Tarot Card Symbolism: The Strength Card of the Major Arcana

Strength is the eighth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of inner strength, courage, and self-discipline.

The Symbolism of the Strength Tarot Card

This card is represented by a woman and a lion, with the woman being calm and gentle, but very much dominate over the more aggressive lion. The woman is clasping the lion’s jaws, indicating that she is winning the battle between them. The sign of infinity is displayed prominently above the woman’s head.

Strength bears the number “8,” and is the foundation of strength of the Fool after his encounter with the Chariot.

The General Interpretation of the Strength Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies a situation where a confrontation with your inner lion is inevitable. The creative handling of your own pride and rage is desirable. Courage, strength, and self-discipline will all be necessary tools to win this battle. This experience brings an encounter with the beast within, but also with that part of human nature that can subdue the beast.

The Fool, having finally developed the powers of mind and feeling, must learn to deal with his egotism. He emerges from this contest with a fierce trust in himself, and a faith in his integrity toward others he may encounter.

The Inner Meaning of the Strength in Tarot

Strength is the image of the problem of containing the powerful and savage beast of human nature without losing those qualities which are creative and vital. The lion is associated with royalty, and is a different type of strength than that offered in the Chariot. It is the symbol if individuality, and of invincibility. This card brings strength of will and of a sense of self, as well as knowledge that the opinions and ideas of others are second to your own sense of permanence.

It is important to remember that the lion is also a savage beast, capable of destroying anything in its path. It can indicate rage, not healthy anger, but an explosive fury when things are do not go the way you expect. Another face of the lion is an implacable pride. Not self-respect, but rather, an inflated sense of self-importance. The lion can be seen to be like an angry infant. However, when conquered, this lion can be channeled into responsibility and sensibility.

The Fool learns now that the best way to conquer the lion is not to kill it, but to transform it. His goal becomes to express the strength and determination he has discovered as a human, and to control the instinctual animal he can sometimes be. He learns to express his individuality through careful consideration of his strengths.

Strength is encountered by the Fool after he meets the Chariot, while on the path to his meeting with the Hermit.