True power lies in patience and compassion. As a guiding force in the Major Arcana, this card shows that courage isn’t about force but about resilience and inner peace. It reminds us that gentleness can be stronger than brute strength.

Physical Appearance

The Strength card often depicts a woman gently taming a lion, symbolizing the balance between inner fortitude and compassion. The lion represents raw emotions and instincts, while the woman signifies patience, calmness, and self-control. The Fortitude encourages us to harness our inner power with kindness and to approach challenges with a composed, yet resilient mindset. It highlights that true strength is not about force but about mastering your emotions and staying calm in difficult situations.

Also Known As: The Fortitude, The Power, The Courage.

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Upright Meaning

Keywords: Inner Strength, Courage, Patience, Compassion

When Strength appears upright, it symbolizes courage, self-confidence, and inner resolve. This tarot card represents your ability to face life’s challenges with patience and composure. It reminds you that true power comes from within and that you can overcome obstacles by balancing force with compassion. The Fortitude encourages you to trust in your abilities and to stay calm, even in the face of adversity, knowing that you have the endurance to persevere.

• Love: Suggests a relationship built on mutual respect and emotional resilience. It encourages confidence and trust, whether in strengthening a partnership or attracting the right person if you’re single.
• Career: Signifies resilience and determination to achieve professional goals. It highlights your ability to handle stress and challenges calmly, trusting your resilience to overcome setbacks.
• Finance: Reflects careful and disciplined financial management. It encourages patience and perseverance, reminding you that smart decisions will lead to long-term stability.

Yes or No: Upright, Strength generally indicates a "Yes." It represents inner courage, patience, and resilience, suggesting you have the resources to achieve your goals.

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Reversed Meaning

Keywords: Weakness, Self-Doubt, Aggression, Inner Turmoil

Reversed, Strength often symbolizes a lack of confidence or self-doubt. You might be struggling with inner conflicts or feeling overwhelmed by challenges. When inverted, this card suggests rebuilding your self-esteem and finding inner courage to overcome obstacles.

• Love: Indicates struggles with confidence or vulnerability in a relationship. It encourages open communication and trust-building to address these challenges.
• Career: Reflects difficulties with maintaining motivation or progress. The card advises reassessing your approach and seeking support to overcome professional setbacks.
• Finance: Highlights issues with financial stability or confidence. It suggests reviewing your financial plans and taking steps to regain control and security.

Yes or No: Reversed, Strength suggests a "No," pointing to challenges with confidence or discipline that need resolution before success can be achieved.

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Timeframes

The Strength card is associated with months and the season of Summer. Summer reflects growth, warmth, and vitality, much like the fortitude and resilience symbolized by this card.

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Strength as Feelings

Strength reflects feelings of compassion, patience, and resilience. The person may feel a deep sense of admiration for your courage and emotional stability. Their emotions are likely centered on understanding and empathy, focusing on a strong and supportive connection.

• How Someone Feels About You: They see you as a source of inspiration and courage. They likely feel respect for your patience and resilience, viewing you as someone who offers support and understanding in their life.

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Who Is "The Strength" In Your Life?

The Strength card represents someone who is compassionate, patient, and emotionally resilient. This person often provides support and encouragement to those around them, helping others navigate challenges with grace. If someone in your life is known for their calm yet determined nature, they might be represented by The Courage in your reading. However, their gentleness can sometimes lead them to take on too much, neglecting their own needs.

To work effectively with someone who embodies The Fortitude, appreciate their power and support their efforts to maintain balance. Encourage them to care for themselves as much as they care for others, creating a harmonious relationship built on mutual respect and understanding.

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Worried About Drawing Strength?

Drawing Strength reminds you that true power comes from within. Approach challenges with patience and compassion, knowing that your inner resilience will guide you to success.

“I embrace my inner strength with compassion and patience, overcoming all challenges with grace.”

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Related Cards

The Strength card’s themes of courage, resilience, and emotional balance connect it to other transformative cards in the Tarot. Explore how these cards complement and contrast with its message:

• The Chariot: Reflects the relationship between inner resilience and external determination, highlighting how both are essential to achieving success and balance.
• The Lovers: Emphasizes harmony, with one card focusing on emotional stability and the other on alignment with values and meaningful connections.
• The Empress: Brings together patience and fortitude with nurturing and creativity, illustrating a holistic approach to growth and support.
• The Devil: Explores the contrast between emotional mastery and being controlled by impulses, underscoring the importance of self-awareness and discipline.

Each of these cards deepens the meaning of Strength, offering unique insights into courage, resilience, and emotional harmony. Click on any card to learn more about its symbolism and connections.

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Frequently Asked Questions

written by Greg Swanson

updated: 2/14/2025