Learn Tarot: Strength Meaning
Learn the Major Arcana with That Oracle Guy Patrick. Together we’ll dive into the meanings, symbolism, and history behind each card — with affirmations, journaling prompts, and theme songs to help ground the lessons into your daily life. The Wisdom of the Major Arcana is yours to claim.
#8 Strength, Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Deck
Meeting Strength:
As The Fool continues his journey, he comes across a woman, serene and composed, gently holding open the jaws of a great lion. She is not afraid and she does not struggle. Instead, she radiates an quiet confidence and the lion bows to her in admiration.
Curious, The Fool steps forward and asks, “How did you control such a powerful creature without using force?”
The woman smiles. “Control is an illusion. True strength is not about forcing submission—it is about understanding, patience, and balance.”
The Fool watches as the lion, once fierce, nuzzles against her hand. He realizes that the beast is not conquered, but befriended by the energy of trust and mutual respect.
“Is this power?” The Fool asks. He thinks back to memories where he fought, resisted or tried to overpower his obstacles.
The woman nods. “Power is not always loud. It does not always need to be aggressive. Sometimes, the greatest strength is found in restraint — knowing when to act and when to wait.”
The Fool reflects on this lesson. He has met warriors, emperors, and forces of will, but none have taught him the quiet power of patience, emotional mastery, and compassion.
As he leaves, he carries this truth with him—strength is not about physically overpowering, it’s about believing in your own resilience.
Keywords for Strength:
Courage
Inner Power
Patience
Self-Discipline
Compassion
Resilience
Emotional Mastery
Confidence
Associations:
The Element: Fire
The Planet: The Sun (vitality, self-expression, joy, the power of life)
Zodiac: Leo
Card Symbolism:
The Woman: She’s calmly taming the lion, which represents inner strength, self-control, and the ability to manage emotions and instincts with grace rather than dominance.
The Lion: Symbolizes raw power, passion, and untamed instincts. It represents the primal forces within us that must be guided with patience and wisdom.
The Infinity Symbol: Represents infinite potential, wisdom, and spiritual alignment. It reminds us that true strength is eternal and comes from an unlimited source within.
The White Robe: Represents purity, peace, and divine power. Her calm and composed demeanor shows that strength does not need to be aggressive—it is rooted in serenity and trust.
The Red Belt & Flowers: Red symbolizes passion and vitality, while the flowers represent beauty and gentleness. This contrast shows that strength balances both fierce determination and softness.
The Lion’s Open Mouth: The lion's open mouth suggests that it is not being forced into submission but is willingly yielding to the woman’s presence. Soft power over brute force.
The Landscape: Represents growth, harmony, and a natural alignment with one’s inner power. Strength flourishes in an environment of peace and balance.
The Golden Sky: Suggests enlightenment, optimism, and divine energy guiding the journey of inner mastery.
Roman Numeral VIII: Cycles of energy, transformation, and self-mastery.
Upright Meaning:
When Strength shows up in a tarot reading, this is such a high compliment — you’re mastering your emotions, believing in all parts of yourself. The light, the shadow, and everything in between.
Right now may not be the easiest time, but you’re persevering nonetheless. You can remain calm in a crisis because you believe that this moment is temporary, and that your future is just as bright, beautiful and abundant as the sun.
You know you can accomplish anything, right? With this patience and compassion you’ve developed — for others, for yourself. Inner strength is believing in yourself, regardless of what you might be experiencing. There’s a beautiful wisdom in the calm you feel. Whether you know it or not, your resilience is inspiring. Keep it up. This too shall pass.
Reversed Meaning:
This is one of my favorite placements, because the lessons are so healing and true. Strength is not the opposite of weakness. Courage is not the opposite of fear. Some of the bravest people in the world are scared shitless — but you know what makes them brave? The fact that they do it anyway.
When Strength shows up in Reverse, it’s encouraging you to acknowledge all parts of yourself — “the good,” “the bad,” “the neutral.” We are not out here to deny our existence, to deny parts of ourself that make up the whole. We’re here to love and honor every aspect of our humanity.
True strength is inner strength. It’s believing in yourself despite the fact that we have these “lion” emotions. It’s honoring and paying respect to that part of our psyche, and remaining hopeful. You know why? Because you know yourself, because you believe in yourself, and because you deserve that beautiful future you dream of. You’re more powerful than you know. Combine yourself.
Journal Prompts for Strength:
What are the “lions” in my life—challenges, fears, or emotions—that I need to face with courage and compassion?
How do I currently express strength? Do I associate it with dominance, or with quiet resilience?
When have I successfully navigated a difficult situation through compassion and self-control? What did I learn?
Affirmations:
“I acknowledge and uphold all parts of myself. I believe in myself, and have hope in my future.”
“My power comes from within. I meet every challenge with patience, courage, and grace.”
“I trust in my ability to navigate life’s challenges with inner strength and calm determination.”
“True strength is not about control over others, but mastery over myself.”
Theme Song:
Float On by Modest Mouse, 2004
About The Author
Patrick is an evolutionary tarot reader specializing in deep, transformative tarot sessions that empower clients to gain clarity, break limiting patterns, and navigate life with confidence. As a lifelong believer that there are no coincidences, he knows firsthand the power of tarot and oracle cards as a north star for your personal growth.
Ready to experience a deeper tarot journey? Book a reading today or explore more articles and resources at: ThatOracleGuy.com
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