Friday the 13th happened this week. We all know the western superstition that Friday the 13th is “unlucky”. In fact, there is a medical term to describe pathological fear of Friday the 13th – triskaidekaphobia.

There are many theories about the origins of this superstition. Some historians feel it is related to the last supper, and the crucifixion of Christ.

Others relate the superstition to Friday, October 13th, 1307, when King Phillip IV ordered the simultaneous arrest of many of the French Knights Templar.

Modern Pagan teachers have discussed the idea that some traditions consider Friday an auspicious day to perform magick, and 13 a number with a particularly strong energy (some say positive, others, negative). They theorize that the superstition arose from a fear of witchcraft.

Aside from those with clinical anxiety, I think most modern westerners like to be playful with the idea of superstitions. I’ve done tarot readings at many “Friday the 13th” psychic house parties.

When we look at the historical possibilities for the origin of the superstition, however, we see something interesting. In each case, what made the date unlucky stemmed from an act of oppression. We can also see that those who want to oppress and dominate others use fear and negative messaging as a tool.

On a personal level, we often do the same thing to ourselves. We are often guilty of oppressing ourselves, or suppressing our possible success, by allowing our fears, rather than our hopes, to dictate our actions.

Are you more motivated by your hopes, or your fears?

If your answer is “fears”, you have three choices.

Your first choice is to do nothing, and stay in that place of self-oppression.

The second is to change where you focus your fear. I often jokingly say that the thing that keeps me working hard as an entrepreneur is the fear of having to say “Do you want fries with that?”

The third choice is to simply release your fears, and let hope take center stage in your life.

Whether we are speaking of the power of nations or the power of the human psyche, this remains true. The voice of power uses fear to create limitations.

Maybe it is time for us to consciously be the voice of our own power, and to use that power to set our hopeful intentions toward our growth, healing and success. 

How Hope and Fear Appear in Tarot

Tarot readings often address our hopes and fears. In fact, in my 11-card Celtic Cross there is a position called “Hopes and Fears”.

Hope and fear have similar qualities, like two sides of the same coin. In many ways, our hopes and fears are both products of our thinking, planning and dreaming.

Which tarot cards specifically indicate hope and fear?

Here are some of my favorites.

The Star is considered the card of hope, and so, of course, is first on my list.

The Nine of Cups is the traditional “Wish Card”, so also associated with hope.

The Two of Wands is about hopeful plans and goals, and a desire to manifest something.

There are many cards that incite fear in us, including cards like Death, the Devil and the Tower. Of these three cards, only one really describes fear, and that is the Devil. With the Devil, fear becomes an unhealthy attachment. Have you ever known someone who was addicted to fear? That is the sort of addiction that can be demonstrated by the Devil.

I’ve nicknames the Eight and Nine of Swords as the “Twin Sisters of Anxiety and Depression”. In both of these cards we can see fear and its limiting effects.

The Four of and Five of Pentacles can describe the fear of not having what you need.

There are some cards that could indicate both hope and fear. For instance, the Seven of Cups shows us our best and worst imaginings. The Wheel of Fortune could indicate good luck, or bad luck.

Perhaps the Fool is the card that addresses hopes and fears the best. He is certainly in a position where fear would be understandable, but he leaps nonetheless. This leap of faith is certainly a leap of hope.

News and Notes

I’ve recently shared some announcement on my webpage, ChristianaGaudet.com.

Check out a special offer for tarot mentoring, learn about my feature article in the recent issue of The Cartomancer and get your copy, and see my award from Tarosophy Tarot Association.

On my YouTube Channel, find a new video about the Court Cards of tarot. Hit Subscribe while you are there!

The online scrapbook on my website has a new index. Check out some great memorabilia from my career!

My review of Marcus Katz and Tali Goodwin's book "Secrets of the Waite Smith Tarot" appears in issue 33 of the print and digital magazine "Witches and Pagans," now available from BBI Media.

