Tarot Card Combination
Strength+The Sun
力量 & 太陽
This pairing represents the triumphant integration of inner fortitude with radiant self-expression. Strength's disciplined passion fuels The Sun's authentic brilliance, creating a potent alchemy where courage becomes joy. You're mastering your primal nature to shine with unapologetic clarity. This is the victory of gentle power over brute force, where confidence is earned through self-conquest and expressed with childlike purity.
The confluence of Strength (VIII) and The Sun (XIX) signifies a profound maturation where inner mastery yields external radiance. In the Marseilles tradition, Strength depicts a woman calmly subduing a lion, representing the sublimation of animal passions through spiritual will—not suppression, but harmonious integration. The Sun, as the final single-digit card in the Major Arcana sequence (before The World's completion at XXI), symbolizes the conscious ego illuminated by higher awareness. Together, they suggest that true strength isn't demonstrated through domination, but through the vulnerability required to shine authentically. You've tamed the inner beasts of doubt and fear, and now operate from a core of integrated power that allows for uninhibited, joyful expression in the world.
Elemental Analysis
Double Fire creates a self-sustaining blaze of will and vitality. Strength's Fire is the controlled forge—passion channeled into endurance. The Sun's Fire is the nuclear core—radiant, life-giving consciousness. Together, they form a feedback loop: disciplined action (Strength) fuels authentic expression (The Sun), which in turn generates more passionate will. The danger is combustion without containment; the gift is becoming a beacon.
Numerology Insights
Strength (8) + The Sun (19, 1+9=10, 1+0=1) reduces to 9 (8+1). Nine is the Hermit's number—completion of a cycle and distillation of wisdom. Here, it suggests that the integration and radiance shown are the culmination of a personal journey. The wisdom gained isn't for hoarding, but for shining forth (The Sun's influence), indicating a move from introspection to illuminated contribution.
Reversal Meanings
Strength Reversed
Strength reversed suggests the lion unchained—raw emotion overwhelming spiritual will. This isn't weakness, but misdirected power: courage becoming recklessness, passion becoming obsession, or gentle control collapsing into either suppression or outburst. The inner beasts you've mastered may be stirring, demanding re-integration through acknowledgment rather than force.
The Sun Reversed
The Sun reversed indicates eclipsed radiance. The child on the card may feel exposed rather than free, representing joy dimmed by self-consciousness, success that feels hollow, or truth obscured by illusion. This isn't darkness, but a cloud passing before the sun—often pointing to a need to reconnect with simple, authentic pleasure without performance.
Both Cards Reversed
Both reversed signal a profound crisis of energy and identity. Strength's discipline fails as The Sun's light dims, suggesting burnout, lost confidence, or passions turning destructive. The inner lion runs wild in shadows. This calls for radical self-care and patience—a return to basics to rebuild the gentle control (Strength) that allows inner light (The Sun) to safely reignite.
Spiritual Guidance
Spiritually, this duo marks the 'Solar Initiation'—the moment the integrated self (Strength) becomes a clear vessel for divine light (The Sun). You've done the shadow work of reconciling your human and animal natures; now you experience consciousness illuminated from within. This isn't enlightenment as escape, but as embodied radiance. The warmth you feel is your own spirit, unobstructed.
Yes/No Reading Guide
A resounding yes, but one earned. This isn't luck; it's the yes that comes after you've mastered your fears and chosen to act from integrated power. The outcome will be bright, clear, and fulfilling, reflecting the authentic effort you've invested.
Historical & Mythological Context
In early Tarot, Strength (La Force) was often associated with the cardinal virtue of Fortitude. The Sun (Le Soleil), depicting two children under its rays, symbolized divine favor and earthly happiness. Their pairing bridges classical virtue and celestial blessing—suggesting heaven rewards grounded courage.
Meditation & Reflection
Visualize the Strength card's lion. Feel its power as your own raw vitality. Now, see the Sun's light pouring onto you both. Meditate on the moment the lion ceases to struggle, not from defeat, but because it basks in the same warmth you do. Where do you feel this integrated warmth in your body?
Daily Affirmation
"My gentle courage is the fuel for my radiant joy."
Practical Advice
Let your actions be guided by the gentle, firm hand of Strength—act from integrity, not impulse. Then, express the results with the unabashed honesty of The Sun. Your power is most potent when it serves your joy, and your joy is most sustainable when rooted in self-mastery.
Things to Watch
Beware the inflation of double Fire: unchecked passion can consume its own achievements. Your radiant confidence must remain grounded in the humility Strength teaches, lest brilliance become blinding arrogance or joy become manic disregard.
Individual Card Meanings
Strength
力量
The Strength card shows a woman gently closing a lions mouth—not through force, but through patience, love, and inner power. This card represents the strength that comes from compassion rather than aggression. It speaks of courage, but the quiet kind—the bravery to face our fears, tame our inner beasts, and handle difficult situations with grace. When Strength appears, you are called to approach challenges not with brute force but with patience, understanding, and gentle persistence. Your inner strength is greater than any external obstacle. Trust in your ability to overcome through love rather than fear.
View full meaning →The Sun
太陽
The Sun radiates pure joy and success. A child rides a white horse beneath a brilliant sun, surrounded by sunflowers—symbols of happiness, innocence, and life energy at its fullest. This is the most positive card in the deck, promising warmth, success, achievement, and the simple joy of being alive. The Sun illuminates everything, leaving no shadows—what was hidden or confusing becomes clear. When the Sun appears, embrace the good fortune coming your way. Allow yourself to feel joy without reservation. Success, happiness, and vitality are yours. The light has returned.
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