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Which Cards Are the Tarot Cards of Fear?
The interpretation of which cards are the tarot cards of fear can and will vary from reader to reader and this is particularly true for professional readers. If this surprises you, it’s essential to remember that no card meaning is sacrosanct, and many readers will have personal interpretations.
While individual meanings can differ, some cards tend to be more universally recognized among tarot readers. Fear is an emotion that inevitably touches most people’s lives at some point. Although it’s unpleasant and challenging to confront, often there’s no choice but to face it.
So, exactly which cards are the tarot cards of fear?
The Moon
This card is perhaps the quintessential representation of fear. It embodies the unknown, the unseen, and all the things that lie beyond our perception.
The Moon card encompasses our imagined fears – those lurking in the shadows. Sometimes these fears stem from past experiences, while other times they arise without apparent cause. Often, the Moon signals that things are not as straightforward as they seem.
9 of Swords
When the 9 of Swords appears, it signifies fear on multiple fronts. It amplifies worries and anxieties, often manifesting when you’re deeply troubled.
Whether it’s work-related stress, financial concerns, family issues, or anything causing sleepless nights, this card reflects intense anxiety. While your fears may not be unfounded, the card hints that you might be overreacting.
The Tower
This card represents fear of change, failure, or loss of control. The Tower rarely brings pleasant news and it’s a stark reminder that change can be unsettling.
When the Tower appears, it’s not just any change; it’s change with a capital “C.” For those who crave control over their lives, this card serves as a wake-up call: Control is often an illusion.
The Fool Reversed
Fear takes a different form when the Fool appears reversed. The Fool typically symbolizes taking leaps of faith or embracing risks. In modern terms, it’s akin to stepping out of your comfort zone.
However, when reversed, the Fool reflects a fear of taking that leap. Sometimes progress requires facing that fear head-on.
5 of Pentacles
While not quite as potent as the Moon, the 5 of Pentacles is a card that can evoke fear. Associated with material matters, particularly finances, it signifies a fear of financial hardship.
This fear might surface when you receive a hefty bill, lose your job, or face similar circumstances. For some, it’s an unexplained terror of being without money.
3 of Swords
The 3 of Swords delves into negativity and its impact on your thoughts and emotions. It finds a place here because negativity often leads to fear. Whether rational or not, this unwelcome fear lingers.
5 of Swords
Traditionally, the 5 of Swords revolves around conflict. It may involve family, friends, or most commonly, work-related situations. When this card appears, it’s often tied to worries about job loss, demotion, or similar concerns.
10 of Swords
The 10 of SwoThe 10 of Swords also hints at fear, but this time it’s a fear of what lies at the end. Events sometimes follow a logical course, and that conclusion may not align with your desires.
It could involve loss, financial ruin, or damage to your reputation that you fear.
The Tarot Cards of Fear That Aren’t
I think it’s necessary for me to mention a couple of other cards though as they often invoke fear. The Devil is one and people are often alarmed when it appears. Both Death and the Devil are cards that are feared rather than cards that mean fear.
The Devil
This card often invokes fear when it appears. While it shares some similarities with the Moon, the Devil signifies that things may not be as they seem and trickery might be afoot. More commonly, it represents being enslaved by an unfavorable situation.
Death
Thanks to Hollywood movies, the Death card has gained a notorious reputation. However, its appearance in a reading doesn’t necessarily mean literal death. Instead, it symbolizes unwelcome and transformative change. Fear often surrounds this card, but it’s essential to recognize that it rarely signifies physical demise.
Some Last Words on the Tarot Cards of Fear
As I mentioned above, interpretation of tarot cards related to fear can indeed vary among readers, but these are some of the most commonly encountered “fear” cards in tarot readings.
“The Tarot Cards of Fear” Article by Talisman
