LEARN TAROT

VIII. STRENGTH

Taming the beast within. Love over force.

Leo. (Fire) — Creation.

Inner strength, compassion, courage, calmness, soft control, patience.



Meaning

You have inner strength and fortitude during moments of danger and distress. Bravery. You have the ability to remain calm and strong even when your life is going through immense struggle. Calm and collected, which is representative for being in control and disciplined especially in times of great adversities. The kind of calmness that comes with being stable. Discipline, adversity, will, determination. Conquering your animal instincts. Courage in your heart, confidence, overcoming self-doubt. Having faith in your own abilities. You’re likely patient, fearless, resilient, and can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

You are a compassionate person and you always have time for other people even at your own expense. Find strength in compassion. Care. Compassion will be rewarded with having stability in your life either presently or in the near future. Show love and compassion.

Nature, which, however wild in its primal form, is tamed by our subtler, finer self -- our feminine side, our inner self. Refine it and bring it to consciousness. The feminine soul-force contains a persuasive power that can nurture and induce cooperation from others, stilling disruptive energies by harmonizing differences in the spirit of collective good will. Mind-body, responsibility, will, focus.

Influence others by setting an example of integrity. Your self-esteem will increase to the degree that you succeed in your efforts. Assertively discipline yourself and separate self interest from enlightened wisdom. Deliberately identify with your intuition, even if it works against the desires of your willful ego. Clearly distinguish between your ego and your intuitive self. Demand and expect the same from others who have some power in this situation. You cannot challenge them to live to a higher standard if you, yourself, have not yet done so. Taming, control.

You may be in a fiery romance; treat each other with compassion and patience. Look for Strength’s qualities in love. Harness your animalistic instincts at work, channel them into productive use. You have strength.

Other: Memory. Spiritual power overcoming material power.

Reversed Meaning

You may lack the inner strength that this card represents. Self-doubt, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, feeling inadequate. You must learn to re-harness your inner strength. Gain confidence! Trust in your abilities.

You might be experiencing fear, anger, depression, or a lack of conviction and confidence in your own abilities. Remember your passions and the kind of joy, happiness, and fulfillment that came with doing what you love.

If depressed, you may feel people are the reason why you are so sad. It can also be a sign of jealousy, when everyone seems to be happy or excelling while you are stagnating. Insecurity. Perhaps codependency.

Weakness, helplessness, vulnerability. You may be in a position where you have little power. You may have to lay low and let it blow over.

Other: Control your temper. Beware bullies.