This post may include affiliate links to products we think you'll find useful. We may earn a small commission if you buy through these links. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Tarot cards serve as a tool for introspection, offering insights into various aspects of life, from love to career. One standout card is Strength, symbolizing inner fortitude and emotional balance. This card delves deep into your psyche, encouraging you to harness your courage, control, compassion, and confidence.
Strength keywords & concepts
Strength upright keywords
- Courage
- Control
- Compassion
- Confidence
Strength reversed keywords
- Weakness
- Insecurity
- Impulsivity
- Doubt
Strength tarot card description & symbolism
The Strength tarot card is a complex symbol that goes beyond mere physical might. It encapsulates inner fortitude, emotional resilience, and spiritual courage. When this card appears, it’s nudging you to tap into your inner well of strength, encouraging you to face challenges with grace and wisdom. It represents a harmonious blend of courage and compassion, control and confidence.
Unlike raw power, which can bulldoze through obstacles without care for the consequences, the strength depicted here is subtle and balanced. It’s about mastering your emotions and impulses, while extending understanding and kindness to those around you. This card is a reminder that true strength comes from a combination of qualities that make you not just powerful, but also deeply human.
Upright Strength meanings
1. Courage
When the Strength card shows up in its upright position, it shines a spotlight on your inner fortitude. Courage isn’t just about slaying dragons or taking insane risks; it’s about facing your fears and challenges head-on. You’ve got the mental and emotional guts to confront whatever comes your way, even if it scares you. It could be as big as a life-changing decision, or as small as standing up for what you believe in. This card nudges you to dig deep, pull out that inner courage, and show the world what you’re made of.
2. Control
The upright Strength card also emphasizes control, but not in a domineering way. You’re not trying to manipulate people or situations; you’re mastering your own impulses and emotions. It’s like you’ve got this internal leash on your wilder side, and you know when to pull tight or give slack. Control in this context means knowing when to act and when to wait, when to speak and when to listen. It’s a balanced kind of power, and people will respect you more for it.
3. Compassion
Now, let’s talk about compassion. When you think about strength, compassion might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s a crucial part of the mix. The Strength card suggests that true power lies in kindness and understanding, not just brute force. You’ve got the capacity to empathize with people, to see their point of view even if you don’t agree with it. Compassion means extending a hand to someone else, not because you have to, but because you want to. It’s about making the world a bit better one kind act at a time.
4. Confidence
Last but definitely not least, the Strength card screams confidence. It’s a beacon, really, signaling that you’ve got the self-assurance to take on the world. This isn’t the showy, “look-at-me” kind of confidence; it’s the quiet, steady belief in your own abilities. You know your worth and aren’t afraid to let it shine. Whether you’re stepping onto a new career path or navigating tricky relationships, your self-assured demeanor will serve you well. You believe in yourself, and that belief acts like a magnet, attracting opportunities and positive energy your way.
Reversed Strength meanings
1. Weakness
When the Strength card flips into its reversed position, it signals a time when you might be feeling weak or vulnerable. This isn’t about lacking physical strength; it’s about internal wobbliness. Maybe you’re backing down from challenges you’d usually tackle, or maybe you’re letting fear call the shots. This kind of weakness can show up in your relationships, your career, or even your personal goals. It’s like your inner resolve has sprung a leak, and you’re not quite sure how to patch it up. But remember, recognizing weakness is the first step toward regaining your strength.
2. Insecurity
Flip the Strength card upside down, and insecurity can come rushing to the forefront. When this card shows up reversed, you might find yourself second-guessing your choices, your abilities, or even your worth. It’s a shaky feeling, like you’re standing on uncertain ground. This self-doubt can be crippling, making you hesitate when you should act or leading you to seek constant validation from others. But the card’s appearance is also a wake-up call, urging you to confront your insecurities and work on building a more solid foundation for your self-esteem.
3. Impulsivity
Reversed Strength highlights impulsivity, that knee-jerk reaction to act without thinking. It’s like your inner control mechanism is out of whack, and you’re just reacting to life instead of thoughtfully responding. This could manifest as blurting out something you regret, making rash decisions, or jumping into situations without considering the consequences. The lack of self-control here is evident, and it can wreak havoc in various aspects of your life. While acting on impulse can sometimes bring a rush of excitement, this card cautions you that now might not be the time for reckless behavior.
