From Fear to Understanding: How Tarot Helps You Confront Your Fears
For those new to Tarot, certain cards can appear intimidating at first glance. This initial fear stems from unfamiliarity and a perceived lack of control. Fear often breeds intolerance, which can lead to hate, then violence, and ultimately harm. While this might seem disconnected, some people harbor strong resistance toward Tarot and its practitioners. It’s crucial to understand that fear itself is dangerous, not Tarot.
Tarot embodies the complete spectrum of the human condition—the good and bad, the light and dark. Rather than fearing the darker aspects of human nature, we should seek to understand them. Tarot is essentially a book about life, chronicling both the magnificence of human achievement and the shadows we all possess. It’s not magic or witchcraft—it’s philosophy.
Let’s confront these fears by examining three particularly significant Major Arcana cards: Death, The Devil, and The Tower.
Death
Death
The Death card rarely indicates physical death. Instead, it symbolizes transformation. While it acknowledges life’s difficulties and pain, a closer look reveals hopeful elements: the bishop representing trust, and the brilliant sunrise above, symbolizing new beginnings and light after darkness.
The Devil
The Devil
The Devil card serves as a warning against becoming too attached to material and superficial pursuits. It cautions against giving in to temptation and emphasizes the need for willpower to overcome negative influences.
The Tower
The Tower
The Tower warns of the potential downfall that awaits those who build solely for their own ego and pride. It reminds us to be mindful of the consequences that can arise from vanity and hubris.
These powerful messages guide us toward better decisions and an improved future.
Swords and Pentacles
The Swords suite represents human ambition, aggression, and power—forces that can lead to either conquest or destruction. These cards often warn us about the darker potential outcomes.
The Three of Swords depicts conflict and emotional turmoil, illustrating the heart’s wounds caused by aggression.
The Eight of Swords portrays perceived imprisonment, yet holds a subtle message of empowerment: the bound woman could use the surrounding swords to free herself, reminding us that creative thinking and inner strength can overcome apparent constraints.
The Ten of Swords, while initially frightening, doesn’t signify literal death. Instead, it represents the ultimate consequence of unchecked aggression—defeat resulting from jealousy, hatred, and revenge. Yet, the dawning horizon suggests resilience and the possibility of rising again, strengthened by experience and wisdom.
The Five of Pentacles illustrates material or emotional poverty, depicting personal hardship. While challenging to confront, it contains an important message: maintain faith and perseverance. Don’t become so absorbed in your struggles that you miss the beauty and opportunities in your surroundings.
Cups
The Tarot deck also contains many uplifting and inspiring cards, particularly in the Cups suite, which governs emotions. These cards teach us that emotional mastery leads to happiness. The Wands suite celebrates human ingenuity, though cards like the Ten of Wands remind us to respect our limitations. The Two of Wands marks the beginning of creative or intellectual growth, while the Six of Wands represents triumph in artistic and scientific pursuits.
Throughout history and even today, some view Tarot as demonic or contrary to religious beliefs. These fears are misplaced. Tarot cards, like any tools, are neutral—neither inherently good nor evil. Just as sacramental wine and excessive alcohol consumption represent different choices with the same substance, or how a knife can either free or harm, it’s the user’s intention that determines the outcome.
Don’t approach Tarot solely as a predictive tool, as this might distract you from present circumstances. Instead, use it to understand the “why” and “how” of situations. Your future is shaped by your actions and attitudes, not by the cards themselves.
Tarot serves as a mirror for self-understanding. It reveals likely outcomes based on your current path and choices, highlighting your strengths and weaknesses rather than predicting an unchangeable fate. For instance, having an aptitude for anatomy, attention to detail, and academic drive might suggest success in medicine—but this doesn’t predetermine your career as a doctor.
Reading Tarot helps interpret your present circumstances and inform better future choices. By drawing upon ancient wisdom through universal symbols—interpretable through any spiritual framework—Tarot offers guidance through modern life’s complexities.
