Two cards

Strength Tarot Card Meaning

The Strength card exemplifies the need for order and discipline in your life at this time. Try to think about the ways in which you are allowing yourself too much excess whether it is drinking, spending, eating, or anything else. Avenues of your life that you are exerting too much energy into right now are going to be exaggerated in your reading in order, which hopefully will bring attention to them and to get you back to a point of balance. Many people when they get this card will be in denial and state that they aren’t engaging in any healthy activities that could cause them any harm. Try to be open with yourself at this time. The tarot is a divination tool designed to help you and not to point a finger at you. It’s likely whatever action that the card is indicating for you isn’t entirely all bad… it’s only bad in excess.

On the Strength card we see a woman caressing a lion. Some will say that she is trying to look in it’s mouth. First of all, this isn’t the best decision as it foolish to think you can mess around with a lion and not get eaten. The lion on the card has a lot of different meanings all associated with power. Lust, strength, power, and unabashed behaviors are all associated with the lion on the card. There is no one on the card neither to help nor to watch the woman and this is a representation in life that usually that the spectators have gone. People that would normally be around you to guide you or caution you have left, thinking that you will not listen to them.

This can be a dangerous card if the warnings are unheeded… but then again it can also be a card of taking a risk and being successful. If the actions that the cards are referring to are unsafe or unhealthy then you definitely want to take the card as a warning. It will largely depend on what other cards are around this card. If you see the Tower, Judgment, or any Ace cards around this card be aware that you may be headed for trouble in a certain aspect of your life.

There are also very spiritual elements to this card that often go unnoticed. The woman in the card holds a spiritual power as she is adorned with the same headdress figure 8 that the magician holds. The colors on the card are also those that indicate a higher spiritual sense or divine understanding. The physical manifestations of this card are often base and unhealthy, but the card offers hope for your psyche as well. It shows that the exertions in your life at this point, even if you are feeling that perhaps you are getting a bit out of control, ultimately you are also processing. The power to overcome the lion requires an understanding with the animal to bring it to submission. Now is a time to face demons head one and conquer them. You have the power to defeat and destroy that which is holding you back internally.

The Strength in Love

The Strength card in a love or relationship reading is a sort of double-edged sword. It can indicate fabulous sexual experiences or the overall strength within a relationship. Usually, there is an indicator that there is a good foundation between two people. The card often represents couples that feel safe with each other and that are in a healthy yet virile stage of their relationship. With the Strength card in a love reading there is also caution to be had. The boundaries of trust need not be pushed too far. Make sure that you are conversing with your partner and being sure that they are on the same side as you. You want to be sure that one or both people are not pushing the others boundaries too far to make sure that trust remains.

In the case of a person looking for love, the card indicates that you are likely repeating mistakes in relationships and failing to learn from them. Consider if you look for the same type of person to be with and if that personality is healthy for you like in the case of the woman who always dates a bad-boy or a man who constantly finds himself with materialistic gold digging types.

The Strength as feelings

Strength as feelings is positive. It means that the relationship makes them feel strong and on top of the world. In the deck known as thorn, the card is called “lust” and the women is riding the lion. In my deck, you will notice her head is on top of the lion. Showing that she is in control. This card can also mean the person feels balance with you but they don't feel dominated. This card can also mean that there is sexual energy between you plus a keen desire. 

The Strength in Health

When seeing the Strength card in a health reading it is an omen of recovery and one that brings hope to even the darkest of situations. It indicates that there is not only strength of the body to see through a difficult health crisis but also that the mind is in a good place as well. Like the woman with control over the lion in the card, which is often viewed as power being put into check or submission, the health of the individual at question will be restored to at least some degree. It tells us that the body has the strength to put disease or illness into submission. Often a card associated with heart disease, cancer, or bed-ridden illness, it is a card that defies the odds and shows that the body is doing all that it can to fight.

The Strength in Work and Wealth

In the case of finances, work, or monetary risk the card is not neither bad nor good. You are likely to find yourself in a position where you feel like you should or that you have to take risks. Seeing the Strength card in your reading is an omen of caution. It is true that without risk sometimes there is a lack of reward. Be sure that the risks that you are taking are not impulsive or without merit. Heed the advice of others around you at this time for they likely have your best interest at heart.

Reversed Meaning - The Strength

When the Strength appears in the reversed position it is a signal that you need to take a step back before you create a situation in your life that you will regret. Often a sign that your earthly priorities are not aligned with your true self and that you are acting out in a way which is not typically “you”. Consider ways in which you are rebelling in your life and note that these actions are not always in your best interest. Reversed, the Strength card represents taking risks without reward, foolish actions for no just cause, or doing a disservice to yourself or those around you.

The Eight of Pentacles gives you a taste of success but reminds you that you can’t have what you want overnight.

There is a goal in sight for you right now and you are on the right path – learning new tricks, creating healthy environments around you, and otherwise doing what you can to succeed. The Eight of Pentacles is a reminder not to give up and to continue on the path that you are on now.

When this card comes up in a reading it usually will accompany a daunting time in one’s life where life seems mechanical or monotonous. Consider daily tasks in which you are bored from doing the same repetitive motions. You may feel like you are caught in a rat race or that you are trying with your all but you are not getting anywhere. Often before we can advance onto higher lessons in life we have to continue taking baby steps. You may feel that you are ready for more or that you should be doing more in your life… however if you feel this way then you are probably discounting the actions you take and their importance. Right now is an important time in your life and you are on the cusp of something greater. It is important to not quit just yet and allow your actions to complete their cycle.

