Tarot and the Shadows: Working with Fear

October brings longer nights, cooler air, and a sense that the world is shifting. The season has always carried a hint of mystery – the leaves fall, the days grow shorter, and we’re reminded that change is constant. It’s no surprise that fear tends to show up this time of year.

But here’s the thing about fear: it’s not just something to push away. Fear is also a messenger. Tarot gives us a safe space to meet that messenger, listen to what it has to say, and uncover the courage hidden beneath.

Shadow Work with Tarot

When I say shadow work, I don’t mean diving into something dark or scary. I mean giving voice to the parts of ourselves we’d rather avoid – things like fear, doubt, and shame. When they surface, Tarot can reflect them back … not as things to fear, but as opportunities to understand. 

Anyone who has worked with me has heard me refer to the cards as a mirror. They don’t create fear; they show us where it already lives. And once you can name your fear, you’re already braver than you were before. 

Cards That Often Represent Fear

Some Tarot cards are infamous for stirring up anxiety, but they’re really invitations to step into courage. Cards like:

• The Moon: That foggy feeling when you can’t see what’s ahead. Fear of the unknown.
• The Devil: Where we feel stuck or chained — often by our own habits or beliefs.
• The Tower: The fear of sudden change, even when it’s clearing the way for something better.
• Nine of Swords: Worry that keeps you up at night, often bigger in your mind than in reality.
• Death: A necessary ending or release of that which no longer serves us.

Each of these cards is really asking: What would happen if I faced this? What freedom waits for me on the other side?

The Courage Spread

 Here’s a simple four-card spread you can try if fear feels louder than courage right now:

1. The Fear — What am I afraid of?
2. The Root — Where does this fear come from?
3. The Lesson — What is this fear here to teach me?
4. The Light — What strength or support can guide me through?

Lay the cards out, take a few deep breaths, and let yourself be honest about what you see. Remember: courage isn’t about never being afraid — it’s about feeling the fear and moving forward anyway.

Closing Thought

This season reminds us that shadows are part of life’s cycle. Just as trees release their leaves, we too can let go of fears that no longer serve us. Tarot is a powerful ally in this work, offering clarity, reassurance, and a gentle push toward courage and transformation.

Fear comes to all of us, but every encounter is also an invitation to rise into greater courage and self-awareness.

If you’re ready to explore your shadows or gain insight into what lies ahead, I’m offering special Samhain and Halloween readings this month — a chance to see what’s shifting, what’s ready to be released, and what strength is waiting to emerge within you.

Frequently Asked Questions