Strength is card VIII in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, and its message is surprising: the greatest power is gentle. This card is about courage, patience and the quiet strength of a kind heart.
On this page
What's on the Strength card
A woman in a white robe, crowned with flowers, calmly holds open (or gently closes) the jaws of a red lion. She isn't fighting it; she's soothing it, and the lion looks calm. An infinity sign floats above her head, and a soft landscape stretches behind them under a yellow sky.
- The lion: raw passion, fear, anger or instinct
- The gentle hands: taming with compassion instead of force
- The infinity sign: endless inner strength and spiritual power
- The flower crown and belt: the beauty and peace of a calm heart
Strength upright meaning
Upright, Strength says you're braver than you think. Whatever challenge you face, you have the inner resources to meet it, not by pushing harder, but with patience, steadiness and compassion, including compassion for yourself.
It's also a card about handling big emotions. Anger, fear and desire are part of being human; Strength shows you can acknowledge the lion without letting it run the show. It's a lovely card to work with when you're building confidence or healing.
Strength reversed meaning
Reversed, Strength points to self-doubt and low energy. You may feel overwhelmed, insecure or not good enough, or your emotions may be running hot and spilling over.
Be gentle with yourself. Rest, eat well, spend time with people who lift you up, and remember a time you got through something hard. Your strength hasn't gone; it needs care to return.
Not every reader uses reversals. If you don't, read the upright meaning and let the cards around it show whether the energy is flowing or blocked.
Strength in love
Upright: A loving, patient and resilient relationship, the strength to work through difficulties, or the courage to open your heart.
Reversed: Insecurity, jealousy or emotions running out of control. Work on self-worth and calm communication.
Strength in career and money
Upright: Handling pressure with grace, gentle leadership and earning respect through patience. Steady progress.
Reversed: Feeling overwhelmed, losing confidence or reacting emotionally at work. Pace yourself.
Strength as feelings
As feelings, Strength shows someone who feels a deep, patient and protective affection for you, and admires your character. Reversed, they may feel insecure, unsure of themselves or struggling with strong emotions.
Is Strength a yes or no card?
Yes. Strength is a yes, especially if you approach the situation with patience and confidence. Reversed, it's more of a "not yet" until you feel steadier.
Strength correspondences
Use these when you work with the card in spells, on your altar or in meditation. The element and zodiac sign follow the classic attributions used by most tarot readers; the crystals, herbs and colors are common modern pairings. Tap any of them to read more in The Witch's Cabinet.
| Element | Fire |
|---|---|
| Zodiac sign | Leo |
| Crystals | Sunstone Carnelian |
| Herbs and incense | Sunflower Chamomile |
| Candle colors | Orange Candle Gold Candle |
A Strength Candle for Gentle Courage
Light this on a Sunday or any morning you need to feel brave.
You will need:
- An orange or gold candle
- A little olive oil
- A pinch of dried chamomile
- A sunstone or carnelian
Steps:
- Rub a thin film of oil on the candle and roll it lightly in the chamomile. Wipe your hands.
- Light the candle and hold the stone over your heart.
- Breathe slowly and name the "lion" you're facing: a fear, a challenge or a strong feeling.
- Say: I meet my lion with an open hand. My courage is quiet, my heart is strong.
- Carry the stone with you and touch it whenever you need to remember your strength.
Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep flames away from curtains, dried herbs and pets.
Strength FAQs
What does the Strength card mean in tarot?
Strength means courage, compassion and inner strength. It shows that patience and kindness are more powerful than force, and that you can handle strong emotions calmly.
Is Strength a yes or no card?
Strength is a yes, especially when you approach things patiently and confidently. Reversed, it suggests waiting until you feel steadier.
Is Strength card 8 or 11?
In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, Strength is card VIII and Justice is XI. Some older decks, like the Tarot de Marseille, number them the other way round.
What does Strength reversed mean?
Strength reversed points to self-doubt, low energy or emotions getting out of control. It asks you to be gentle with yourself and rebuild your confidence.
Keep learning the tarot
See every card on our tarot card meanings page, or read all 22 trumps side by side in the Major Arcana explained. New to reading? Start with our guide to cleansing a tarot deck and divination for beginners. When you're ready to read with confidence, our Tarot course teaches every card, spread and reading technique step by step.
Cards that pair well with Strength: The Chariot, The Hermit.