Warning Signs of Your Tarot Readings

Negative Tarot Cards: Warning Signs of Your Tarot Readings

It can be a frightening experience to pull a negative tarot card in one of your readings. But just because you’ve grabbed the Death card or another equally creepy graphic, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your guest is going to drop dead or have some sort of physical reaction to your basic tarot reading. However, it might suggest exercising caution while referring to a question asked or it may have to do with another card that you’ve pulled.

The good news is that with a bit of tarot reading basics, you’ll learn how to read tarot cards easily, making sense of those negative tarot cards just like the insights that can be gained from positive tarot cards. In this tarot card reading guide, we’ll help you understand those so-called negative tarot cards, whether you’re just starting out with basic tarot readings or you’re a long-time reader looking for a quick refresher and ideas for your next reading.

Don’t Fear the Negative Tarot Cards

It may go without saying, but there’s no such thing as negative tarot cards. Sure, it can be great to draw the sun or star card, but darker cards don’t necessarily mean that life is heading in a negative direction. Tarot cards are used to gain insight into the human condition, and in that sense, any card can be helpful.

In general, it’s not exactly about the cards you draw, but how you choose to interpret them. That’s what makes tarot readings so unique and fun — you can use them to get whatever you want out of it, and there’s no right or wrong way to use tarot cards. Tarot card guides may mention certain insights and things to be aware of, but you’re free to interpret them in your own unique way.

Some readers may decide to redraw cards until they get the cards they’re looking for, but that can take you away from the serendipity of it all, and you just might find that all your readings will start to sound the same if you’re spending most of your time looking for specific cards.

What Are the Negative Tarot Cards?

If you’ve been doing tarot readings for any time at all, you’re probably familiar with the common negative tarot cards. Here’s a list to get you started, and also how you may be able to reframe those cards if they come up in your next reading.

Death

Commonly depicted as a hooded figure, the Grim Reaper, or a scythe, the Death card sends chills down the beginner tarot reader’s spine. This card typically indicates loss, grief, or some kind of end. However, Death can also be a very positive card. Death upright can mean a fresh start, rebirth, or something new.

The Devil

The Devil is one of the most iconic villains in history. On the negative side, it can represent hedonism, addiction, or materialism. You’ll often see this card when you are giving your power to something else instead of claiming it for yourself. On the positive side, the Devil card may represent freedom, pleasure, or rebellion.

The Tower

Most people see the Tower as one of those negative tarot cards that speaks to destruction or disaster. It often signifies an external change that is out of your control, one that is abrupt and overwhelming. In some circumstances, The Tower means your life will change. This doesn’t always have to represent change for the worse, though. The Tower can indicate a breakthrough or overcoming a challenging life event or situation.

Three of Swords

If you pull the Three of Swords, you may worry that it may mean heartbreak, suffering or grief. But it could also mean cutting away bad influences or making a tough decision.

Rethinking Negative Tarot Cards

As you can see, negative tarot cards are in the eye of the beholder. If you don’t want to deal with certain themes and insights, you can simply flip the script and go with something that speaks more to how you think and how you want your readings to go. Learn more about card meanings here.