Strength

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Strength: An Introduction

Numbered VIII in the sequence of the Major Arcana, the card known as Strength occupies a vital position within the tarot’s symbolic landscape. As a Major Arcana card, Strength transcends the everyday concerns of the Minor Arcana, representing a profound archetype of inner fortitude, resilience, and the mastery of one’s primal instincts. Its presence in a reading signals not only the necessity for courage and patience, but also an invitation to harness compassion and self-control when navigating life’s challenges.

In the Rider-Waite tradition, Strength is famously depicted as a serene woman gently taming a lion, her calm composure and the infinity symbol above her head emphasizing the virtues of inner strength, grace, and spiritual power. This imagery highlights the triumph of subtle influence and moral courage over brute force. In contrast, the Marseille tradition, while also portraying a woman interacting with a lion, presents a more ambiguous dynamic—sometimes suggesting physical control, sometimes mutual trust—leaving interpretation open to the nuances of willpower and instinct.

Across both traditions, the essential keywords that encapsulate the card’s core themes include: courage, compassion, self-mastery, endurance, and inner strength. Whether approached from the intuitive symbolism of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck or the classical austerity of the Marseille, the Strength card consistently calls forth the transformative power of gentle resolve and the enduring human spirit.

2. Symbolism – Rider-Waite

In the Rider-Waite tarot deck, the Strength card presents a tableau rich in nuanced visual symbolism, each element thoughtfully chosen to evoke psychological depth and archetypal resonance.

Central Figures and Posture:
The card depicts a serene woman gently closing—or perhaps opening—the jaws of a formidable lion. Unlike the overt force of martial or physical dominance, her posture exudes calm assurance. Her white robe suggests purity and spiritual motivation, while her subtle, almost affectionate touch upon the lion’s head embodies mastery through compassion rather than coercion. The lion, symbolizing primal passions and base instincts, is neither subdued nor aggressive but appears tranquil in her presence. This delicate interaction encapsulates the archetype of inner strength: the ability to harmonize and integrate one’s instinctual drives rather than suppressing or denying them.

Infinity Symbol and Crown:
Hovering above the woman’s head is the lemniscate, or infinity symbol, echoing the one seen in The Magician. This emblem signifies infinite potential and the transcendence of earthly limitations. Psychologically, it points to the boundless reserves of inner fortitude, suggesting that true strength is not finite but renewable, drawn from the spiritual self. The woman’s floral crown and garland further reinforce this connection to nature, fertility, and the cyclical perpetuity of life force.

Colors and Background:
The palette of the Strength card is both vivid and harmonious. The woman’s white robe contrasts with the lion’s gold and red hues, symbolizing the union of spirit (white) and matter (red/gold). The lush green landscape and distant mountains evoke groundedness and the enduring stability of nature. The yellow background, a recurring motif in the Rider-Waite deck, signifies enlightenment and conscious awareness, suggesting that the narrative depicted is an act of willful, illuminated choice rather than unconscious compulsion.

Symbolic Objects:
Notably, the card eschews traditional implements of power such as swords or scepters. The absence of weapons underscores the theme of gentle dominion; mastery is achieved through patience and understanding, not violence or repression. The flowers adorning both the woman and the lion’s mane further imply a softening of raw force, a sublimation of instinct into creative, life-affirming energy.

Archetypal and Psychological Interpretation:
Archetypally, Strength embodies the hero’s journey toward self-mastery—where the monstrous or chaotic elements within are not vanquished but befriended and integrated. Psychologically, the card speaks to the taming of the unconscious through conscious presence, the application of love and patience to the unruly aspects of the psyche. It suggests that authentic strength lies in vulnerability, empathy, and the courage to face one’s inner “lion” with grace.

In sum, the Strength card in the Rider-Waite deck is a sophisticated visual allegory for the triumph of spirit over matter, of mindful compassion over brute force, and of the enduring, infinite nature of inner fortitude.

3. Symbolism – Marseille

Visual Symbolism of Strength in the Marseille Tarot

The Strength card (La Force) in the Marseille tarot deck is a study in both visual restraint and evocative symbolism. Unlike the richly illustrated Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) version, the Marseille deck embodies a stylistic minimalism that invites nuanced esoteric interpretation.