 

From Around the Web

Check out this Tarot Rug project!

From Speak of Secrets, read this story from a writing prompt using the Temperance card.

Here’s a Friday the 13th tarot spread from Inner Goddess Tarot. 

Let Tarot Sort Your Hopes and Fears

When we come to tarot in order to puzzle out a personal issue, we have the ability to create a custom tarot spread for our specific purpose, or to ask questions of the cards in a dialogue, or conversation.

Use these questions to help create a spread or dialogue with the cards about your own hopes and fears.
 
What fear do I have that limits my success?

What would my success look like without that fear?

How could I release that fear?

What do I really hope for?

How can I turn my hopes into focused goals?

How can I best achieve my goals?

From where did my fears originate?

In what way do my fears serve me?

In what way do I imagine that my fears serve me?

What is something that I am afraid to hope for, but should reconsider?

Image from Gilded Tarot Royale by Ciro Marchetti.

Your One-Card Reading

High Priestess

The High Priestess advises meditation, study and spiritual thought. She asks us to dig deeply into our own subconscious and find the hidden truth that lies there.

The High Priestess can also speak of the women we admire most, and the important role they play in our lives.

To women, the High Priestess serves as a reminder of our sacred nature and special beauty.

The High Priestess demands excellence. She reminds us to do everything with attention to detail in hope that our results be perfect.

Sometimes, she asks for too much perfection. The High Priestess can indicate that you are overly strict or overly demanding of yourself or others.

Often the High Priestess describes folks in the nursing profession, or in cosmetology.

What does the High Priestess say to you today?

Upcoming Events

 
Sunday, January 22, 4 pm
Tarot Circle of the Treasure Coast Meetup
Tarot Tips and Techniques
Panera Bread, 2894 Southwest Town Center Way,  Palm City, FL, 34990

I’ll be teaching this free, informal workshop appropriate for tarotists of any level of experience. You can RSVP on the meetup site or simply join us at Panera.


 
Thursday, January 26, 7 pm
Global Tarot Circle on Facebook Live
 
Join tarot enthusiasts from around the world for an hour of readings, study and conversation. Simply visit my Facebook business page, hit LIKE, and click the live feed at the meeting time.  We use the comment section as a chat room!


 
Tuesday, January 31, 7 pm
Tampa Bay Area Tarot Meetup
Practical Tarot Reading Techniques
Panera Bread, 23388 Florida 54,  Lutz, FL, 33549

I’ll be back in the Tampa area for an evening, and will look forward to seeing old and new tarot friends for a free tarot workshop.
RSVP on the meetup site, or simply meet us at Panera.


 
Wednesday, February 1 10-5 pm
Private Readings by Appointment
Origins Spa and Wellness Center
1537 N Dale Mabry Highway #102, Lutz, FL 33548


I will be at Origins for a single day, and have a few appointments available for in-person hours and half hours. Call or text me at 561-655-1160 to make your appointment to see me in person in the Tampa area.
 


Sunday, February 5, 2:30 pm
Spirit Communication with Tarot
Pearl Rauberts’ Studio at Unity Church in the Pines
6073 Summit Boulevard,  West Palm Beach, FL, 33415


Tarot enthusiasts of all levels of experience are welcome to register for this special class. Learn to use the cards to communicate with your angels, your higher self, your ancestors and your loved ones in spirit.

Class fee is $30. Registration is required. To register, call Pearl at 561-333-3372 or RSVP on her meetup.
 

About Christiana

Christiana Gaudet
1025 SW Martin Downs Blvd, #102B
Palm City, FL 34990
 

Private telephone, Skype and in person readings and instruction are available by appointment.

Tarot parties at your home or office are available throughout Florida. 

Call 813-948-4488, 772-353-4657, toll free 866-99TAROT,
or text or call 561-655-1160
for more information or to schedule your event.

Agent inquiries are welcome.