The Strength

Key Words for the Strength Tarot Card Meanings

• Balance
• Strength
• Courage
• Patience
• Compassion
• Understanding
• Introduction to the Strength Tarot Card Meanings:

  This is another Major Arcana card that doesn't beat around the bush - it's meaning is quite clear in both illustration and title. Looking at the card we see a great deal of strength - but what kind of strength? Is the young maiden exterting physical strength to subdue the lion? Her face looks serene, her posture is calm - she doesn't appear to be struggling.

  Yes, the Tarot card meaning here is that of strength - but not purely physical. The young maiden in white (a symbol of purity) subdues the lion through a strength that is internal. Through compassion, love, patience, and cunning, she is able to calm the lion into retreating into a behavior that is more manageable.

  As with all allegories, the story of this Strength card is more than what meets the eye. The deeper meaning deals with having the compassion and understanding to sooth the savage beast within us in more effective ways than brute strength.

  Simply put, the lion is our inner beast - that part of ourselves that "needs to feed." This beast is always needing more money, more recognition, or it needs more food, alcohol or drugs to feel at ease. The pure maiden represents that part of ourselves that has the ability to nurture, calm and exhibit self-love. Only she can allay the ravenous "need beast."

  When we pull the Strength card it is certainly a message that strength is required for some challenges ahead. It's also a sign that we absolutely have the strength that is required of us. But on a subtle level, this card is a signal that we are already completeand self-love is the key to meeting our needs.