Core Imagery

In the Marseille tradition, Strength is typically depicted as a woman standing upright, clad in a simple, flowing dress. She is engaged in a direct struggle or gentle control of a lion, whose jaws she holds open with her bare hands. The scene is rendered with clean lines and bold, flat colors, emphasizing form over ornamentation. The woman’s hat, often in a distinctive shape resembling an infinity symbol or a wide-brimmed crown, is a subtle but significant detail.

Stylistic Minimalism

  • Absence of Background: The Marseille Strength card features a plain, often white or single-colored background. By eschewing scenic elements, the focus remains on the interaction between woman and beast, distilling the archetype to its psychological core.
  • Expressive Simplicity: The faces of both woman and lion are stylized, with minimal shading or expression, yet the tableau conveys a serene confidence. This lack of emotional drama directs the reader’s attention to the symbolic action rather than narrative embellishment.
  • Iconic Posture: The woman’s upright stance and composed grip on the lion’s jaw are rendered in a straightforward, almost hieratic manner. There is no sense of struggle or aggression; instead, the image suggests mastery through calm presence.

Esoteric Interpretation

The minimalism of Marseille’s Strength offers fertile ground for esoteric inquiry:

  • Direct Engagement: The act of holding open the lion’s mouth can be read as the cultivation of inner discipline—where force is applied not with brute strength, but with composed will. The lack of struggle in the woman’s demeanor speaks to the ideal of self-mastery.
  • Symbolic Lion: The lion, a classic emblem of primal instincts and passions, is rendered not as a menacing beast but as a partner in a ritual of balance. The absence of overt danger or submission implies a harmonious relationship between conscious intent and unconscious drives.
  • The Hat/Crown: The headpiece, sometimes interpreted as a stylized infinity symbol, alludes to the continuity of spiritual strength and the eternal interplay of power and compassion.

Differences from the Rider-Waite Version

  • Emotional Tone: While the RWS Strength card (created by Pamela Colman Smith) emphasizes gentleness, grace, and a more overtly compassionate taming of the lion, the Marseille version is emotionally neutral—almost archetypal in its restraint.
  • Symbolic Details: The RWS version is rich with flora, a mountainous horizon, and intricate costuming. Marseille strips these away, presenting the core motif without distraction.
  • Numerology: In the Marseille tradition, Strength is usually numbered XI (11), whereas RWS commonly places it as VIII (8). This subtle variation can influence esoteric interpretations, particularly in relation to the sequence of the Major Arcana.

Conclusion

The Marseille Strength card’s stylistic minimalism is not a lack, but a deliberate choice—a visual koan that invites the advanced reader to look beyond surface detail and meditate upon the essential dynamic of will, instinct, and spiritual presence. Its restraint fosters a direct, profound engagement with the archetype of Strength, making it a powerful tool for both contemplative study and practical divination.

4. Upright Meaning

Key Concepts for Strength (Upright):

  1. Inner resilience and courage
  2. Mastery over impulses
  3. Compassionate leadership
  4. Patience and gentle influence
  5. Confidence through self-control

Interpretation of Strength Upright:

Love:
In relationships, Strength upright speaks to the quiet fortitude and compassion that sustains healthy bonds. It suggests navigating challenges with patience and empathy rather than force, fostering trust and mutual respect. This card encourages addressing conflicts with understanding and emotional maturity, strengthening partnerships through gentle persistence.

Career:
Professionally, Strength denotes steadfast resolve and the capacity to handle pressure with grace. It highlights the effectiveness of calm authority and patient guidance over aggressive tactics. This card indicates that leadership rooted in integrity and empathy will yield respect and long-term success, even in the face of adversity.

Spirituality:
Spiritually, Strength calls for the integration of shadow and light—mastering one’s instincts and channeling raw energy into conscious growth. It suggests a period of self-mastery, where true power is found in humility and inner balance. This card invites seekers to trust their inner resilience on the path to personal evolution.

Money:
In financial matters, Strength upright counsels prudent self-discipline and confidence in one’s ability to manage resources wisely. It warns against impulsive spending, favoring steady, thoughtful decisions. Prosperity is achieved by maintaining composure during fluctuations and demonstrating patience as investments mature.

