8. Strength

Fight smarter, not harder.

Upright

Fortitude, not brute strength. Balance.

Reversed

Weakness, avoidance, overwhelmed, relying too much on physical force.

Element: Fire

It should be clear from the image that the card of Strength is not about physical strength. The woman on the card is caressing a lion, in the process of holding its mouth closed or opening its jaws. This is a situation that requires patience, balance, and not forcing it. And correspondingly, drawing this card means themes of inner strength, fortitude, and balance. It can also mean recovery from illness or bad habits, and generally getting situations under control.

When reversed, Strength becomes weakness. It represents avoidance and feeling overwhelmed. It can also mean that someone is relying too much on physical force, and needs to take a lesson from the woman on the card. Use your mental and emotional capacity, avoid brute force, and instead lean on persistence, understanding, willpower, and connection.