8 - Strength
Note: This guide is based on the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. Other tarot decks may have unique meanings, or some of these meanings may not apply.
| Upright Keywords: | Inner power, fortitude, bravery, belief, action |
| Reversed Keywords: | Weakness, giving up, doubt, fear |
A woman in a white dress adorned by red flowers and greenery uses both hands to gently hold the face of a lion. Her hair is threaded with leaves, and above her head is an infinity symbol. The lion is a vibrant orange, looking up at the woman with its tongue lolling, not unlike a dog. Its tail is between its legs, suggesting submission.
The woman and lion stand in a verdant landscape with a mountain far in the background. The sky is a cheerful yellow color. Despite having her hands near the lion's mouth, the woman appears unafraid, and there is no sign of struggle from her or the lion.
In Readings: Upright
Strength means more than physical capability. The woman on the card isn't using brute force to hold the lion; rather, she holds it with quiet confidence and a self-assured air.
In the upright position, the subject of the reading embodies this woman's qualities: courageous, powerful, and unafraid. It indicates success over adversity and a certain degree of kindness toward one's foes.
Card Combinations:
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
Four of Pentacles: Confident saving equals assured spending.
Six of Wands: You are more than capable of succeeding as a leader.
The Moon: The spirit is strong and the mind is alert.
Two of Pentacles, reversed: Brute strength isn't a replacement for finesse; use a finer touch.
In Readings: Reversed
In reverse, the kindness of the woman is missing. She may still be strong in some way, but that Strength is being used for ill purpose.
Strength reversed can also be as simple as the absence of strength, indicating someone who is weak or a weak position. This card can mean that someone is having doubts over their capabilities, possibly for good reason.
Card Combinations
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
Seven of Wands: Someone is on the back foot, so they're lashing out ineffectively.
Ten of Pentacles, reversed: The weighty expectations of a legacy are too much to bear.
Nine of Cups: Having everything you could ask for has weakened your survival skills.
Queen of Swords, reversed: That sharp tongue is being used too harshly against the wrong target.
Other Perspectives
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