5. Reversed Meaning

Strength (Reversed): Keywords and Insights

Keywords:

  • Self-doubt
  • Inner weakness
  • Unresolved anger
  • Vulnerability
  • Lack of discipline

Nuanced Insights:
The reversed Strength card often signals a period when inner resilience has been compromised. Emotionally, it may manifest as self-doubt or a sense of inadequacy, where the querent struggles to trust in their own abilities or instincts. Spiritually, this card can reflect a disconnect from one’s inner source of calm and courage; instead of facing adversity with gentle mastery, there is a tendency to succumb to fear or negative self-talk.

Psychologically, Strength reversed may indicate unresolved anger—either turned inward as self-criticism or projected outward in impatience or frustration. This blockage can also point to vulnerability that is difficult to acknowledge, perhaps leading to avoidance behaviors or an overreliance on external validation. Alternatively, it may highlight a lack of discipline, where impulses and emotions override reasoned action, resulting in regret or missed opportunities for growth.

Ultimately, the appearance of Strength reversed calls for compassionate self-inquiry. It invites the seeker to gently explore where their sense of power has faltered and to find new ways of nurturing courage, patience, and self-acceptance from within.

6. Interpretations in Context

The Nuanced Dynamics of Strength in Tarot Spreads

The Strength card, often depicted as a serene figure taming a lion, is a multifaceted archetype within the Major Arcana. Its core symbolism—resilience, inner courage, and the mastery of impulses—remains consistent, yet its message is subtly transformed by its position in a spread and its interaction with other cards. For advanced readers, understanding these nuances is essential for delivering precise and meaningful interpretations.

Strength in Various Spread Positions

1. Past Position When Strength occupies the past position, it typically references a period where the querent relied on fortitude and calm perseverance to overcome adversity. It points to a history of self-mastery, endurance through trials, or compassionate assertion. This placement may also highlight a formative experience where inner restraint and emotional intelligence forged the present circumstances.

2. Advice Position As advice, Strength counsels the querent to approach current challenges with patience, compassion, and gentle determination rather than brute force. It urges reliance on moral courage, self-control, and the quiet influence of empathy. The card suggests that victory is best achieved through balance and understanding, not aggression, and advises against succumbing to impulsive reactions.

3. Outcome Position In the outcome position, Strength promises successful resolution through the application of inner resources. It foretells a future where the querent’s resilience, confidence, and gentle influence will triumph. This card assures that the situation will be navigated with dignity and that true power will be demonstrated through calm authority and self-assurance.

Strength in Combination with Other Cards

With The Devil:
When paired with The Devil, Strength may indicate a struggle to overcome temptation or addiction. The combination accentuates the need for self-discipline to break free from destructive patterns, highlighting the tension between primal urges and conscious control.

With The Star:
Alongside The Star, Strength suggests healing and renewal achieved through persistent hope and gentle self-compassion. This duo illuminates a path where personal fortitude is softened by spiritual faith, emphasizing a restorative journey.

With Seven of Wands:
This pairing underscores the necessity of standing one’s ground with both courage and composure. Unlike the raw defensiveness of the Seven of Wands alone, Strength tempers the atmosphere, advocating for assertiveness balanced by grace under pressure.

With The Tower:
Here, Strength offers a vital message: amidst upheaval and destruction, the querent possesses the inner fortitude to withstand and rebuild. This combination reassures that resilience will prevail despite external chaos.

In sum, Strength is a dynamic card whose significance is deeply shaped by its context in the spread and its interplay with neighboring cards. Advanced readers are encouraged to consider not only the card’s inherent qualities but also how its energy is refracted through the lens of the querent’s unique narrative and the spread’s structural logic.

7. Meditation and Inner Work

Strength: Meditation & Journaling Exercise

Begin by sitting comfortably, closing your eyes, and taking several slow, deep breaths. As you inhale, envision a gentle golden light filling your chest—radiating warmth, resilience, and compassion. With each exhale, release any tension or self-doubt.

Visualize yourself calmly taming a wild lion—not through force, but through patience and understanding. Feel the balance between gentle control and inner courage. Imagine the lion becoming peaceful in your presence, a symbol of your ability to be both strong and kind.

When you are ready, open your journal and reflect on these questions:

  1. When have I demonstrated true strength—not through dominance, but through compassion and self-restraint?
    Consider moments where your gentleness has been your greatest power.