4. Doubt
Lastly, let’s talk about doubt. Doubt is like a pesky cloud that hovers over you when the Strength card is reversed. It could be doubt about your path, your capabilities, or even doubt in the people around you. This isn’t the healthy kind of skepticism that prompts you to ask good questions; it’s the kind that makes you hesitate and waver, stalling your progress. You might find yourself in a loop of “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios. This card is a sign that you need to confront your doubts and either find a way to resolve them or learn to move forward despite them.
Strength meaning for love & relationships
Upright
The upright Strength card in the context of love and relationships indicates a partnership built on mutual respect and emotional fortitude. This card encourages you to nurture a kind of love that’s not just passionate but also deeply compassionate. It suggests that both you and your partner have the emotional depth and courage to be open, vulnerable, and supportive. This isn’t just about romantic walks on the beach; it’s about holding each other up through life’s storms and emerging stronger as a couple.
Reversed
When you draw the Strength card in its reversed position, it could point to a rocky patch where weaknesses and insecurities are magnified. You might find yourself or your partner acting impulsively or struggling with self-doubt. Emotional imbalances may disrupt the harmony, leading to unnecessary conflicts or a temporary loss of connection. It’s a time to reevaluate and work on the vulnerabilities that are creating fissures in the relationship.
Strength meaning for work & career
Upright
In the realm of your career, pulling the upright Strength card is a positive omen. It suggests that you’ve got the emotional and mental resilience to tackle your work challenges. You’re not just relying on skills or expertise; you’re tapping into an inner well of courage and self-assurance. This card can often indicate that you’re in a position to lead, not by domineering, but through inspiring others with your balanced approach to problem-solving and your emotional intelligence.
Reversed
When the Strength card shows up reversed in a career reading, it’s a signal to take a step back and assess your professional situation. You might be acting on impulse rather than making well-considered decisions, or perhaps you’re struggling with self-doubt and insecurity. This card suggests that you might be feeling out of control or less capable in your work environment. It’s a call to reign in erratic behavior and confront the issues that are sapping your confidence and focus.
Strength meaning for wealth & prosperity
Upright
When you draw the upright Strength card concerning your finances, it’s usually a sign of fiscal resilience. You have the emotional and mental fortitude to manage your money wisely. You’re not just letting your spending habits run wild; you’re taking control of your financial destiny. This card suggests a stable approach to investments and savings, and it often indicates that you’re capable of overcoming financial obstacles through self-discipline and wise decision-making.
Reversed
On the flip side, if the Strength card comes up reversed in a financial context, it’s a red flag to examine your monetary habits. You might be acting impulsively with your money, taking financial risks without fully considering the consequences. Or perhaps insecurities are driving you to make poor spending choices, like buying things to boost your self-esteem. This card suggests a need to get a grip on your financial discipline and address any emotional triggers that might be affecting your wallet.
The meaning of the Strength tarot card in different spreads
The Strength card can wear different hats depending on where it lands in a tarot spread. In a past position, it could indicate a period of resilience and courage that has shaped your current circumstances. If it’s in the present slot, it serves as a nudge to tap into your inner strength right now, signaling that you have the emotional and mental resources to face current challenges. When the card shows up in a future position, it suggests that the traits of courage, control, compassion, and confidence will play a significant role in upcoming events. The surrounding cards can also influence its meaning, adding nuances that relate to specific areas like love, career, or personal growth. So while the core themes of the Strength card remain consistent, its specific message can be quite fluid depending on its position and context within a reading.
Final thoughts
The Strength tarot card is a symbol of inner resilience, emotional intelligence, and balanced power. Whether upright or reversed, it calls your attention to the state of your inner world, urging you to either tap into your well of courage and compassion or confront weaknesses and insecurities. It’s not just about muscle and might; it’s about mastering the complexities of human emotion and thought. In essence, the Strength card serves as a mirror, reflecting both your potential and areas for growth.
