The Strength Card Fully Explained | Inner Power and Grace

Associated Information

Related Keywords: Joy and Purpose Corresponding Zodiac: Leo Element: Fire Element

Key Words

Spiritual, higher guidance, sincere, inner charm, graceful, healthy, infinite energy, courageous, energetic, confident, successful.

Upright Interpretation

Successful, confident in the right way, calm attitude, the power of gentleness overcoming force, charismatic, mentally vigorous, leadership abilities, rational approach, clear-minded.

The strength depicted in the Strength card and the Chariot card represents two different forms. The Chariot is an extension of paternal will (Emperor), while the Strength card is an extension of maternal care (Empress). The themes in these two cards may relate to one’s family background and learning experiences. Both the Chariot and Strength symbolize the querent's own will, which should not be eradicated. Even if, like the Chariot, the querent’s will seems destructive or conflicting with the reader’s intentions, the reader should not suppress it. Instead, they should help the querent channel their intent and desire onto a correct and harmonious path, just as the Strength card suggests.

Reversed Interpretation

Loss of confidence, lack of vitality, frustration, failure, loss of charm, helplessness, emotional, willful, withdrawing, unable to deal with problems, full of negative emotions.

In reverse, the beastly power becomes overwhelming, leading to a loss of control and damaging connection between people. One may feel powerless, act without considering others, and the goddess begins to lose her power, lacking confidence in her ability to manage situations. In relationships, fundamental differences start to show, creating distance and a fading warmth between partners.

If the card is projected onto oneself, the reversed Strength may reflect the querent’s fear of not being able to control themselves — a weakness in inner regulation. The lion can also symbolize external conditions, and when reversed, it indicates that reality’s challenges feel too great. The person may be afraid of getting hurt, often manifesting as social anxiety or fear of others.

Detailed Meaning of the Card

The “Strength” card represents divine power and personal charisma. Its immense energy is both positive and feminine, and it embodies qualities of ultimate feminine allure.

The “Strength” card (No. 8), along with “Justice” (No. 11) and “Temperance” (No. 14), are closely connected. These three represent internal energies in action — how a person deals with the world — and serve as signposts toward higher-level thinking. “Strength” specifically refers to the woman’s inner energy on the card: she is gentle, yet steadfast, full of willpower. Her sincerity is the force that tames the fierce lion — for only inner truth can unleash truly influential power. This is the essence of the principle: softness can overcome hardness.

The goddess touches the lion, and the lion is tamed. The lion here symbolizes innate human instincts — a raw, animalistic force. To harness this power, one must guide it with gentle strength — composed, feminine energy. When confronting our own capabilities, we need confidence. With enough of it, our raw power becomes constructive rather than destructive. Although the goddess and lion differ in nature and essence, through understanding and compassion, we can connect with and nurture others.

The garland entwining both the beast and the goddess also suggests that the strength shown here takes others into account. It symbolizes exercising one’s will while respecting others’ feelings. In the workplace, this card reveals a method for handling external forces. In relationships, it reflects a slowly warming bond and a sincere emotional exchange — a feeling of mutual openness and connection.