Card of the Week: Strength
“May your fears learn to bow to your deepest strength.”
Unknown
The Strength card portrays Leo's powerful and ambitious nature. In the Rider-Waite tarot deck, there is a yellow background symbolizing optimism and positivity. There are mountains behind the feminine figure, representing trials you overcame and will overcome in the future. The image of the woman holding the mouth of a lion represents courage, determination, and endurance. You can interpret this card as someone who has overcome struggles, but also as someone who has confidence in themselves and their abilities. The lion is clearly more dangerous than the woman, yet she is not afraid; she is so certain of her safety that she puts herself in this vulnerable position of having her hands near the lion's mouth.
The infinity symbol above her head represents life's constant ebb and flow. There are times when you will feel on top of the situation and sometimes you will feel as if you are being swallowed up by the universe. In either case, what matters is how you show up for yourself. This card also speaks to great passion and intensity. If you pull this out in a love reading, this could be a great sign of just how much someone wants to have you.
Lastly, the Strength card also speaks to satisfaction. Make sure your life is not just one big chase. Find what makes you truly happy and fulfilled and aim to make sure it is not something you have to find outside of yourself.
Upright
Past: Perhaps you recently overcame or left a situation that you once thought would break you. The person on the Strength card is often depicted looking down at the beast in many decks. Unlike the 5 of cups or 9 of swords, her head is not completely buried in her hands, symbolizing there is still hope and determination in you that you will triumph on the other side. You have also been working on trusting your instincts and listening to your intuition more. You should not be haunted by the times you lacked control, but rather inspired by them so that it won't happen again.
Present: The Strength card in the present position shows an understanding of the work that you need to put in to get the result you want. The mountains on the Strength card represent work and tasks. You could be having to move and are just now taking the necessary steps to do that, perhapsy by packing, getting your utilities in order, and hiring movers. Whatever the task is, you are at the point of recognizing the tangible steps needed to get it done. You are also more self-aware and assured, and this confidence might have people flocking to you and hanging on your words.
Future: The future will bring answers and clarity to matters that have been very stressful in your life. You will also have opportunities to show off your courage and strength. If you have been feeling insecure, expect a surge of confidence and optimism.
When it comes to love, someone wants to come in strong and take you; this person has a lot of passion for you. Be careful, however; this person might just see you as something to conquer, use discernment and know your situation.
Reversed
*Disclaimer: Reading tarot cards in reverse is totally up to the reader. There are many who choose not to. There is no right way to do it; go with your intuition. For some readers, a reverse means that the energy of that card cannot manifest into reality due to a block. So if you are someone who chooses to not read reversed cards you may skip this part, however, if you are that reader, keep reading!
Remember to always be authentic with your spiritual practices.*
The Strength card reversed symbolizes you ignoring your instincts and allowing others’ thoughts and opinions to dictate your actions. Because of this, you might be feeling unbalanced and out of control. At this time you need to trust your basic instincts and act on them. Other people might look at you in confusion and disagreement but that only means keep going. You need to center yourself more and that will help you get back on top of things.
Advice
In this position, the Strength card is advising you to take life by the reins and fully immerse yourself in this reality. You could be fearful, worried, stressed, and anxious but all of these emotions are representative of the lack of control you feel. Now is a good time to start training your mind to believe and have more faith in the universe, as well as faith that you will triumph over any obstacle and that you have what it takes to level up and put yourself in a better position. You could be stressing about money, getting a job, or building a relationship with someone. When this card comes out, remember it’s normal to be doubtful but you cannot stay there. You cannot manifest failure; stay strong and stay committed to your path.
Work Cited
Alexander, Skye, and Mary Shannon. The Only Tarot Book You'll Ever Need. 1st ed., vol. 1, Avon, Adams Media, 2019. 1 vols.
-Symone Smith, @aquapriest