Tarot AI

The tarot card 'Strength' (力量) is the eighth card in the Major Arcana of most traditional tarot decks, symbolizing inner courage, patience, and mastery over one's emotions. Its historical roots trace back to early 15th-century Europe, particularly in Italy and France, where tarot was originally used for playing games before evolving into a tool for divination and spiritual insight. The earliest known depiction of the Strength card appears in the Visconti-Sforza tarot deck, created around the 15th century, where it was often illustrated as a woman gently closing the mouth of a lion. This imagery conveyed a theme of taming brute force through inner strength and compassion rather than aggression.

Throughout history, the Strength card has been associated with various mythological and religious figures. In some interpretations, it has been linked to the biblical story of Samson and the lion, symbolizing divine strength and control. Others connect it to the Greek goddess of virtue, Arete, or the Roman goddess of power, Victoria. In alchemical symbolism, the card represents the union of opposites—spirit and matter, reason and passion—reflecting the transformative journey of the soul.

As tarot evolved during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly under the influence of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and the Rider-Waite-Smith deck (1909), the imagery of Strength underwent significant changes. In the Rider-Waite-Smith version, the card features a calm woman gently holding the lion’s jaws open, symbolizing the power of compassion, patience, and spiritual control over primal instincts. This image became the standard for many modern decks, although interpretations vary widely across different artistic styles and cultural perspectives.

In Eastern traditions, particularly in Chinese and Japanese metaphysical systems, the concept of strength is often associated with balance, harmony, and inner discipline—echoing the themes found in the Western tarot. The card also finds resonance in Eastern philosophies like Taoism and Buddhism, where inner strength is seen as a path to enlightenment and self-mastery.

Culturally, the Strength card has been interpreted in diverse ways. In some Latin American tarot traditions, it is associated with resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. In modern feminist tarot readings, it often represents the power of softness, nurturing, and emotional intelligence. Across time and cultures, Strength remains a powerful symbol of human potential and the triumph of spirit over fear, anger, and doubt.

The Strength card is rich in symbolic meaning, with each element of its imagery contributing to a deeper understanding of its spiritual and psychological significance. The central image of a woman gently holding a lion’s jaws open is the most iconic representation, found in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck and many modern variations. The woman, often depicted in flowing robes or a white gown, symbolizes purity, inner peace, and spiritual awareness. Her calm demeanor and gentle touch reflect the idea that true strength lies not in physical force, but in compassion, patience, and emotional control.

The lion, a powerful and primal creature, represents the untamed forces within us—passions, desires, fears, and instincts. The woman’s ability to subdue the lion without violence illustrates the mastery of the self, the ability to channel raw energy into constructive power. This dynamic between the woman and the lion is a metaphor for the reconciliation of opposites: reason and emotion, spirit and matter, control and surrender.

Colors play a significant role in the symbolism of the Strength card. Red, often used for the lion or the woman’s attire, represents passion, energy, and vitality. White symbolizes purity, clarity, and spiritual awareness. Gold, if present, denotes divine wisdom and the illumination of the soul. These color choices reinforce the card’s message of balance and inner harmony.

Numerologically, the number 8 is associated with Strength, as it is the eighth card in the Major Arcana. The number 8 signifies infinity, balance, and karmic justice. It reflects the cyclical nature of strength—rising and falling, gaining and losing, but always returning to equilibrium.

Across cultures, interpretations of the Strength card vary. In some decks, the woman is replaced by a male figure, emphasizing physical strength or martial prowess. In others, the lion is depicted as docile or even smiling, suggesting a more harmonious relationship between the human and animal aspects of the self. In modern feminist tarot, the card is often celebrated for its portrayal of feminine strength and emotional intelligence.

When upright, the Strength card signifies courage, resilience, and the ability to overcome challenges through inner conviction. It encourages the querent to trust in their inner power and to approach difficulties with grace and composure. Reversed, the card may indicate self-doubt, lack of control, or the misuse of power. It can also suggest repressed emotions or a failure to confront one’s fears.

