VIII Strength
Power, Fortitude
Essential Meanings
Keywords
Force, Self-Control, Self-Discipline, Composure, Endurance, Vigour, Durability, Health, Moral Virtue, Kindness, Compassion, Moderation, Patience, Compassion, Sturdiness, Potency, Ascendancy, Serenity, Energy, Relief, Opposites.
Element
Fire
Yes/No/Maybe
Yes
Represented by a young woman taming a wild, dangerous lion, the Strength cars shows us that true power can be gentle.
The Arcanum of Strength expresses energy, conflict and struggle in a non-violent way. The female figure portrayed on the card is an image of the quality of reason, dominating instinct, calmness trumping brutality and order reigning over chaos.
Strength represents the ability to accomplish the task at hand, the way in which your energy, resources and capabilities can be placed at the service of a goal. The Arcana stands for strength of character, moral integrity, physical stamina and health.
The card's imagery can be understood as symbolic of the conflict between opposing desires and motivations. One of these must be defeated to allow a new possibility to emerge and enable you to face and overcome your fears. Strength provides the energy not to surrender or succumb to even the greatest pressure. It represents the intelligence that allows one to tackle seemingly insurmountable obstacles without the use of violence. The young woman who tames the beast is the best part of us, able to triumph over all things.
Golden Art Nouveau
Symbols
Lemniscate
This symbol of infinity indicates the quiet fortitude that stems from the union of moral and physical strength.
Maiden
The young woman is a symbol of reason, morality and righteous strength.
Hands
The gentle movement of the young woman's hands reflects a soft touch that is simultaneously assertive & humble. Her hold on the lion's jaws indicates her ability to control anger.
Lion
The wild animal stands as a symbol of physical strength, instinct and passion.
Castle in the Far Distance
Indicates how true strength exists outside common manifestations of power.
Radiant Wise Spirit
What the Card Says
This is what Strength would communicate to you if she were able to express herself in words:
'I am the reserves of power within you - the strength to get things done, overcome obstacles and forge your way in the world. Style, charm, grace and wit are our greatest weapons. Put down weapons and unkind words. Let me remind you that you are stronger than you ever thought possible. Look how far you've come. You have only scratched the surface of what you are capable of. Let's conquer the world together.'
Description
Originally named Fortitude, the Strength card is numbered VIII in most modern Tarot packs, but several older decks have it as the number XI.
Visconti-Sforza The Strength card in this deck shows Hercules attacking the Nemean lion, a vicious creature of ancient Greek mythology. It is thought that this depiction was intended to reflect Francesco I Sforza's military victories in Milan and surrounding areas in the 15th century.
Marseille The Marseille card shows an elegantly dressed woman opening the jaw of a lion with her bare hands. The lion's sharp teeth are bared to demonstrate its fierceness.
Pictorial Key In the Pictorial Key deck, a lemniscate - a figure-of-eight-shaped mathematical symbol representing infinity - floats above a smiling maiden's head as she gently handles the lion's jaws.
Lesson
The Arcana of Strength teaches you to improve my self-control and understanding what really motivates you.
Thelema Affirmation
I did not tame the lion. Nor am I afraid of it. We walk in harmony.
Harmonious Teachings
(Numbered XI) Self-control, discipline, tenacity, vigour, good health, courage, self-confidence. Strength helps overcome difficulties and obstacles with bravery and determination.
Alternative Names
Fortitude, Lust
Card Reversals
Strength is read differently whether drawn upright or reversed (upside-down).
Upright
Spiritual power overcoming material power. Using finesse and gentleness to get what you want. Higher nature over carnal desires. The ability to channel great power. Strength of character. Good health. Softness.
Reversed
Feeling a loss of control. Discord and fear. An abuse of power. Cruelty and immaturity. Giving in to base instincts.
Marseille Keywords
(Numbered 11) Courage, strength, instinct, self-control
Pre-Raphaelite
Instincts need to be tamed, not repressed.
Discipline, command over one's instincts, conscious sexuality, courage, passion, commitment, fierceness.
Further Exploration
Studying the subjects listed will help you to gain a greater understanding of the Arcana:-
Virtue of Fortitude, Nemean Lion, Cardinal Virtues, Hercules.
ViceVersa (Back)
Face your shadow self, your ideas about power and your reluctance to claim it. Release old chains of bondage to anyone who had power over you in the past - you don't have to repeat that pattern. Abuse doesn't always foster more abuse. Confront your demons.
ViceVersa (Front)
You may have been holding yourself back for fear of being 'too much'. Don't be afraid to access your strengths and put them to good use. Lighten up and don't take yourself quite so seriously. You can be powerful without being overpowering.
Universal Celtic
The goddess Artio leads a bear on a chain, with an apple in her hand. The scene reminds us that strength is not only physical, but also mental, and involves developing empathy in order to communicate.
John Bauer
A young girl wearing a crown leans forward and kisses a large bear on its nose. The bear seems startled at the kind gesture. A moment of kindness, taming the unknown, courage to take a chance.
Arcanum
Illuminati
Thematic Meanings
More advanced meaning can be read when you draw Strength in a reading, depending on the subject you are exploring.
Personal Life
Love: A relationship can feel like war, but remember that conflicts may evolve into a passion.
Work: It's important to work hard, but also be mindful to allow yourself to rest when you reach the resolution of a task.
Money: You can find success in business by using daring and courage while being guided by unique intelligence.
Divination
Answer: To achieve balance, cultivate three types of strength - physical, moral, and intellectual.
Tip: Overcome obstacles by using your passions to provide strength and motivation, rather than being overwhelmed by them.
Timing: The seed will bear fruit if you are patient. Even though you want things done now, being hasty could ruin your plans.
Psyche and Soul
Self-Esteem: To prove your potential, compete with someone or something stronger, bigger and more accomplished than you.
Meditation: Be honest with yourself about the strength of your argument. Can you find common ground with an adversary?
Spirituality: Actions and thoughts must follow our conscience or they may grow out of control.