By Katrina Rasbold
The Strength card, part of the Major Arcana in the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, is a deeply evocative and symbolic image designed by Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of A. E. Waite. First published in 1909, the card’s striking imagery and subtle details have inspired countless interpretations, making it one of the most iconic representations in the world of tarot. Let’s dig a bit deeper into the symbolism and meanings of the Strength card.
Visual Symbolism in the Strength Card
At the center of the card, we see a woman dressed in flowing white robes, gently taming a lion. Above her head, the infinity symbol (lemniscate) hovers, indicating infinite potential and spiritual wisdom. Each element of the card carries layers of meaning:
1. The Woman:
The woman in the Strength card represents calm inner strength, patience, and compassion. Her soft demeanor, as she tames the fierce lion, symbolizes the triumph of gentleness and emotional intelligence over brute force. Unlike the armored figures of other cards, her vulnerability is her greatest power, highlighting the strength found in empathy and love.
2. The Lion:
The lion is a symbol of raw instinct, primal desires, and untamed emotions. It represents the powerful, wild aspects of human nature. The woman’s ability to soothe and guide the lion reflects our potential to integrate and harmonize these inner forces rather than suppressing or denying them.
3. The Infinity Symbol:
Hovering above the woman’s head, the infinity symbol connects her actions to the eternal and the divine. It suggests mastery over infinite cycles of growth and the spiritual strength that comes from understanding life’s rhythms.
4. The Landscape:
The background, with its serene hills and open skies, evokes a sense of balance and tranquility. The setting suggests that the strength depicted in this card is not about dramatic confrontation but rather an inner peace that extends outward.
5. The Woman’s Crown and Garb:
Adorned with flowers, her attire reflects purity, vitality, and a connection to nature. The floral crown further suggests harmony with the natural world and a nurturing approach to power.
Key Interpretations of the Strength Card
1. Inner Strength and Resilience:
The primary meaning of the Strength card is resilience through self-control and compassion. It speaks to the power of gentleness to overcome challenges, reminding us that brute force is not the only—or the best—way to conquer adversity.
2. Emotional Balance:
The card often indicates the need to maintain emotional balance. Just as the woman harmonizes with the lion, it encourages embracing all parts of yourself—both the rational and the instinctual—to achieve equilibrium.
3. Overcoming Fear:
In readings, Strength can signify facing fears or insecurities with courage and calm. It suggests that true strength lies in confronting what scares us, not with aggression, but with understanding and patience.
4. Compassion and Leadership:
The card reflects leadership through compassion. It suggests that influence over others comes from empathy and kindness rather than domination or control.
5. Healing and Recovery:
Whether from emotional turmoil, physical challenges, or spiritual stagnation, Strength often indicates a period of recovery. It reminds the querent of their capacity to heal and grow stronger through persistence and self-care.
Reversed Interpretations
When reversed, the Strength card may suggest struggles with self-doubt, lack of confidence, or feeling overwhelmed by strong emotions or circumstances. It can also point to unchecked aggression or avoidance of confronting inner fears. However, as with all reversed cards, these interpretations encourage reflection and provide an opportunity for growth.
Esoteric and Archetypal Insights
On a deeper, archetypal level, the Strength card embodies the eternal dance between the conscious and unconscious, the human and the animalistic. Pamela Colman Smith’s depiction emphasizes the fusion of these forces, urging us to approach life’s challenges with wisdom and compassion. The card resonates with themes from myths and legends, where heroes often tame wild beasts not through violence but through understanding, mirroring the journey of self-discovery and integration.
In the context of the Major Arcana, Strength follows The Chariot and precedes The Hermit. This sequence suggests a progression from outward triumph and control (The Chariot) to inner mastery and introspection (Strength), paving the way for the wisdom of solitude (The Hermit).
Conclusion: The Trifecta of Power, Grace, and Empathy
Pamela Colman Smith’s Strength card brings a timeless message that transcends the physical realm, reminding us that true strength comes from within. Whether navigating personal struggles or seeking spiritual growth, the card inspires us to embrace our inner lion with patience, kindness, and unwavering courage. In its quiet beauty, it offers a profound lesson: that gentleness is not weakness but the essence of true strength.
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Katrina Rasbold is a professional Witch, published author, priestess, and editor of Green Egg Magazine. She and her husband, Eric, are the creators of the CUSP spiritual path and owners of Crossroads Occult. She is the author of Tarot For Real People. You can reach her through www.katrinarasbold.com.