Introduction
The Strength card, numbered as VIII in the Major Arcana, is a vibrant and empowering card that represents courage, inner strength, and the power of compassion. As the ninth card in the Tarot’s Major Arcana, Strength signifies the need to tap into our inner resources, embrace our vulnerabilities, and master our emotions to achieve personal growth and success. In this article, we will explore the rich symbolism of the Strength card, its upright and reversed meanings, and how it fits into the narrative of the Tarot.
click the card meaning image to the left to view all pages tagged with Strength at The Fool’s Bag
The Strength Card’s Imagery and Symbolism
The Strength card is often depicted as a serene and confident woman gently taming a fierce lion. The card’s imagery is rich with symbolism that represents the themes of courage, inner strength, and the power of compassion.
Key symbols in the imagery of the Strength card include:
- The woman: The woman in the Strength card represents our higher self or inner spirit, symbolizing the power of compassion, patience, and inner strength.
- The lion: The lion represents our raw emotions, instincts, and fears, symbolizing the need to tame and control these forces to achieve personal growth and success.
- The infinity symbol: The infinity symbol (lemniscate) often found above the woman’s head represents the eternal nature of our inner strength and the infinite potential for personal growth and transformation.
- The gentle touch: The woman’s gentle touch on the lion’s head symbolizes the power of compassion, understanding, and patience in overcoming obstacles and taming our inner beasts.
Upright Meaning of the Strength Card
When drawn upright in a Tarot reading, the Strength card is a powerful reminder of our inner strength, courage, and the power of compassion. It encourages us to tap into our inner resources, embrace our vulnerabilities, and master our emotions to achieve personal growth and success. Some of the key meanings associated with the Strength card in its upright position include:
- Inner strength: The Strength card represents the inner strength and resilience required to overcome obstacles and face our fears.
- Courage: The Strength card signifies the courage to confront our vulnerabilities and embrace our authentic selves, even in the face of adversity.
- Compassion: The Strength card is a reminder of the power of compassion, understanding, and patience in overcoming obstacles and taming our inner beasts.
- Emotional mastery: The Strength card encourages us to master our emotions, harnessing their power to achieve personal growth and success.
Reversed Meaning of the Strength Card
When the Strength card appears reversed in a reading, it may indicate feelings of weakness, self-doubt, or a lack of self-control. Some of the key meanings associated with the Strength card in its reversed position include:
- Weakness: The Strength card reversed can signify a lack of inner strength or resilience, possibly due to past traumas or unresolved emotional issues.
- Self-doubt: The reversed Strength card may suggest feelings of self-doubt or insecurity, which can prevent us from embracing our authentic selves and achieving personal growth.
- Lack of self-control: The Strength card reversed can indicate a lack of self-control or emotional mastery, leading to impulsive behavior and poor decision-making.
- Overwhelmed by emotions: When the Strength card appears reversed, it may be a sign that we are feeling overwhelmed by our emotions, unable to harness their power for personal growth and success.
Conclusion
The Strength card is a vibrant and empowering card that embodies the themes of courage, inner strength, and the power of compassion. Whether it appears upright or reversed in a Tarot reading, the Strength card invites us to tap into our inner resources, embrace our vulnerabilities, and master our emotions to achieve personal growth and success. By understanding the rich symbolism and meanings associated with the Strength card, we can unlock the transformative power of this inspiring Tarot card and embark on our own personal journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Previous Card: The Chariot
Next Card: The Hermit