The Strength Tarot Card: Symbolism, History, and Meaning
The Strength tarot card is a potent and inspiring card in the tarot deck. Symbolizing courage, patience, and inner power, Strength embodies the spirit of gentle control and compassion. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the historical origins, symbolism, and meanings of this powerful card, providing insightful perspectives on its role in your tarot readings.
The Historical Origins of The Strength Tarot Card
The Strength card, known as the eighth card in the Major Arcana, has been a part of tarot decks since their early days. The card initially portrayed Fortitude, one of the cardinal virtues, and was often depicted as a woman holding or breaking a stone pillar.
As tarot decks evolved, the Strength card took on a more nuanced depiction of strength - not just brute force but also spiritual, emotional, and mental fortitude. The card came to symbolize the power of inner strength, courage, patience, and compassion.
An Inspiring Description of The Strength Tarot Card
The Strength card typically shows a woman who is calmly and gently closing the mouth of a lion. She has a peaceful expression on her face, suggesting that she is taming the lion with a serene attitude rather than physical force, signifying inner strength and control over raw instincts.
The woman is dressed in a white robe, symbolizing purity, with a belt and crown of flowers, indicating she is connected to life and the earth. Above her head hovers the infinity symbol (lemniscate), suggesting access to infinite potential and the divine wisdom that comes with understanding both the spiritual and earthly worlds.
The lion, a universal symbol of raw passions and desires, looks submissive and calm. Its tail between its legs and the peaceful countenance indicate that the woman has successfully tamed this wild beast. The lion can also symbolize courage, strength, and resilience.
The background of the card is a bright yellow, signifying intellectual control, positivity, and optimism. There are mountains in the background, which suggest obstacles or challenges that are overcome.
The Powerful Symbolism of The Strength Tarot Card
The Strength tarot card is loaded with powerful symbolism, each element contributing to its meaning:
The woman: The woman represents compassion, patience, courage, and influence over the beast within.
The lemniscate: This symbolizes infinity, the eternal cycle, and access to unlimited potential and divine wisdom.
The lion: Representing our raw passions and primal instincts, the lion shows that power can be harnessed and used in a positive way.
The mountain: Often depicted in the background, the mountain represents the challenges or obstacles that we have overcome or need to confront.
The Profound Meanings of The Strength Tarot Card
When Strength appears in a tarot reading, it typically signifies courage, patience, control, compassion, and power. It suggests a time to be brave and confident in the face of adversity or challenges.
Upright, Strength symbolizes inner strength, courage, patience, and compassion. It suggests that you have the spirit to face life's obstacles. It's a call to tap into your inner strength and channel it into compassion and understanding, to conquer any challenges you face.
Reversed, Strength might indicate a lack of courage, self-doubt, or a feeling of weakness or insecurity. It might be a call to regain the courage and inner strength you've lost and to find the power within you to overcome your current difficulties.
Final Thoughts on The Strength Tarot Card
The Strength tarot card carries a powerful message of courage, patience, and inner strength. Its rich history and potent symbolism provide deep insights into your life's journey. Whether you're new to tarot or an experienced reader, understanding Strength can inspire you to tap into your inner power and face life's challenges with courage and compassion.
Remember, like the Strength card, we all have an inner power that we can tap into during times of struggle. Harness your inner courage, exercise patience, and let Strength guide your journey to overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals.