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 usually shows a woman calmly taming a lion, a powerful image of balancing fierce emotions with patience and compassion. The lion stands for your raw instincts and wild feelings, while the woman reminds you of your own quiet, steady power. The Fortitude shows that real strength isn’t about forcing things — it’s about mastering your emotions and staying cool when life gets tough.

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

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Upright Meaning

Keywords: Inner Strength, Courage, Patience, Compassion

When Strength shows up upright, it’s a sign that you have everything you need inside you — courage, patience, and steady self-confidence. Life might be throwing challenges your way, but you’re being reminded that true power comes from how you handle them. The Fortitude encourages you to trust yourself, stay calm under pressure, and meet adversity with quiet strength and kindness. You've got more resilience than you think — and it's ready to shine.

• Love: Your relationship is grounded in mutual respect and emotional strength. If you’re single, Strength nudges you to trust yourself and be confident in attracting the right kind of love.
• Career: You’re being tested, but you’ve got the calm determination to push through. Trust in your ability to handle stress and challenges with grace.
• Finance: Smart, patient decisions are your secret weapon right now. Keep a steady hand with your finances, and you’ll build real stability over time.

Yes or No: Upright, Strength leans toward a "Yes." It shows you’ve got the patience, courage, and resilience to make things happen.

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Reversed Meaning

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

When reversed, Strength points to a rough patch where confidence might feel out of reach. Maybe you’re doubting yourself, or emotions are getting the best of you. It’s a gentle reminder that you can rebuild that inner courage. Even if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, you’ve still got the spark inside to rise above it.

• Love: Struggles with confidence or vulnerability could be weighing on your relationship. Honest conversations and trust are the keys to finding your footing again.
• Career: Motivation might be slipping, and obstacles could feel heavier than usual. Take a breath, reassess your approach, and don't be afraid to ask for support if you need it.
• Finance: Money stress might be clouding your judgment. Step back, review your plans, and make moves to get back in control.

Yes or No: Reversed, Strength points toward a "No," at least for now. You may need to rebuild your inner foundation before success feels within reach.

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Timeframes

Strength connects to months and the season of Summer. Summer’s vibe — full of growth, warmth, and energy — mirrors your own journey of resilience and emotional power right now.

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Strength as Feelings

Strength brings up deep feelings of compassion, patience, and admiration. Someone may feel a lot of respect for your courage and emotional steadiness. Their emotions likely center on trust, understanding, and a strong, supportive bond with you.

• How Someone Feels About You: They see you as a rock — inspiring, steady, and full of quiet strength. They feel drawn to your patience and the safe space you create around you.

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Who Is "The Strength" In Your Life?

Strength could represent someone you know who's full of patience, compassion, and quiet resilience. They're the one people lean on when life gets messy — calm, steady, and strong. But even they can get worn down by always being the strong one.

If you’re working with someone who carries The Fortitude energy, show them you see their effort. Encourage them to take care of themselves too, not just everyone else. Relationships thrive when both sides feel strong, seen, and supported.

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Worried About Drawing Strength?

Don't worry — drawing Strength is a huge compliment. It’s a reminder that you already have the patience, courage, and heart you need to get through whatever’s ahead. Trust yourself. You’re stronger than you know.

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

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Related Cards

Strength’s themes of courage, patience, and emotional balance connect deeply with a few other powerful tarot cards. Here’s how they link up:

• The Chariot: Shows how your inner resilience and external determination work hand in hand to drive you forward.
• The Lovers: Highlights the harmony between emotional stability and choosing relationships that align with your heart.
• The Empress: Weaves together patience, strength, and nurturing creativity to support lasting growth.
• The Devil: Reminds you what happens when you lose emotional control — a sharp contrast to the self-mastery Strength teaches. Staying free from impulsive traps is part of your power journey too.

Each of these cards adds a new layer to what Strength teaches you — about standing firm, growing deeper, and living from your inner power. Click on any card to dive deeper into its wisdom.

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Frequently Asked Questions

written by Greg Swanson

updated: 2/14/2025