Strength as Obstacle or Challenge (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

Strength is the card of strength, compassion, influence, persuasion, and determination. A woman is gently stroking a lion—she has completely tamed this wild beast. Strength shows what is possible when resilience and kindness is applied to a situation. Sometimes, it is not brute force, but inner strength that makes the most impact on a person or a relationship. 

Strength is not a traditional “love” card, and many readers get confused when it shows up in a love reading. Does it literally mean that someone feels strongly about you? There are many other cards that speak to romantic passion, so we have to ask ourselves, what is Strength trying to say in particular? As you’ll see, I interpret Strength as speaking to the dynamics between people. In love readings, Strength asks us to consider the balance of power and care in a relationship. 

Upright Strength as Obstacle or Challenge

If you are asking about an obstacle or challenge, and you draw Strength, it means that inner courage, patience, and self-control will be essential in overcoming the difficulties you face. This card suggests that your current situation may demand an inner strength, the ability to endure patiently, and the capacity to regulate your own reactions and impulses. Tapping into these attributes can empower you to navigate through and overcome the challenges at hand.

Strength as an obstacle or challenge can represent the need for emotional resilience, self-confidence, or the ability to face fears in order to move forward. This implies that you may be facing a situation that tests your emotional durability, challenges your self-belief, or calls for you to confront your apprehensions. Building resilience, boosting your self-esteem, and courageously addressing your fears can play a significant role in propelling you forward.

If you are asking about a potential relationship, Strength as an obstacle or challenge means that emotional vulnerability and the courage to be open with one another will be necessary for the relationship to flourish. This implies that the relationship might require you and your potential partner to show your true feelings, to take risks in being emotionally exposed, and to have the bravery to share openly. By embracing these elements, you can foster a deeper emotional bond that can form a solid basis for the relationship.

If you are asking about an existing relationship, Strength as an obstacle or challenge means that patience, empathy, and emotional fortitude will be required to navigate any conflicts or tensions between partners. This suggests that to overcome any current or future discord, it will be important to exercise patience, understand and share the feelings of your partner, and maintain emotional strength even in challenging times. Developing these attributes can greatly improve the harmony and strength of the relationship.

If you are asking about an ex, Strength as an obstacle or challenge means that overcoming lingering emotions, facing unresolved issues, or finding the courage to let go might be necessary to find closure. This suggests that moving on from the past relationship might involve dealing with any remaining feelings, addressing any unresolved problems, and gathering the bravery to let go. These actions can significantly help in achieving the necessary closure and personal growth.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, Strength as an obstacle or challenge means that perseverance, self-confidence, and the ability to face challenges head-on will be crucial for professional success or financial stability. This implies that you may need to persist despite difficulties, believe in your own abilities, and confront any obstacles directly to succeed in your career or to attain financial balance. Embracing these qualities can lead to significant professional advancement and financial security.

Reversed Strength as Obstacle or Challenge

If you are asking about an obstacle or challenge, and you draw Strength reversed, it means that a lack of self-confidence, impatience, or difficulty managing emotions might be causing problems. This suggests that your situation may be exacerbated by low self-esteem, hasty decisions, or poor emotional control. Addressing these issues and developing better self-confidence, patience, and emotional management skills can help you navigate and overcome these challenges.

Strength reversed as an obstacle or challenge can represent feelings of inadequacy, emotional instability, or the inability to confront fears. This implies that you may be dealing with a sense of insufficiency, oscillating emotions, or a reluctance to face your fears. Overcoming these obstacles will likely involve building your self-esteem, achieving emotional balance, and developing the courage to confront your fears head-on.

If you are asking about a potential relationship, Strength reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that fear of vulnerability, emotional insecurity, or impatience could hinder the development of a deep connection. This suggests that the relationship might struggle to progress if there is a reluctance to be emotionally open, instability in emotional expression, or a rush to progress. Addressing these issues and cultivating emotional openness, security, and patience can provide a stronger foundation for the relationship to flourish.

If you are asking about an existing relationship, Strength reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that difficulty managing emotions, impatience, or a lack of empathy might contribute to conflicts or instability between partners. This implies that the relationship may be strained by poor emotional control, hasty actions, or an inability to understand and share your partner’s feelings. Improving emotional management skills, practicing patience, and developing empathy can significantly contribute to a healthier and more stable relationship.

If you are asking about an ex, Strength reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that unresolved emotions, fear of confrontation, or a lack of emotional resilience might be preventing you from moving on and finding closure. This suggests that lingering emotions, avoidance of conflict, or emotional vulnerability might be hindering your ability to move forward. Addressing these issues, facing conflicts, and building emotional resilience can help you to heal and find closure.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, Strength reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that self-doubt, emotional imbalance, or an inability to face challenges might be negatively affecting your professional growth or financial security. This suggests that you may need to overcome feelings of self-doubt, achieve emotional equilibrium, and develop the courage to confront challenges in order to succeed in your career or improve your financial situation. By focusing on these areas, you can foster professional growth and enhance your financial stability.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, Strength reveals the foundational state of a bond. It shines light into how secure a person is feeling. It also shows us what we need to do to bring that energy of strength and security into our lives–by leaning into our inner fortitude, kindness, and empathy. If you allow it, Strength’s energy will make your relationships stronger and more durable. Shine in your own confidence. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.