Strength
Card VIII of the Major Arcana | Inner Power, Courage & Patience
Upright: Inner strength, courage, patience, compassion, gentle control
Zodiac: Leo
Element: Fire
Reversed: Self-doubt, weakness, insecurity, raw emotion
Yes/No: Yes
Numerology: 8 (power, infinity)
Card Description
A woman gently closes the jaws of a lion, not through force but through love and patience. She wears white robes symbolizing purity and an infinity symbol (lemniscate) hovers above her head, showing her connection to infinite strength and wisdom.
The lion represents our raw passions and instincts. The woman shows that true strength comes not from dominating these forces but from gentle, loving mastery - working with our nature rather than against it.
Upright Meaning
Strength is about inner power rather than brute force. It speaks to courage, patience, and the ability to overcome challenges through compassion and gentle persistence.
- Inner strength and resolve
- Courage in the face of fear
- Patience and gentle persistence
- Compassion for self and others
- Mastering emotions and instincts
- Influence through kindness
Reversed Meaning
Reversed, Strength indicates self-doubt, insecurity, or allowing fears and raw emotions to control you. You may be lacking confidence or struggling to manage difficult feelings.
- Self-doubt and insecurity
- Feeling powerless
- Raw, uncontrolled emotions
- Lack of confidence
- Inner critic too loud
- Avoiding necessary challenges
Strength in Love
Upright: Relationships built on mutual respect, patience, and gentle love. Work through challenges with compassion rather than conflict. Show vulnerability - true strength includes the courage to be open.
Reversed: Insecurity affecting relationships, fear of vulnerability, or power struggles. Build confidence in yourself before seeking it from others.
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Get Your ReadingStrength in Career
Upright: Success through patience and persistence. Don't force things - gentle, consistent effort wins. Lead with compassion and emotional intelligence. Your quiet confidence will earn respect.
Reversed: Self-doubt holding you back professionally, imposter syndrome, or workplace conflicts requiring more patience than you feel you have.
Leo Connection
Strength is associated with Leo, the sign of courage, leadership, and heart. The lion in the card directly represents Leo's symbol. Like Leo at its best, Strength shows that true power comes from the heart - from confidence, generosity, and the courage to lead with love.
Frequently Asked Questions
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