Major ArcanaStrength
A woman gently closing a lion's jaws — courage, compassion, and the quiet power of inner control.
The Strength: meaning
Strength shows a woman in a white robe, crowned with the same infinity symbol as the Magician, calmly closing the jaws of a lion with her bare hands. She isn't fighting the beast — she's soothing it. The lion is raw passion, instinct, the wilder parts of ourselves; her power is the gentle, unshakeable kind that masters them through love rather than force.
This is the card of fortitude — not the strength of muscle but the strength of character. It is patience, compassion, and the courage to face what frightens you with an open hand instead of a clenched fist.
Upright & reversed
Upright
Upright, Strength is about inner courage and gentle mastery. Whatever you're facing — fear, anger, a hard situation, your own impulses — you have the resilience to meet it with calm and compassion rather than brute force. The card reminds you that true strength is patient and kind, that you can tame what's wild in you without crushing it. Trust your quiet power. You are more capable than your fear suggests.
Reversed
Reversed, Strength points to self-doubt, raw emotion getting the better of you, or strength turned harsh. You may be running low on inner resilience, letting anger or fear take the wheel, or forcing where gentleness would work better. It can signal a need to rebuild your confidence from the inside. Be as patient and compassionate with yourself as you would be with someone you love.
Strength in love
In love, Strength is about patience, compassion, and weathering challenges with a soft but steady heart. It favours relationships where both people handle each other tenderly. It can mean staying calm through a rough patch. Reversed, watch for insecurity, raw emotions running hot, or controlling impulses overriding gentleness.
Strength in career & money
For work, Strength rewards quiet confidence, persistence, and grace under pressure. You can handle a demanding situation without losing your composure. It favours leading with compassion. Reversed, you may be doubting your abilities, burning out, or letting frustration undermine you — recover your steadiness before you act.
Frequently asked questions about the Strength
What does the Strength card mean?
A woman gently closing a lion's jaws — courage, compassion, and the quiet power of inner control. Strength is a Major Arcana card, so it speaks to a major life theme rather than a passing day-to-day event.
What does the Strength mean upright?
Upright, Strength is about inner courage and gentle mastery. Whatever you're facing — fear, anger, a hard situation, your own impulses — you have the resilience to meet it with calm and compassion rather than brute force. The card reminds you that true strength is patient and kind, that you can tame what's wild in you without crushing it. Trust your quiet power. You are more capable than your fear suggests.
What does the Strength mean reversed?
Reversed, Strength points to self-doubt, raw emotion getting the better of you, or strength turned harsh. You may be running low on inner resilience, letting anger or fear take the wheel, or forcing where gentleness would work better. It can signal a need to rebuild your confidence from the inside. Be as patient and compassionate with yourself as you would be with someone you love.
What does the Strength mean in a love reading?
In love, Strength is about patience, compassion, and weathering challenges with a soft but steady heart. It favours relationships where both people handle each other tenderly. It can mean staying calm through a rough patch. Reversed, watch for insecurity, raw emotions running hot, or controlling impulses overriding gentleness.
What does the Strength mean for career and money?
For work, Strength rewards quiet confidence, persistence, and grace under pressure. You can handle a demanding situation without losing your composure. It favours leading with compassion. Reversed, you may be doubting your abilities, burning out, or letting frustration undermine you — recover your steadiness before you act.
Is the Strength a positive or negative card?
Tarot cards aren't simply good or bad — the Strength reads differently depending on its position. Upright it tends toward inner strength, courage, compassion; reversed it asks you to look at the blocked or shadow side of those same themes. Context and surrounding cards decide the tone.