  2. Where in my life do I currently face fear, anger, or resistance?
    How can I bring more patience, acceptance, or loving courage to these situations?

  3. What does authentic strength look like for me—not as an external show, but as an inner quality?
    Explore how you might nurture and express this strength more consciously.

Allow your thoughts to flow freely, honoring whatever arises. Through this practice, invite the essence of Strength to illuminate your journey toward deeper self-mastery and heartfelt courage.

8. Curiosities and Deep Dives

Advanced and Esoteric Interpretations of Strength

The Strength card, often depicted as a serene figure taming a wild lion, transcends its conventional associations with courage and gentle mastery. For the advanced practitioner, Strength becomes a profound archetype interlacing multiple esoteric traditions, each adding dimensionality to its symbolism and application.

Mythological Underpinnings

Strength’s imagery draws from mythic narratives of the hero or goddess who subdues the beast, not through brute force but through inner harmony and spiritual power. In Greco-Roman myth, Heracles (Hercules) wrestling the Nemean Lion is an apt parallel: the lion, invulnerable to weapons, could only be overcome by direct, hands-on engagement—a metaphor for facing our primal instincts with mindful presence. In esoteric readings, this card also resonates with the Sumerian goddess Inanna’s descent, where power is found not in domination but in the integration of shadow and light.

Astrological Correspondences

Astrologically, Strength is allied with Leo, the sign ruled by the Sun. Leo’s solar nature speaks to the radiant, sovereign self, expressing willpower, creativity, and the heart’s truth. Advanced readers note that the card’s number, 8 (in the Rider-Waite-Smith ordering), aligns with the Sun’s cycle of manifestation and vitality, while the lion itself is a solar animal, symbolizing both passions and the alchemical gold of spiritual attainment. Here, Strength encourages the taming and conscious direction of solar energies, transforming raw desire (the lion) into enlightened action (the maiden).

Numerological Significance

The number 8, associated with Strength in modern decks, is the lemniscate—the infinity symbol—often floating above the figure’s head. Eight is the number of cosmic balance, regeneration, and the cyclical nature of power. It is the octave, the point where matter and spirit realign. In esoteric numerology, 8 is linked to Saturnian lessons of responsibility and mastery of fate; thus, Strength is the triumph of disciplined will over chaos, the harmonization of the lower and higher selves.

Kabbalistic Pathways

On the Hermetic Tree of Life, Strength is mapped to the Path of Teth, connecting Chesed (Mercy) to Geburah (Severity). This path unites loving-kindness and discipline—a dance between expansion and restraint. Teth, the Hebrew letter for “serpent,” evokes the kundalini force, the primal energy that, when awakened and wisely guided, leads to spiritual illumination. The card thus becomes a gatekeeper for the adept, signifying the mastery of sexual and vital energies, and the reconciliation of opposites within the psyche.

Alchemical Dimensions

In alchemy, Strength represents the stage of coagulatio—the taming and integration of the “red lion,” symbolizing purified sulfur or the awakened spirit. The gentle touch of the maiden on the lion’s jaws shows the alchemist’s task: not to destroy the base elements, but to transmute them through union and gentle steadfastness. It signifies the transformation of instinct (prima materia) into the philosopher’s gold (spiritual sovereignty).

Advanced Interpretive Synthesis

For the advanced reader, Strength is not a call to exert dominance, but an invitation to harmonize the dualities within: courage and compassion, instinct and consciousness, desire and devotion. It is the archetype of the spiritual warrior, whose true power lies in loving mastery—where strength becomes the silent authority of the heart, and the taming of the lion is the alchemical wedding of soul and body, spirit and flesh.

In esoteric practice, drawing Strength may signal a period of inner initiation, the need to channel latent energies into creative purpose, or the opportunity to embody the solar path of self-mastery. As such, it is a card of profound spiritual promise: the realization that true strength is the power to transform, to heal, and to radiate light from within.

9. Conclusion

At its heart, Strength teaches that true power arises not from force, but from the quiet endurance of spirit and the compassionate mastery of one’s inner beasts. It invites us to lead with courage, empathy, and unwavering self-trust, reminding us that gentleness is a wellspring of resilience.

Affirmation: With calm resolve and open heart, I embrace my strength and meet life’s challenges with grace.