In the context of the entire tarot deck, Strength is often associated with The Chariot and The Hermit. While The Chariot represents external control and determination, Strength emphasizes internal mastery and emotional wisdom. The Hermit, in turn, complements Strength by offering introspection and spiritual guidance. Together, these cards form a triad of personal empowerment and self-realization.

From a psychological perspective, the Strength card resonates deeply with Carl Jung’s concept of the archetypes and the process of individuation—the integration of the conscious and unconscious self. In Jungian terms, the woman and the lion on the Strength card can be seen as representations of the anima and the shadow. The woman symbolizes the conscious, rational, and nurturing aspects of the psyche, while the lion embodies the shadow—the primal, instinctual, and sometimes feared parts of the self. True strength, therefore, involves embracing and integrating these shadow elements rather than suppressing or denying them.

In modern life, the Strength card serves as a reminder of the importance of emotional resilience, self-compassion, and inner courage. It encourages individuals to face life’s challenges with integrity and grace, relying not on aggression or force, but on patience, understanding, and wisdom. In decision-making, Strength advises a balanced approach—weighing both logic and intuition, and trusting one’s inner voice even in the face of adversity.

For personal growth and self-awareness, the Strength card is a powerful guide. It calls on individuals to confront their fears, acknowledge their vulnerabilities, and develop the inner fortitude to move forward with confidence. This card often appears during times of personal transformation, urging the querent to trust in their ability to heal, grow, and evolve.

In therapeutic and counseling settings, the Strength card can be a valuable tool for exploring issues related to self-esteem, emotional regulation, and trauma recovery. Counselors and therapists may use the card to encourage clients to find strength within, to embrace their inner power, and to approach healing with patience and compassion. It is especially relevant for those dealing with anxiety, fear, or feelings of powerlessness.

Within modern spiritual practices, Strength is often linked to mindfulness, meditation, and energy work. It is a card of inner alchemy—transforming fear into courage, doubt into faith, and weakness into resilience. Many spiritual seekers use the Strength card in visualization exercises, affirmations, and rituals aimed at cultivating self-mastery and spiritual empowerment. Whether through tarot journaling, guided meditation, or intuitive readings, the Strength card continues to offer profound insights into the journey of self-discovery and soul evolution.

The Strength card is deeply connected to astrological, elemental, and energetic correspondences that enhance its spiritual and metaphysical significance. Astrologically, Strength is associated with the zodiac sign Leo (July 23 – August 22), ruled by the Sun. This connection reinforces the card’s themes of courage, self-expression, and radiant inner power. The Sun’s influence brings warmth, vitality, and confidence, aligning with the card’s emphasis on inner strength and self-mastery.

In terms of planetary correspondences, the Sun is the primary celestial body linked to Strength, symbolizing illumination, life force, and creative power. The Sun’s energy supports the card’s message of overcoming inner obstacles through self-belief and clarity of purpose.

Gemstones and crystals associated with the Strength card include Carnelian, which boosts courage and motivation; Tiger’s Eye, which enhances confidence and protection; and Rose Quartz, which promotes compassion and emotional healing. These stones can be used in meditation, carried for support, or placed on an altar to amplify the card’s energy.

Herbs and essential oils that resonate with Strength include Frankincense, known for spiritual clarity and grounding; Sandalwood, which aids in inner peace and meditation; and Lavender, which supports emotional balance and stress relief. These can be used in aromatherapy, incense, or herbal sachets during tarot readings or personal rituals.

Elementally, Strength is connected to Fire, representing passion, transformation, and willpower. This aligns with the card’s themes of inner fire, determination, and the ability to harness emotional energy constructively. The season most associated with Strength is Summer, a time of peak vitality and outward expression.

In energy work, the Strength card corresponds to the Heart Chakra (Anahata) and Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura). The Heart Chakra supports compassion, love, and emotional resilience, while the Solar Plexus Chakra enhances personal power, confidence, and will.

Numerologically, the number 8 is linked to Strength, symbolizing balance, infinity, and karmic justice. This reinforces the idea that true strength is not about domination, but about maintaining harmony and integrity in the face of challenges.