Strength

 

Strength

In most traditional decks, this card is numbered XI. Waite assigns it the number VIII, swapping it with Justice. We have chosen to keep it at position XI, partly because the lesson of Strength, as presented in Tarot, is far more subtle and demands great spiritual maturity. Justice offers a more obvious lesson (though not necessarily an easier one).  

Keywords: Inner Strength, Courage, Compassion, Patience, Control

 

Astrology: Sun in Leo

 

Element: Fire

 

Hebrew Letter: Kaph

 

Esoteric Meaning: Power through gentleness

 

Personality State

 

The Strength archetype is someone who leads with quiet power, humility, and resilience. This person faces fears, tempers impulses, and acts with grace rather than force. They rarely need to display brute strength, because their confidence and inner calm do the work.

 

On a Deeper Level

 

Spiritually, Strength teaches mastery of the inner beast—emotions, desires, instincts. It’s about aligning your inner self with compassion and courage. True strength emerges not by suppressing but by transforming and integrating what is wild within.

 

Professional Situation

 

In career contexts, Strength suggests leadership by example, perseverance, and influence without intimidation. You may be in a situation requiring gentle resolve, not brute force. This card supports careers in counseling, healing, mentoring, or any role that demands patience and moral authority.

 

Financial and Housing Condition

 

Financially, Strength encourages controlled spending, patient investments, and resisting impulsive risk. It warns against extravagance. In housing, it may indicate a stable home established through perseverance rather than shortcuts.

 

Personal Relationships

 

In relationships, Strength speaks of compassion, patience, and emotional support. It suggests that inner power and gentle influence can heal conflicts. Rather than dominance, this card favors connection nurtured by kindness and steadfast loyalty.

 

Health Condition

 

Health is generally favorable under this card. It indicates strong resilience and the capacity to recover. It also suggests inner work—mental and emotional healing may be as important as physical. Practices like meditation or gentle discipline support wellness.

 

Reversed Card Meaning

 

Reversed, Strength warns of self-doubt, inner turmoil, or misuse of power. You might feel overwhelmed by fear or emotion. Impulsiveness, aggression, or low confidence may arise. It’s a signal to reconnect with your core and rebuild your resolve.

 

Manifestation in Combinations

 
       
  • Strength + The Chariot: Victory through inner resolve and balanced will.
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  • Strength + The Hermit: Inner strength realized in solitude and reflection.
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  • Strength + Justice: Courage to do what is right regardless of popularity.
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  • Strength + The Devil: Confronting inner fears, breaking attachments.
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  • Strength + The Sun: Triumph, confidence, shining authenticity.
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Archetypal Correspondences

 

    Myth & Symbolism: The lion tamed by a gentle hand, infinity symbol over the head
    Element: Fire
    Astrological Correspondence: Leo, Venus in Leo
    Hebrew Letter: Kaph
    Symbols: Lion, infinity loop, white robe, crown of roses
    Numbering: XI (or VIII in some decks)    

 

Final CTA

 

To deepen your mastery of Strength and all the tarot archetypes, explore Learning Tarot. Let your inner strength light your path. 🔗