What they mean together
Strength tames the lion while The Devil tempts with chains. There's an inner fight between impulse and willpower. The good news is that Strength wins if you choose to use it.
In love
A very intense passion that needs limits, or the courage to leave a relationship that has you tied down.
Career and money
Holding out against a temptation, pressure, or a toxic environment without losing your dignity.
An example
Imagine you ask about a habit you want to break, like overspending or going back again and again to someone who's bad for you, and Strength and The Devil come out. The pull is strong and it won't be easy, that much is clear. But Strength says you can handle it, with patience and by treating yourself well rather than punishing yourself. Setting clear limits and changing your surroundings will help more than plain willpower. Every small win counts.
By position in the spread
In the past
There was a dependency or temptation that you managed to beat, or that still left its mark. What you learned then helps you now.
In the present
An inner fight is underway between what you want and what's good for you. You have more choice than you think.
In the future
A test is coming. If you prepare and know your weak spots, you'll come out stronger.
If they come up reversed
If Strength is reversed, willpower slips and impulse gains ground, so ask for support. If The Devil is the reversed one, that's good news, because you're starting to slip the chains. With both reversed you can break free, but it's still fragile and needs consistency. A relapse doesn't erase the progress you've made.
Choose with a cool head, not on impulse.
Frequently asked questions
Are Strength and The Devil together a bad sign?
There's a conflict, but Strength tips the scales in your favor. This pairing is more about overcoming than losing.
What do Strength and The Devil mean in love?
A very intense attraction that can turn possessive if no one keeps an eye on it. Passion, yes, but with limits and respect on both sides.
To read them separately, here is the meaning of Strength and of The Devil. And if they came up in a three card spread, look at the position each one landed in too.