True Strength is Compassionate
The lion growls. Its muscles tense, power coiled beneath its skin, ready to strike. And yet…
A woman stands before it, unafraid. Her touch is light, yet firm. She does not control the lion through force but through understanding.
There is no battle here, only harmony, only the silent conversation between courage and compassion.
And so I ask you: When was the last time you met your own strength—not through brute force, but through patience and trust in yourself?
Who is Strength?
Strength is not about overpowering—it is about mastery over oneself. Numbered VIII (or sometimes XI) in the Major Arcana,
Strength teaches us that true power comes from balance: willpower and patience, courage and gentleness.
It is the ability to face challenges with an open heart, knowing that we do not need to fight every battle with force.
Symbolism
- The Woman and the Lion – The balance of instinct and control, raw power tempered by wisdom.
- The Infinity Symbol – Unlimited inner strength and resilience.
- The White Robe – Purity of intention, kindness, and trust in oneself.
- The Crown of Flowers – Beauty, growth, and the power of gentle influence.
- The Open Hands – A reminder that true strength is never clenched in a fist.
Element: Fire
Strength is ruled by Fire, the element of passion, courage, and transformation. It is the steady flame that burns within us, the warmth that guides rather than consumes.
Associated Astrology Sign: Leo
Ruled by Leo, Strength embodies the energy of confidence, self-expression, and fearless heart. Leo teaches us to lead with kindness, to be proud of who we are, and to face challenges with unwavering determination.
Numerology: 8
The number 8 symbolizes infinity, power, and the eternal cycle of overcoming challenges. It reminds us that strength is not a single moment but a continuous practice.
“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not absence of fear.”
— Mark Twain
Upright Meanings
Strength upright is a reminder that your strength is in your steadiness, your resilience, and compassion in the face of fear. It calls for patience, resilience, and belief in oneself.
General Meaning
Inner strength, courage, and confidence. You overcome obstacles with grace and perseverance. Tactfulness is a virtue.
Love
A strong, compassionate relationship. The power of patience and mutual understanding. Being able to navigate difficult hurdles in your relationship head-on with compassion and tact.
Career
Leading with integrity, handling work challenges with poise, and earning respect through kindness. You do not need to brute force your way to success. If you are wise, those who would stand against you will give way.
Finances
Stability, patience with financial growth, and wise investments over impulsive decisions. Confidence to take on financial responsibilities wisely.
Health
Strength and vitality. Emotional and physical resilience, healing, and the power of self-care and self-love. Despite facing difficult times, you know best how to tame your negative thoughts and energy. You will not let yourself be swallowed by your problems.
Reversed Meanings
Strength in its reversed form signals self-doubt, fear, or the struggle to control inner emotions. Imbalances are abound.
General Meaning
A lack of confidence, feeling overwhelmed, or struggling with self-control. You are too afraid to look in the mouth of the lion. You fear being bitten, so you shy from trying at all.
Love
Emotional imbalance, insecurity in relationships, or difficulty in expressing vulnerability. Suggests dishonesty or a lack of integrity. Moments of fear taking over the need to address problems in your relationships.
Career
Doubt in one’s abilities, fear of taking leadership, or feeling unrecognized. Possibly feeling beaten down, silenced, or oppressed at your workplace. On the other hand, it could suggest handling professional situations in a less than tactful manner, causing problems to arise.
Finances
Impulsive financial choices or fear preventing smart investments. Not taking financial responsibilities seriously can land you in trouble.
Health
Stress affecting well-being, lack of self-care, or emotional exhaustion. When you bite off more than you can chew, this causes immense mental strain, which may manifest in physical illness or fatigue. Denying this will make it harder to recover. When you are sick, rest.
What Does Strength Teach Us?
Strength teaches us that true power is not force—it is grace under pressure, patience when tested, and love even in the face of hardship.
It reminds us that resilience is not about never feeling afraid, but about facing fear with an open heart. And so I ask you again: Are you ready to trust in your own quiet power?
