Death, Devil, Tower, and Swords, Oh my! There are 5 specific Tarot cards that give Readers pause, and strike fear in the hearts of their Querents (reading requestors). These 5 cards that cause such concern are non-affectionately referred to as the “Bad Boys of Tarot.” And their traditional names are the Death, Devil, Tower, 3 of Swords, and 10 of Swords cards. In fact, these 5 cards have long frightened many away entirely from receiving Tarot readings.
But despite the bad rep of these Bad Boys, Tarot cards are just ink on paper and can’t make anything bad, or good, actually happen. They can only see possibilities of events that may be coming up for the Querent. Nonetheless, the future is never carved in stone. Therefore, with a Tarot reading’s heads-up, unwanted future possibilities can be changed by taking appropriate action today.
The 5 Bad Boys of Tarot
Though terrifying in their imagery, the below “Bad Boys of Tarot” cards do not denote literal meanings. For they rarely ever mean real disaster is on the horizon. Notice, that I stop short of saying they never do. For on the rarest of occasions they have. Nonetheless, when they show up in your reading it’s generally safe to assume the meanings are metaphoric rather than literal.
The Death Card
The Death card’s imagery depicts the specter of Death upon a white horse stepping over a dying man. During which time, the man’s family and a priest seem to be begging Death to spare his life. Whew! It’s no wonder the Death card is the most terrifying of Tarot cards. Because there is no recovering from actual physical death.
However, this card rarely ever means actual Death is coming to the Querent or their loved one. More often than not, it means a situation is ending and therefore clearing the way for something new to begin. In other words, when one door closes, another door opens.
Thus, most Readers refer to Death as Tarot’s “Transformation” card. Moreover, some Tarot deck creators have actually renamed the card Transformation in lieu of Death.
The Devil Card
The Devil card’s imagery depicts a couple imprisoned by the Devil and possibly subjected to his torture. However, this card’s meaning is not literal. For the couple’s chains are loose enough they could easily remove them. Thus, it’s almost as if they are imprisoning themselves.
For the card’s traditional meaning denotes someone is enslaved by some addiction or compulsion of their own making. And among the litany of possible obsessions are, sex, drugs, alcohol, food, gambling, or accumulating material possessions. In fact, some Tarot deck creators have renamed the card Materialism in lieu of the Devil.
The Tower Card
The Tower card’s imagery is unnerving with a lightning bolt striking and setting the Tower afire. Moreover, the considerable impact has thrown two inhabitants out the windows. However, this card doesn’t mean that the Querent’s house will blow up or burn down.
Rather, it often points to a shake-up of the Querent’s tightly held beliefs regarding something important to them. For it denotes a real wake-up/shake-up moment. Or perhaps something might shock or catch them off guard.
The 3 of Swords Card
The 3 of Swords card’s frightening imagery depicts a heart with 3 swords piercing it. Though this card doesn’t mean someone will stab the Querent through their physical heart, its meaning is still disconcerting.
For the card’s meaning denotes a heartbreak or betrayal by someone or something near and dear to the Querent’s heart. At the least, it may denote a small letdown or disappointment.
Another meaning is a division or rupture of some kind. However, this card rarely means a literal physical heart attack, although the image may conjure this fear. Fortunately, Swords are not the Suit of health concerns for Pentacles hold this honor. Rather Swords are about mental concerns, struggles, and conflict.
The 10 of Swords Card
The 10 of Swords card’s imagery is gruesome as it depicts a man lying on a beach in a puddle of blood with 10 swords in his back. However, this card doesn’t mean someone will slay the Querent with swords. But rather someone may metaphorically backstab them.
More often, this card points to a painful ending to a situation. And perhaps this is actually a relief for the Querent that a long-troubled situation is over. For there is a finality to the scene here. Therefore, the Querent can do nothing but finally accept the obvious defeat and move on from the situation.
Final Words on the 5 Bad Boys of Tarot
It’s important to think of these 5 “Bad Boys of Tarot” cards as metaphorical rather than literal in their meanings. And it’s also important to reassure your Querent by sharing their more benign meaning, should they come up in a reading.
The traditional card imagery pictured in this post is from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. However, there are decks available that change the traditional imagery to something more benign. The Everyday Witch, Anime, and Tarot of Wonderland are Tarot decks that have toned down the harshness of these cards. If you’ll be giving readings for those already nervous about Tarot, you may want to use a deck that has minimized the fear factor of these 5 cards.
I hope this post has helped to minimize your fear around these 5 “Bad Boys of Tarot” cards. And that they will no longer give cause for concern in your readings. Happy Taroting!
Note: To book a professional Tarot reading with Jeannette see our Book a Reading page.
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