Is it Courage if You Didn’t Choose It?
An older man walks a tightrope.
We often admire the courage of first responders, extreme athletes, and warriors. Yet, we are all called upon to be courageous in life.
Recently, during a tarot reading, I commented on the tremendous courage I saw in my client as she navigated and overcame difficult obstacles. She scoffed a bit and said that it wasn’t courage because she didn’t have a choice. From her perspective, she was only doing what had to be done.
It’s true that people who choose a dangerous career or hobby make that choice and are aware of the risks involved. The choice itself is courageous, and then they prove their bravery every day. Many people I know are not cut out to be soldiers or mountain climbers, me included.
Yet, when something difficult befalls us, we still have the choice to meet it with courage or not. We often don’t have a choice about what we are dealing with in life, but we do have a choice about how we deal with it.
We choose courage when we find a way to accept something unexpected and pivot to meet it in the best way possible. The other, less courageous options are to live in anger and regret, or to retreat and let the difficulty become the lens through which we view the rest of our days.
Everything in life takes courage, from a first date to a new job to giving birth. Courage is not the absence of fear, pain, sadness, regret, or worry. Courage is the ability to keep going and do our best in the face of whatever life throws at us.
Many of us have a spiritual faith that suggests we have some control over what happens through prayer, setting intentions, or magic. I firmly believe that these practices can help lead us to our best outcomes and fulfill our desires. Yet, as my mother used to say, God answers all prayers, but sometimes the answer is no. No matter how faithful we are in our spiritual practices, we don’t always get what we want.
I believe that spirituality is more about supporting us, informing us, and helping us through difficult times than it is about altogether avoiding difficulty. Sometimes our faith and practices give us courage, and at other times, we must draw on our faith to manifest the courage we need.
I believe courage is always a choice, even when we didn’t choose the circumstances. And courage is always the best choice. Our ability to reflect on all that we have accomplished and survived in the past can often give us the courage to face the future.
The StaarCon 5 Imagining of Pixie Arcana. Art and composition by Stacey Williams-Ng, backgrounds by Animix.
The StaarCorner
I have heard from so many people how much they enjoy StaarCon. One person called it ‘life-giving.’ Another said we offer the most serious education, as well as serious fun. We are committed to continuing that legacy.
I also continuously hear from people how much they are enjoying the AfterGlow. Tomorrow evening, September 11, at 5:30 pm ET, join Serena Fox for her monthly gathering in the Meeting Hall lounge on Accelevents. Expect readings, conversation, and a touch of seasonal magic.
Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 24, at 7 pm, grab your tarot cards, and join me, Christiana Gaudet, for some fun with the Major Arcana!
Of course, we like to keep up with the successes and offerings of our StaarCon community. La Panthere Studio is a valued StaarCon sponsor, and its owner, Stacey Williams-Ng, has been a presenter, vendor, and the designer of the most recent iteration of our fairy.
Nancy Hendrickson was an online presenter for StaarCon 2021, 2022, and 2023 and was able to join us in person to present at StaarCon 2024. You probably know Nancy as the author of Ancestral Tarot and Ancestral Grimoire, available from Weiser Books, also a valued StaarCon sponsor.
Nancy’s new book, Ancestral Séance, is now available from LaPathere Studio. Congratulations, Nancy and Stacey! There is likely no better tarot author to read in October than Nancy Hendrickson, who has taught us to connect with our ancestors through tarot.
I am also excited to report that Maria Alviz Hernando’s new book, Tarot Tableau Revolution, will be available from Weiser Books this October and is ready to preorder from Amazon now. Maria was an in-person presenter at StaarCon 2023, 2024, and StaarCon 5, traveling from her home in Spain to be with us.
About Maria’s fabulous book, I had the following to say.
Maria Alviz Hernando’s strong and capable voice is ushering in a new generation of tarot wisdom. Her techniques and guidance offer us fundamental skills for modern tarot, as well as the understanding to discover the depth and nuance that the cards hold for us.
Get your copy of Tarot Tableau Revolution and find out why I feel this way about Maria!
Our StaarCon community includes some of the most talented and established creators, as well as new and innovative ones. This combination enables us to offer the finest in metaphysical and divinatory tools and instruction at our gatherings, and throughout the year online.