The man on the Eight of Pentacles card is working diligently at creating new coins out of wood and then placing them onto a tree. The background sky is white and is indicative of purity and spirituality. Often it is assumed that he is an apprentice of some sort of trade and that the coins and the wood are symbolisms of his future prosperity. Like the apprentice, you are learning skills for your life so that you can ultimately get what you want. You need to learn to take pride in your small accomplishments. Avoid downplaying your own efforts.

The card can also be a sign that you need to lighten up on someone around you. Rather than focusing on you as the apprentice, the Eight of Pentacles be showing you as the master in a relationship in your life, where you have the skills to succeed but someone around you is not quite up to par with you. In work and love both this card can indicate problems that can be easily resolved with patience and communication. The overall message of the Eight of Pentacles is that hard work and determination will allow you to succeed. Whatever your role is regarding this card, communication, building a foundation, and consistency is key to the questions that you have of life right now.

The Eight of Pentacles in Love

When dealing with other people in relationships petty arguments and bickering is bound to happen. The Eight of Pentacles comes up when there are small complaints in the relationship or insecurities about a partner. If either of these situations are you then the Eight of Pentacles is reminding you that we are not all perfect. We must all start somewhere in order to grow on your path and it is likely that you are with your partner at this time for a reason. You more than likely have some information or experiences that will prove beneficial to your partner.

Right now is a good time to think of ways in which you can offer yourself as an example, rather than a standard. Think of the ways in which you express to your partner and how the two of you work together. You may find that you are being looked to for guidance and that you are being too harsh in your own judgments. When looking for love, the Eight of Pentacles has a different meaning entirely. In this case traditionally the card turns around and places you back as the apprentice and advises to take small steps forward right now. Focus first on ways that you are ready for love and cultivate those. Be aware that you likely still have old emotions or hang ups from a previous relationship that need to be resolved so that you do not repeat past mistakes.

The Eight of Pentacles in Health

The Eight of Pentacles is a card that represents a work in progress. The card can be somewhat concerning in health because it usually will symbolize that you have been working hard for your health goal and yet you are not seeing the desired responses. Whatever your health concern is, right now you need to take a step back and look at the process you are taking. Consider what ways you are doing counter-productive actions and which efforts are simply not enough. Do not allow yourself to become overwhelmed with the larger picture at hand. Take one step at a time and do not lose sight of your goal.

It can be a good time to ask someone else for assistance that has dealt with similar health issues before or seek the motivation of others. Because of the earthy energy of the card and the suit of pentacles in general, you may find that you are getting overwhelmed from your efforts. Try not to beat yourself up. Realizing that you are doing what you can and that questioning the reasons of your actions or making excuses are not going to get you anywhere.

The Eight of Pentacles in Work and Wealth

The Eight of Pentacles usually indicates a beginning in one way or another regarding both work and finance. Even if you are the boss of a company and know your industry like the back of your hand, there are still things that you need to learn. Allow yourself the opportunity to increase your knowledge base at this time and work on exercises that are going to grow you expertise. Now is not a good time to be making HUGE changes in your life of finance or career, rather you want to focus on the smaller changes that you can make as well as to jump on opportunities to network, learn, and grow.

The Eight of Pentacles is also a thinking card. Your focus is important right now. You may notice that you have bitten off more than you can chew in a work project or are feeling discouraged about a lack of progress in finances. Remember that even mistakes are opportunities to grow. Take what you can out of even the worst of situations and apply it to future opportunities. The loss will work out in the end and may even prove to be for the best. 

In work the eight of Pentacles implies that you are working but are not paid what you should be. Reversed this card indicates that the work is efficient. As he has already completed five of the pentacles which are above him it can indicate that work is not finished. Like the seven of pentacles which is all about patience, the eight can suggest that on the 8th pentacle you can publicly show your strength. This card can indicate you are producing some results but it will take time. Additionally, that you are completely dedicated and also learning at the same time. In some tarot books, this card is seen in work as being responsible but above all, it implies that you can accomplish things well but you need to understand that things are needed in detail. If you are looking for work, been to a job interview then this is a positive card, it can imply that you are committed to new tasks and generally you have so much on your plate. The key is to focus on yourself right now. In business, the eight of Pentacles implies that there is mastery but it will take work to become the master. This card also indicates cash and career developments. The 8 is a great card for business and it shows that you will a “master” and you will make enough money in life. 

Reversed Eight of Pentacles in a reading

The Eight of Pentacles reversed shows a lack of motivation, determination, and vision. It can be a detrimental card in a reading because when you are not focused on the task at hand then careless mistakes can be made. Make sure you are doing all you can to make informed decisions and to not jump to conclusions. When reversed the Eight of Pentacles tells you to stop, look, and listen before making another leap physically or spiritually.

Upright Eight of Pentacles Meanings in Keywords

• Working hard in life
• Producing good results
• Extra careful at work
• Working diligently
• Appreciation
• Development
• Employment
• Appreciation
• Development
• Employment
• Authority
• Patience
• Bad results
• Small success

Reversed Eight of Pentacles Meanings in Keywords

• Late success
• Acknowledgment
• Breakthrough
• Recovery
• Material stability
• Resignation
• Organization
• New beginning