about what hurts.
Strength as feelings
As feelings, Strength shows deep, steady affection and respect. This person feels drawn to you, admires your inner strength and is ready to be patient and supportive.
Work and money
Upright
At work Strength helps you handle pressure, difficult colleagues and demanding tasks with composure. Your persistence and calm leadership are noticed. Financially, steady effort and self-discipline bring results.
Reversed
Reversed, the card points to stress, loss of confidence or conflicts caused by impatience. Do not give up, but do not force things either; regain your balance first.
Health and wellbeing
Strength is a card of vitality and recovery; it supports building healthy habits with patience. Reversed, it may indicate fatigue or stress. Consult a doctor about any health concern.
Yes or no
Yes (upright) · Maybe (reversed)
Upright, Strength answers yes: you have the inner resources to succeed. Reversed, the answer is maybe — it depends on whether you can overcome doubt and keep calm.
Strength as advice
Be gentle and persistent. Do not suppress your emotions, but do not let them rule you. Trust that you are strong enough.
As the card of the day
A day to stay calm under pressure. Patience and a kind word will solve more than a sharp reaction.
Combinations with other cards
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Strength + The Chariot
Strength with the Chariot: victory through a combination of will and inner calm.
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Strength + Temperance
Strength with Temperance: balance, healing and self-control.
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Strength + Nine of Wands
Strength with the Nine of Wands: resilience; you will hold on until the end.
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Strength + The Devil
Strength with the Devil: the struggle with an addiction or a destructive passion — and the power to overcome it.
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Strength + Two of Cups
Strength with the Two of Cups: a relationship built on patience and mutual support.
Questions about the card
Why is Strength number 8 and Justice number 11?
Arthur Edward Waite swapped them in his 1909 deck to match the astrological order of the Golden Dawn; in older decks Strength is 11 and Justice is 8.
Is Strength a positive card?
Yes. It promises that you can overcome difficulties through courage, patience and inner calm.
What does Strength mean as a person?
A calm, confident and kind person with great inner strength, who leads by example rather than force.