The Strength Tarot Card

Find out more about the Tarot with insight from a Tarot Master!

Strength

Strength

Key words: Courage, inner strength, discipline

Image: A woman gently holds open the mouth of a lion. She has no fear. The figure above her head is the lemniscate (infinity symbol), her white robe is a symbol of innocence.

The Strength card was originally named Fortitude, and accompanies two of the other cardinal virtues in the Major Arcana: Temperance and Justice

The Strength card often appears when the querent has felt they have had to deal with difficult circumstances beyond their control. If you have found the need to bite your tongue or even lash out, this card reminds you that you have the control to deal with a situation. There are two very different sides to this card. Ask yourself how much power the situation calls for. Are you coming across as overly passive or too aggressive? Would a gentle hand be more effective than a powerful push? Strength urges us to find the appropriate level of energy needed to handle the events confronting us.

This card represents feminine energy and, ultimately, compassion and kindness. You may recently have experienced a situation in which you needed to be strong, not only for yourself but also possibly for another person.

It is likely you are emerging from a challenging situation. When the Strength card appears, we find our inner strength. Whatever is currently going on in your life, you should feel happy that you have done all you can do. This card reminds us that finding inner strength is sometimes the most difficult challenge we face. The strength to believe in yourself, the strength to follow your dreams, is calling you now.

This is a time to bring your attributes into balance: if you are feeling angry, find a way to let that anger go; if you are feeling fearful, look at ways to overcome this; if you are facing a challenge, this card will see you through to the end. The message is clear – you need not worry. All you need to make a better life is within you. It is time to take on the challenges you have been dreading. You are strong enough to face your fears. It is unlikely things will change overnight, but taking small steps towards your goal each day will help you become brave and fearless in all you do.

There is an air of achievement surrounding the card, a feeling of knowing your own self worth. You are admired for all you do, even if it feels that you are not appreciated.

Reversed: Weakness, overwhelmed by situations Affirmation: ‘I have the strength to overcome any obstacles’.