Major Arcana

Strength

A woman, over whose head there broods the same symbol of life which we have seen in the card of the Magician, is closing the jaws of a lion. The only point in which this design differs from the conventional presentations is that her beneficent fortitude has already subdued the lion, which is being led by a chain of flowers. For reasons which satisfy myself, this card has been interchanged with that of justice, which is usually numbered eight. As the variation carries nothing with it which will signify to the reader, there is no cause for explanation. Fortitude, in one of its most exalted aspects, is connected with the Divine Mystery of Union; the virtue, of course, operates in all planes, and hence draws on all in its symbolism. It connects also with innocentia inviolata, and with the strength which resides in contemplation. These higher meanings are, however, matters of inference, and I do not suggest that they are transparent on the surface of the card. They are intimated in a concealed manner by the chain of flowers, which signifies, among many other things, the sweet yoke and the light burden of Divine Law, when it has been taken into the heart of hearts. The card has nothing to do with self-confidence in the ordinary sense, though this has been suggested--but it concerns the confidence of those whose strength is God, who have found their refuge in Him. There is one aspect in which the lion signifies the passions, and she who is called Strength is the higher nature in its liberation. It has walked upon the asp and the basilisk and has trodden down the lion and the dragon.

Yes or no: Maybe
Position in the deck: Card 9 of 78

Upright meaning

Power, energy, action, courage, magnanimity; also complete success and honours.

Reversed meaning

Despotism, abuse if power, weakness, discord, sometimes even disgrace.

Strength in love

Patience with someone who is difficult right now, offered from steadiness rather than fear of losing them. Strength is the card for the relationship that needs gentleness rather than a confrontation, and for loving someone through a bad period without becoming their manager. Know the difference between patience and endurance; this card means the first one.

Strength in work and career

Influence without force. Strength is how you handle the hostile colleague, the client who is frightened rather than rude, the team that needs to be persuaded rather than instructed. It rewards composure and long patience over leverage. In a question about whether to push harder, this card usually means the opposite: hold the position calmly and let the other side move.

Strength and wellbeing

Stamina rather than intensity, and a kinder relationship with your own body. Strength is the card behind slow rehabilitation, managing a chronic condition without resenting it, and the particular courage of not panicking. It also speaks to appetite and impulse — not conquered, but handled gently enough that they stop running the day.

Strength on the spiritual path

The lion is not caged. Strength teaches that the instinctive, hungry, angry part of a person is not the enemy of practice but its material, and that it responds to steadiness rather than force. This is slow inner work with no dramatic moment in it, and it is more durable than anything achieved by suppression.