When I start talking about courage, your mind is probably filled with inspirational quotes that sound something like this:
“Keep calm and carry on.” — Winston Churchill
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” — Jack Canfield
“Courage, dear heart.” — C.S. Lewis
“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not the absence of it.” — Mark Twain
We return to quotes like these because courage is difficult to put into words. It feels abstract, almost impossible to define on its own.
And maybe that’s because courage cannot exist without fear.
If you’ve ever tangled with fear—regardless of when, where, or whether you overcame it—you understand its power. As someone who has seen both sides of the coin, I can tell you this:
It’s easy to give advice about fear.
It’s much harder when you’re the one sitting in the hot seat.
If a few inspirational quotes could truly erase fear, living a fulfilling life would be much easier.
But fear has a way of appearing in some of life’s most defining moments:
going after your dream career, leaving a bad relationship, having the difficult conversation, or challenging yourself to do something vulnerable in front of others.
To gain life’s greatest rewards, we often have to confront some of the scariest experiences imaginable.
And strangely enough, the higher the stakes become, the greater the fear grows to match them.
For those of you who know exactly what I mean, your struggles have probably attracted the attention of people who care about you. Maybe you’ve had hopeful friends cheering from the sidelines or loved ones offering a shoulder to cry on.
Sometimes, that support is exactly what we need.
But I can also appreciate the frustration that comes from well-intentioned advice that simply doesn’t land. Most of us have been there. At a certain point, no one can overcome your fear for you—because no one understands it as intimately as you do.
In moments like that, even kindness can feel abrasive or insensitive, no matter how pure the intention behind it may be.
And yes, I believe Tarot can make a meaningful difference when a little encouragement and clarity are needed.
In fact, I have a simple reading that has helped me through fear several times before—one experience in particular still stands out in my memory with crystal clarity.
When Fear Took Over My Life
I once experienced a massive fallout between my chosen family and my biological family. What started as conflict spiraled completely out of control until I found myself torn between two of the most important groups of people in my life.
The pain was unbearable.
But if I’m honest, it wasn’t the pain itself that kept me awake at night.
It was fear.
Fear of the future. Fear of uncertainty. Fear of who would still be standing beside me after the dust settled.
That fear consumed the dark nights I spent alone and turned my dreams into nightmares. I stopped eating the way I normally did. My nervous energy trapped me in endless cycles of mental acrobatics that left me emotionally exhausted.
Every July still carries the bitterness of that memory. Even now, with most things healed, parts of it still haunt me.
So when you find yourself standing in the middle of uncertainty and fear—knowing you have to persevere even when you feel lonely or unsupported—this is the Tarot spread I recommend.
A Tarot Spread for Courage and Clarity
Before drawing cards, I always recommend taking a few cleansing breaths.
This helps quiet the noise in my mind and allows me to face whatever truths may emerge, even when fear is present.
During emotionally difficult periods, I personally prefer smaller, simpler readings. They feel easier to interpret and less overwhelming.
For this reading, I use a simple three-card spread.
Card One — Your Present Situation
This card represents where you currently are emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.
Sometimes, simply naming your fear or pain makes it easier to carry.
Card Two — How to Overcome Your Fear
This card reveals the path forward and any challenges you may need to face.
Ask yourself:
- Does this card scare me?
- Why?
- Is the fear truly as frightening as I imagined it to be?
Card Three — The Lesson
This final card reveals what you are meant to learn through this experience and what strength will sustain you through it.
When I performed this reading for myself, the card that stood out most was the lesson card.
I drew the Queen of Wands.
I remember feeling relieved seeing such a fiery, passionate, self-assured woman staring back at me. She radiated confidence and inner power. In that moment, the card reminded me that no matter how painful things became, I was still going to survive them.
And more importantly—I was still going to remain myself through it all.
If you’re in a difficult space right now or trying to navigate a frightening situation, I encourage you to try this spread for yourself.
And if you need guidance while working through life’s uncertainties, I am always here to help support you through the highs and lows alike.
Blessings—and go forth with courage.