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Strength

Category: Major Arcana, spiritual sphere Position in deck: 8 Zodiac sign: Leo ♌

Strength is a symbol of genuine power, rooted in the depth of the human soul rather than just physical prowess. It signifies an unyielding stance, decisiveness, and the ability to shape reality based on one’s own convictions. This card demonstrates how important it is to live according to honor and principles, as well as to apply determination and inner energy to achieve one’s goals. However, when Strength appears reversed, its positive aspects turn into destructive aggression, lawlessness, and the exploitation of power for unethical gains.

Symbolism and the Essence of the Strength Card

In the Rider-Waite deck, Strength depicts a young woman in a white dress, subtly restraining a red lion. This scene perfectly captures the blend of spiritual maturity, gentleness, and the ability to control primitive energy. Above the woman’s head hovers the infinity symbol, indicating the timeless dimension of spiritual strength. The lion represents primal instincts, while the white dress and the flowers in the heroine’s attire symbolize the purity of intentions and an ethical approach to life. This power does not derive from violence but from wisely channeling raw energy, controlling impulses, and steadfastly following higher values.

Meaning of the Strength Card in the Upright Position

Key aspects:

Unwavering inner strength, courage, and endurance.
Determination and readiness to overcome obstacles.
Living according to ethical standards, honor, and integrity.
Effective control over emotions and impulses.

When Strength appears upright, it is a sign of victory stemming from wise conduct, noble motives, and the persistent pursuit of one’s goals. It is an indication of overcoming difficulties through perseverance and maintaining a moral backbone. In this aspect, the card emphasizes a great strength of spirit that helps break through limitations and act boldly.

Love and Relationships (upright)

An intense struggle to maintain a relationship, overcoming obstacles together.
Perseverance in feelings, sincerity, and mutual support.
The emergence of someone who persistently wins the querent’s heart.
A readiness to build a relationship based on trust, loyalty, and strong foundations.

In the realm of emotions, Strength speaks of the determination to maintain or obtain love. Overcoming the barriers that stand in the way of true happiness requires courage and dedication. This card suggests that sincere feelings and the effort to nurture a relationship will lead to lasting fulfillment.

Work and Finances (upright)

Professions requiring discipline, courage, or a steady demeanor (e.g. uniformed services).
A solid approach to responsibilities, diligent work, and a focus on quality.
Conscious management of resources, saving, and farsighted investments.
Perseverance that leads to financial independence and stability.

In the context of career and money, Strength emphasizes a strong foundation based on work ethics, consistency, and carefully chosen strategies. With this approach, achieving a prominent position and long-term material success is possible. It is a card of stable and well-considered actions.

Health and Mental Well-being (upright)

Good physical condition, strong immunity, and general bodily fitness.
Balance between body and mind, with the ability to overcome health challenges.
Willpower, self-confidence, and inner calm despite obstacles.
Resistance to stress and the ability to bounce back quickly.

In terms of health, Strength signifies the resilience of both mind and body. A person is capable of enduring tough times by utilizing inner resources to quickly regain balance. This card reinforces the belief that a strong character can face even serious health issues.

Situations and Inquiries (upright)

Perseverance and steadfastness in pursuing one’s objectives.
Efficiently overcoming barriers, resolving conflicts, and handling challenging matters.
Leadership based on respect and honor, with no compromises on morality.
Acting in accordance with values that pave the way to success.

Across various areas of life, Strength suggests that to face challenges, one must exhibit patience, ethics, and sound judgment. Ultimately, this approach will provide an advantage and ensure complete victory over adversities.

Spirituality and Karma (upright)

Enormous spiritual potential, exceptional abilities, and support from higher forces.
The necessity for self-improvement, overcoming hardships, and using one’s talents in the service of higher ideals.
Demanding life lessons that strengthen willpower and character.
A path to enlightenment through confronting challenges and striving for perfection.

On a spiritual level, Strength represents a karmic path filled with trials and tests. Through these experiences, one develops awareness and is able to rise above limitations, consciously directing energy toward a higher good.

Reversed Meaning of the Strength Card

Most significant negative aspects:

Excessive aggression, violence, and exploitation of one’s advantage.
Crossing moral boundaries and acting beyond the limits of decency.
Shaken self-esteem, suppressed frustration, and lack of control.
Aggression directed both at others and at oneself.

