Summary
Upright: Courage, inner strength, patience, compassion, influence
Reversed: Weakness, self-doubt, insecurity, lack of control
Upright Meaning
When the Strength card appears upright in a tarot reading, it symbolizes inner strength, courage, and resilience. Depicted as a woman gently taming a lion, the card represents the power of compassion, patience, and self-control. The lion, traditionally a symbol of raw emotions and primal instincts, represents the challenges and obstacles we face. The Strength card signifies the ability to confront and overcome these challenges through inner fortitude and calm determination. It encourages harnessing one’s inner courage and facing difficulties with grace and confidence.
Symbolically, the Strength card suggests a time of personal growth and mastering of one’s emotions and impulses. It signifies a period of spiritual and emotional maturity, where one learns to channel their energy in productive and constructive ways. In a tarot reading, the Strength card often indicates resilience in the face of adversity, showing that challenges can be tackled with patience, gentleness, and firm resolve. It encourages trusting in one’s abilities and inner resources to achieve goals and navigate life’s complexities with strength and integrity. Overall, the Strength card invites embracing personal power and using it wisely to overcome challenges and foster inner peace and resilience.
Reversed Meaning
When the Strength card appears reversed in a tarot reading, it typically suggests inner weakness, self-doubt, or a lack of confidence. This reversal may indicate a struggle to harness one’s inner strength or to assert oneself effectively. It could symbolize situations where fear or insecurity is holding one back from taking necessary action or facing challenges head-on. The reversed Strength card can also signify a need for patience and self-compassion, as well as a tendency to be overly critical or harsh towards oneself.
Symbolically, the reversed Strength card advises against using force or aggression to achieve goals, as these approaches may backfire or lead to further difficulties. It may highlight issues related to self-control or managing impulses, suggesting a time to practice moderation and temperance in actions and emotions. In readings, the reversed Strength card encourages addressing underlying insecurities or doubts, building resilience, and cultivating a balanced approach to handling challenges. It invites embracing vulnerability as a strength and finding inner courage through compassion and acceptance of oneself and others. Overall, the reversed Strength card prompts a deeper exploration of personal strength and resilience, urging a gentler and more patient approach to overcoming obstacles and achieving personal growth.