Serena Fox presenting online at StaarCon 2021.
A young woman dressed as a friendly witch with tarot cards.
Courage in a Tarot Reading
Tarot requires courage and teaches us to be courageous.
Some people are afraid to book a reading because they think the reader will be scary and weird. Usually, this is not actually the case.
Some people are afraid that the information they receive will be disappointing. Indeed, one should not seek information unless they are ready to hear it. One should always choose a reader with a good reputation to ensure that the reading you receive will be helpful.
Reading tarot can be scary, too. The responsibility of providing a reading is sobering. We perform at our best when we are clear with ourselves and others about the value and limitations of our practice. Sometimes, even seasoned readers experience ‘stage fright’ when performing readings in certain venues or situations.
Whether we are the reader or the querent, tarot can be scary for two reasons. First, tarot is often misused and misunderstood. There are reasons to be cautious about the readers we choose, and about the way we conduct our readings. Secondly, tarot is an incredibly powerful tool for seeing truth, and sometimes the truth can be difficult to embrace.
There are many cards in the deck that teach us courage, and that literally encourage us. As long as we make careful choices, the wisdom tarot provides is worth any fleeting anxiety it may cause.
Confessions of a Tarot Reader with Christiana Gaudet.
The Week in Review
I was so excited to be a guest on the podcast Confessions of a Tarot Reader. My conversation with Bex, the host, was delightful. Check it out wherever you get your podcasts!
If you missed my livestream with Frank Kwiatkowski yesterday, you can watch the replay on YouTube.
This Sunday, September 14, we are hosting our monthly local meetup at Panera Bread in Palm City from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Please join us!
From Around the Web
MJS Tarot has a three-card tarot spread to help you overcome a fear-based block.
Sterling Moon has a tarot spread for strength.
While many tarot cards can speak of courage, one of the most courageous cards is Major Arcana 8, Strength. HowStuffWorks wants you to understand the Strength card in tarot.
A young woman with a community support ribbon.
Communities
Many communities come together to support those who face problems that exceed their resources. I always provide gift certificates for silent auctions and do what I can to help these sorts of communities when asked.
One thing I notice is the camaraderie that the volunteers of these communities enjoy. While they gather together to host fundraisers or run food pantries that make a real difference for those in need, they also build community and have a good time with their friends at the same time. It’s a win for everyone!
Especially now, volunteering for or donating to a local aid organization, whether a food bank or one that supports those who are ill, is crucial for the greater good. At the same time, you might have some fun and make some friends!
Unseen hands leafing through a calendar.
Upcoming Events
Christiana Gaudet and musician Robin Renee, circa 2021.
About Christiana Gaudet
Card and Craft, Inc.
Southeastern Tarot Artists and Readers, LLC.
Christiana Gaudet
770 SE Indian Street Suite 10
Stuart, Florida 34997-5604
Locations in Port Saint Lucie, West Palm Beach, and Stuart, Florida!
Email cgaudet@cardandcraft.com
On the web www.christianagaudet.com
Online classes www.cardandcraftacademy.com
StaarCon information www.staarcon.com
YouTube @YourTarotFairyGodmother
Instagram @christianatarot @staarcon
TikTok @christianagaudettarot
Private telephone, Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, and in-person readings and instruction are available by appointment.
Tarot parties at your home or office are available throughout Florida.
Zoom parties and group instruction are available almost everywhere!
Call toll free 866-99TAROT (866-998-2768)
For business or agent inquiries, call 772-301-0232
For appointments, call or text 561-655-1160
Schedule Appointments, Mentoring Sessions, or Purchase Gift Certificates Online!
Schedule your private reading or mentorship session, or purchase gift certificates at https://christiana-gaudet.as.me.
Agent inquiries are welcome.
Tarot Topics Newsletter
Volume 8 Issue 37
September 10, 2025
Christiana Gaudet Your Tarot Fairy Godmother banner.
Join us for "Autumn Arcana Class Three: Spread the Word!" on December 16, 7-8:30 pm at W Executive Suites, Stuart, FL. Discover ways to perform a tarot reading.