When reversed, Strength loses its nobility and becomes a destructive force devoid of principles. The querent may succumb to anger, violence, or resort to illegitimate methods. This attitude drains energy, bringing suffering both to those around and to the querent.

Love and Relationships (reversed)

Jealousy, control, forced emotions, and a lack of mutual respect.
Excessively limiting one’s partner, with a lack of freedom and spontaneity in the relationship.
Hostility and constant clashes instead of fostering closeness.
Repressed negative emotions that build up and erupt with destructive force.

Reversed Strength in love indicates relationships filled with tension, dominance struggles, and impatience. There is a lack of warmth as uncontrollable emotions prevail. This configuration serves as a warning that the current style of communication may lead to conflicts and emotional distancing.

Work and Finances (reversed)

Dishonest methods of achieving profit, violating legal or ethical standards.
Difficulties in reaching professional goals—a failure of strategies based on pressure and intimidation.
Fragmented finances and an inability to manage resources effectively.
Loss of credibility and stagnation in career development.

In the professional and financial realm, reversed Strength symbolizes problems arising from manipulation, a lack of ethics, or illicit practices. The outcome may be an absence of success, escalating chaos, and a loss of respect from colleagues or business partners.

Health and Mental Well-being (reversed)

Illnesses or disorders caused by exhaustion, stress, or internal aggression.
Digestive issues, pain, and physical tension as expressions of suppressed emotions.
Nervousness, irritability, and difficulty in controlling impulses.
Destructive reactions to challenging situations and a lack of constructive coping strategies.

Reversed Strength diminishes both mental and physical resilience, leading to exhaustion, injuries, or psychosomatic symptoms. Dominated by negative emotions and a lack of control over them, one may experience overall weakening and depletion.

Situations and Inquiries (reversed)

A loss of integrity, abandoning one’s principles in favor of coercion or aggression.
Selfishness, being guided solely by personal interests, and a lack of empathy.
Chaotic and senseless actions that worsen problems.
The necessity to confront one’s own anger, jealousy, or desire for dominance.

Reversed Strength warns against the path of violence and abuse. It indicates the need to look within to understand the root causes of aggression or anger and to work through them—otherwise, the situation will only deteriorate.

Spirituality and Karma (reversed)

A lack of understanding of spiritual laws and a descent into lower vibrations.
A turn toward the darker sides of human nature and falling into negative patterns.
A harsh karmic lesson—the necessity to master impulses and aggression.
Neglecting the spiritual aspect of life and an attempt to avoid responsibility.

On the spiritual plane, reversed Strength signifies a narrowing of perspective and entrapment in negative patterns. It calls for confronting one’s weaknesses and freeing oneself from inner destructive forces in order to grow once more.

Strength as an Indicator of a Person

In the upright position, it symbolizes strong, unyielding characters—people with a firmly established moral code. These may be ambitious and fearless individuals, capable of making sacrifices for the greater good. The sign of Leo combines a proud nature with sensitivity and a desire to be appreciated.

Reversed Strength points to individuals who exploit their advantage unethically. They may be aggressive, create chaos, or even function as criminals outside the law. Although they might gain notoriety, they do so at the expense of others and fail to find true satisfaction.

Advice and Warnings of the Strength Card

Upright Position: Strength encourages consistent action in line with ethical principles. It advises steadfast determination, defending one’s values, and perseverance in the pursuit of goals, while warning against taking shortcuts or abandoning one’s moral code.

Reversed Position: In this aspect, the card suggests the release of negative emotions and avoiding coercive measures. One must reflect on their motivations and discard destructive patterns. The card warns against provoking conflicts and recommends seeking constructive solutions.

Strength: Card of the Day Meaning

Upright Position: The day may call for displaying courage and perseverance. It is an excellent time to confront adversities head-on and demonstrate what you are capable of. You might encounter inspiring people with strong character or experience events that foster self-discipline.

Reversed Position: Today’s events might be challenging, evoking aggression or a sense of helplessness. It is wise to exercise caution, especially in interpersonal relationships. Avoid conflicts and take care of your emotions by striving not to succumb to anger but instead seek peace and understanding.