top of page

Strength VIII


tarot card image
Art by Seth Singer

The Strength tarot card is a major arcana card in the tarot deck, typically numbered as card VIII (8). It's a card that symbolizes inner strength, courage, and the power to overcome challenges. The imagery on the card often depicts a femme taming or gently restraining a lion, showcasing her ability to control and calm even the wildest of forces.

  1. Inner Strength: The card represents the strength that comes from within, emphasizing the importance of inner courage, resilience, and confidence. It suggests that you have the inner resources necessary to handle challenges with grace and poise.

  2. Patience and Compassion: The act of taming the lion with gentleness and compassion speaks to the idea that true strength isn't about dominating or overpowering, but rather about approaching situations with patience and empathy. This card encourages you to approach conflicts and difficulties in a calm and understanding manner.

  3. Courage and Fortitude: The Strength card encourages you to face your fears and challenges head-on. It suggests that you possess the bravery and determination to confront obstacles and navigate through them successfully.

  4. Self-Control: Just as the woman on the card controls the lion, this card represents self-discipline and the ability to manage impulses. It suggests that by mastering your own emotions and desires, you can overcome obstacles more effectively.

  5. Gentle Power: The card embodies the concept that true power doesn't have to be forceful or aggressive. Instead, it can be gentle, persuasive, and deeply influential. It's about harnessing your energy in a way that's impactful yet harmonious.

  6. Overcoming Adversity: The Strength card is often associated with triumph over adversity. It suggests that you have the strength to overcome challenges that may come your way, both externally and internally.

  7. Spiritual and Emotional Balance: This card can indicate the need for balance between your physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. It encourages you to find harmony within yourself and in your relationships with others.

In a tarot reading, the Strength card often serves as a reminder of your personal strengths and the importance of using them wisely. It encourages you to approach situations with confidence, compassion, and a balanced perspective. It also suggests that you have the ability to influence situations positively through your gentle yet determined approach.


Reversed Meaning: The reversed Strength tarot card suggests a period of internal struggle, self-doubt, or challenges to your confidence and ability to control your circumstances. It's an invitation to delve into your fears and uncertainties, ultimately finding the courage to confront and conquer them. It's important to remember that a reversed tarot card doesn't necessarily indicate a negative outcome but rather a shift in the card's energy and a need for attention in the areas it represents. When you draw the reversed Strength card, it's an invitation to reflect on where you might need to work on your inner strength, patience, and compassion in order to overcome obstacles and challenges in your life.




bottom of page