Strength as Past (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 Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw Strength, it means that there was a period where inner strength and resilience were a significant part of your journey. During this time, you might have developed a deeper understanding of your inner self, cultivating courage and tenacity to face various hurdles in life. It was a period where you were like a warrior, armed with a silent yet potent inner force, guiding you through challenges with a resilient spirit and an unyielding belief in your abilities.

Strength as the past can represent a time of inner harmony and the use of personal power to overcome obstacles with grace and courage. This phase in your life was marked by a beautiful blend of power and grace, where you managed to sail through difficulties with a composed and calm demeanor. Your inner sanctuary of peace played a pivotal role, enabling you to tackle issues with a wise heart and a courageous spirit, showcasing the amazing blend of your soft yet strong nature.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, Strength in the past position means the relationship was built on mutual respect and the strength to work through challenges together. Your bond was fortified with a firm foundation of understanding and the will to stand beside each other during trying times. It was a partnership where both of you wielded the shield of love, fiercely protecting the sanctity of your relationship, ready to face any storm with a unified front and hearts beating in harmonious rhythm.

If you are asking about an ex, Strength in the past position means the relationship once had a strong foundation, where both partners supported and uplifted each other, displaying fortitude and patience. This phase was highlighted by moments of understanding, where the spirit of encouragement and uplifting energy prevailed. It was a time where love acted as a strong pillar, holding the structure of the relationship steady, radiating a warm glow of support, nurturing the bond with kindness and endurance.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, Strength in the past position means your bond has witnessed times where inner strength, compassion, and understanding were prominently displayed. This relationship has a rich history of moments where both of you showcased a deep understanding and a nurturing attitude towards each other, blossoming from a strong internal foundation of love and respect. It was a time of sharing wisdom, displaying an incredible depth of compassion, and being each other’s pillar of strength, establishing a deep and abiding connection that celebrated the spirit of unity and understanding.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, Strength in the past position means you have been resilient in the past, using your inner strength to navigate challenges and come out on top. Your journey was characterized by moments where you stood tall, harnessing your inner power to make wise decisions and to forge a path of success. It was a chapter where your resolute spirit played a crucial role, guiding you to face challenges head-on, with a heart full of courage and a mind armed with determination, showcasing an awesome journey of triumph over adversities.

Reversed Strength as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw Strength reversed, it means that there may have been moments of weakness, self-doubt, or lack of self-control. These periods might have seen you grappling with inner turmoil, possibly leading to situations where your true potential couldn’t shine through completely. It was a time where cultivating a stronger sense of self-belief and control could have served you well, guiding you to approach situations with a more grounded and confident perspective.

Strength reversed as the past can represent a time when you might have struggled with harnessing your inner strength, possibly giving in to impulses or fears. This phase was characterized by a turbulent inner landscape, where fears sometimes took the steering wheel, directing you on paths less desired. Yet, it was also a learning curve, a time to understand the areas that required nurturing and growth, and with reflection, it was a phase that carved out pathways for personal development.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, Strength reversed in the past position means there were periods of imbalance, possibly characterized by one party exerting too much control or influence over the other. It was a time when the scales of balance tilted frequently, giving rise to situations where mutual respect could have been compromised. The relationship experienced stages where maintaining a harmonious equilibrium was challenging, urging for a more balanced approach to love and understanding.

If you are asking about an ex, Strength reversed in the past position means the relationship had phases of vulnerability and possible codependency, indicating a lack of individual strength. During this time, the boundaries between you two might have blurred, leading to a connection that at times felt overwhelming and suffocating. It was a chapter marked with intense emotions, where fostering individual strength could have helped in creating a relationship rooted in mutual respect and understanding, allowing for a healthier bond.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, Strength reversed in the past position means there were times of misunderstandings, where the bond could have been weakened by lack of open communication and understanding. It was a time where the bridge of understanding experienced some cracks, with misunderstandings creeping in and sometimes taking a front seat in your interactions. The relationship saw phases where a nurturing approach, based on open communication and a willingness to understand each other’s perspectives, could have fostered a stronger and more harmonious bond.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, Strength reversed in the past position means there might have been instances of giving away your power, not standing firm in your convictions, or not fully utilizing your inner strengths and abilities. This phase saw you sometimes standing at crossroads, unsure and perhaps letting go of the reins a bit too easily. It was a period where recognizing and honoring your inner strengths could have propelled you to greater heights, encouraging you to carve out a path grounded in self-belief and determination.

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.