For many people, Tarot can seem a bit intimidating, especially when certain cards show up in a reading. Cards like The Tower, Death, or The Devil have garnered a reputation as “scary” or ominous, but in reality, these cards are often misunderstood. Tarot isn’t about predicting doom and gloom—it’s a tool for guidance, clarity, and transformation. So, let’s break down these so-called “scary” cards and reveal what they’re really trying to tell you.
1. The Death Card
What people think: The Death card means someone is going to die.
The reality: The Death card rarely ever refers to literal death. Instead, it symbolizes transformation, endings, and new beginnings. It’s about letting go of what no longer serves you and making space for something new to enter your life. Think of it as a clearing out of old energy to make room for growth.
Positive spin: The Death card encourages you to embrace change. While it can indicate an ending, it’s usually the kind of ending that leads to new opportunities and personal growth. It’s a powerful card for transformation!
2. The Tower
What people think: The Tower card signals disaster, chaos, and sudden upheaval.
The reality: While the Tower can indeed signify sudden changes or disruptions, it’s not inherently negative. It often represents a breakdown of structures that were no longer serving you—whether that’s a belief, situation, or even a relationship. The Tower forces you to confront uncomfortable truths, but ultimately, it brings clarity and the opportunity to rebuild on a stronger foundation.
Positive spin: The Tower helps you break free from situations that have been holding you back. It may shake things up, but it’s clearing the way for a fresh start.
3. The Devil
What people think: The Devil card is evil or represents some kind of malevolent force.
The reality: The Devil card is not about evil—it’s about recognizing where you feel stuck, limited, or trapped, often due to unhealthy attachments, habits, or thought patterns. It can also highlight materialism or being overly focused on physical or external things. The card invites you to reflect on what’s holding you back from true freedom.
Positive spin: The Devil card encourages self-awareness. It asks you to examine what’s chaining you and reminds you that you have the power to break free from limiting beliefs or behaviours.
4. The Ten of Swords
What people think: The Ten of Swords looks terrifying, depicting a person lying face down with ten swords in their back.
The reality: While it certainly looks dramatic, the Ten of Swords represents the end of a difficult situation or painful cycle. It’s often a signal that the worst is over, and while things may have been tough, you’re ready to move on from it. It’s a card of closure and resolution.
Positive spin: The Ten of Swords shows that you’ve survived something difficult and are now at the end of that struggle. It’s time to heal and begin anew.
5. The Hanged Man
What people think: The Hanged Man looks grim, as if someone is being punished or sacrificed.
The reality: The Hanged Man represents a need to pause, reflect, and look at things from a new perspective. It’s not about punishment but about surrender and letting go of control in order to see things more clearly. Often, this card suggests that a time of waiting or introspection is necessary for growth.
Positive spin: The Hanged Man encourages you to take a step back and allow things to unfold naturally. It’s a time for inner reflection and gaining a new perspective on a situation.
Embrace Tarot for What It Is: A Tool for Insight, Not Fear
The Tarot deck is not a tool for predicting doom or disaster. Instead, it offers insight, clarity, and guidance for your personal journey. Every card, even the ones with a reputation for being “scary,” has a valuable message to share. Tarot invites you to face challenges with an open heart, knowing that you have the power to navigate through them.
If you’ve been curious about Tarot but hesitant because of these so-called “scary” cards, I invite you to join my free Whispers of the Tarot event. We’ll explore the true meanings behind the cards, break down myths, and give you the tools you need to confidently read for yourself or others.
