In many modern Tarot decks, the Strength Card follows the Chariot. However, in earlier decks, Justice was the eighth card in the Major Arcana number sequence. Justice was thought to represent the next level of development of the soul’s journey. The Card of Justice represents the voice of conscience, which helps to find the balance between one’s own beliefs and principles with those of his inner instincts. However, when Rider Waite’s deck was published in 1910, the Strength Card was exchanged for the Justice Card. Rider Waite’s deck preferred this sequence of cards, due to its astrological associations. Today both sequences are considered valid and it is really up to you to determine which order you prefer.
For our purposes, I prefer to use the Strength Card as the eighth card in the Tarot Sequence. The Strength Card represents the power of inner strength. Our inner strength develops through the balance between our primal drives and higher thought. In traditional decks, the Strength Tarot card image is that of a woman calming a lion. The lion represents our deepest desires. He dwells in the realm of our unconscious, and his primal roar forces our instincts to act in accordance with the demands of our unconscious. She represents a higher consciousness, thus informing us that our higher thinking can be more powerful than our inner instincts. This often requires a lot of determination and self-discipline. It is not uncommon to find some element of conflict between the two.
No wonder the Strength Card Tarot card meanings refer to courage with compassion. It takes a great deal of courage to look into the primitive self. However, the greatest act of courage is choosing not to detest the darkest parts of ourselves. This, in itself, is an act of compassion.
The Strength Card is associated with the number eight. Eight represents power, judgment, renewal and fulfillment. In a Tarot reading, the Strength Card also relates to health matters. In its upright position, the Strength Card denotes healing and recovery. This can happen both physically and emotionally. It is the card of vitality and often refers to issues of sexuality. The negative aspect of the Strength Card is the suppression or avoidance of instinctive and unconscious needs. It also represents the individual who tries to run the world with force and lack of compassion.
Vertical Strength Tarot Card Meanings in a Tarot Reading
In a Tarot reading, the vertical position of the Strength Card indicates that a new opportunity will require taking some risks. This will be a time of courage. There could be a reconciliation with someone you know. Inner conflicts can cease due to your awareness of your darker impulses and the more effective handling of them. You may need to develop more patience to solve your problems. Diplomacy and compassion may be the best solution. Self-discipline is your greatest ally. As he gains control over his inner desires and urges, he now finds that he can stand up to those who push him. In Love Tarot, a relationship can be passionate. You may become aware of your sexual potency and find that this may be a time when you are attracting others. In Health Tarot readings, this is a card of healing and recovery.
- Compassion
- Amiability
- cicatrization
- Diplomacy
- Patience
- Strength
Reversed Strength Tarot Card Meanings in a Tarot Reading
In a reversed position, the Strength Card may indicate that you may have lost your nerve in the face of a new opportunity that requires some risk. You may be giving in to your inner urges. You may want to hide within the confines of your comfort zone. Perhaps there have been personal problems that you have not yet faced. This is the time to face your fears. Someone may be pushing you and you feel powerless. Perhaps there is a pattern of undesirable behavior that continues to occur in your life. In some cases, the reversed Strength card may indicate addiction or substance abuse issues.
When the Strength Card appears backwards in your Tarot spread, this may indicate that your dependency on other people is inhibiting your emotional and spiritual growth. You may have to become more independent. Your shyness is making you miss out on new opportunities. You or someone you know may be experiencing illness. Another important element of the Reversed Force card is the concern that you may be using too much force on the world around you. Others may mistrust and mistrust you. In a Tarot reading, the Reversed Strength Card warns of an authoritarian personality. It may be time to refocus your attention to a softer, gentler approach. It will be difficult to achieve your goals through force and control alone.
- addictions
- feelings of fear
- Dependence
- Weakness
- poor health
- The need to face your own problems.
- Give in to unconscious impulses