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XI. Strength

Strength of Spirit, Gentleness and Courage

Strength Tarot card

Symbolism and Meaning

The Strength card is about more than physical power. It shows a woman who, gently and calmly, closes (or opens) a lion's jaws. She uses no muscle, no whip and no chains. She masters the beast through willpower, love and spiritual superiority. Above her head floats the sign of infinity (the lemniscate), the same one we saw with the Magician, suggesting the infinite potential of the spirit.

The lion symbolises our instincts, passions, anger and animal nature. The woman (often in a white robe, a symbol of purity) shows that true strength lies in integrating these instincts, not in brutally suppressing them. It is the alchemy of the soul - turning aggression into assertiveness and desire into passion.

This card teaches us patience, tolerance and compassion - both for others and for ourselves. It reminds us that the greatest battles are fought within us. A truly strong person does not need to shout or intimidate; their authority comes from calm and self-confidence.

Interpretation of the Card

In a spread, Strength is a sign that you will cope with any challenge if you stay calm and believe in yourself. It is a card of healing and of overcoming fears and addictions. It suggests using diplomacy instead of aggression in conflicts. It may also mean a passionate relationship in which the partners learn mutual respect.

Upright
  • Inner strength, moral courage
  • Patience, compassion, gentleness
  • Mastery over emotions and instincts
  • Overcoming fears or addictions
  • Self-confidence without arrogance
  • Reconciliation, diplomacy
  • Vitality and health
Reversed
  • Weak will, lack of self-confidence
  • Aggression, outbursts of anger, brutality
  • Giving in to base instincts
  • Cowardice, running away from problems
  • Despotism or being a victim
  • Vanity and narcissism
  • Losing self-control

Card Attributes

Number: XI (Eleven) or VIII
Archetype: The Tamer, the Heroine
Element: Fire (energy and passion)
Keywords: Strength, courage, control, gentleness, patience, passion.
Astrology: Leo (the sign of the heart, courage and royalty)
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