Bad Tarot Cards
What’s it like to pull a tarot card out and get a sinking feeling in your chest? We’ve all been there! Certainly, no card can be categorized as bad tarot cards because in every card there’s a message waiting to be read. This means that there is always hope in the worst cards you could possibly pull in a tarot reading.
Think of it like this: As such, ‘’negative tarot cards’’ work in a manner similar to waving a red flag and saying, hey, watch out for this or pay attention to this. On the other hand, the “positive tarot cards” are the go ahead signs – the green lights of our journey. Last but not least, the most effective card in Tarot is the card responding to your emotions at the moment.
Well, how better to comprehend these cards and put the information that they contain to good use, it is time to get down to business! Now let us explain some of the meaning of the best selected tarot cards and give you an understanding even the negative cards can provide.
What Are “Bad” Tarot Cards?

Let’s address the common misconception of “bad tarot cards” within a reading. This is because some of the cards you find possess imagery that either depict negative feelings or as per cultural beliefs negative connotations are attached to it. But one needs to recall that the tarot is not an instrument intended for finding out how much of an unpleasant future awaits a person, but a reflective means.
While some cards might appear unfavorable at first glance – often referred to as “negative tarot cards” – their meanings are multifaceted and rarely indicate something inherently “bad.” Still, these cards often represent some sort of difficulty or change, or something the querent needs to look into further.
Conversely, “positive tarot cards” generally reflect favorable circumstances or positive energy. Yet, it’s important to understand that even the best card in tarot can have nuanced meanings depending on the context of the reading and your personal path.
Although the tarot cannot directly foretell the future, its potential is in showing the person their patterns and how to anticipate them and what may come their way. Therefore, encountering cards that may seem like the “worst tarot cards to draw” can be incredibly valuable. These cards make us see what we do not want to see and therefore change our behavior for the better.
Since there is possibility to develop the potential in each card, we may go past simple division of the cards as limitless and avoid framing the possibilities which tarot contains in ranging from bad to good.
Misunderstood Tarot Cards and Their Meanings

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common tarot cards that often get a bad rap:
- The Tower: Often seen as one of the worst tarot cards to draw, The Tower can seem scary with its depiction of a crumbling structure. But instead of signifying disaster, it represents a sudden, necessary upheaval that clears the way for something new. Think of it as a much-needed shake-up that removes what’s no longer serving you, making space for a stronger foundation.
- Death: Definitely a card that can make your heart skip a beat! But hold on, Death rarely signifies physical death. Instead, it symbolizes transformation and endings. Like the natural cycle of life, something must end to make way for new beginnings. This card often points towards letting go of old patterns, beliefs, or situations that are holding you back.
- The Devil: Another card that can seem intimidating, The Devil isn’t about evil forces. It shines a light on our shadow self, those limiting beliefs, unhealthy attachments, or negative patterns that keep us chained. This card encourages us to break free from these self-imposed restrictions and reclaim our power.
- Ten of Swords: This card, depicting ten swords piercing a figure, can certainly appear like one of the bad tarot cards. However, the Ten of Swords signifies the end of a painful situation. While it acknowledges the suffering, it also indicates that the worst is over. It’s a message of surrender and acceptance, allowing healing and a new beginning to emerge.




These cards, often perceived as negative tarot cards, are powerful catalysts for change and growth. They remind us that challenges are inevitable, but by facing them head-on, we can emerge stronger and more aligned with our true selves.
How to Interpret Negative Tarot Cards in a Reading

Thus, you’ve received a card which looks rather…serious. Perhaps it is The Tower, the Devil or even the Ten of Swords. Don’t panic! Here’s the thing about those seemingly “bad tarot cards” – they’re not here to ruin your day. It’s just an attempt to attract your attention.
Besides that, it is essential to realize where you are when reading, what your goals are, and what you try to achieve. What question did you ask? What do you think can the study enlighten you on? This will assist you to determine the connection of the card with your case.
Finally, analyze where the card is placed in the spread on the table that is in front you. Is it in describing something in a position that reflects the past, the present or the future? Perhaps it’s a case of focusing on issues, or prospects, or outlook. It may also provide you important hints as to what the card wants you to know.
Oh, right! Don’t forget the surrounding cards as well… Are there mostly positive tarot cards around it? This might be the case because it shows that even with a challenge, you are not alone and that there is a solution for the challenge that you are facing. On one hand it may suggest it needs a lot of caution and thinking. On the other hand if it is surrounded by other negative tarot cards it may suggest it is an area that needs extra care.
Remember, even the best card in tarot can have a challenging message depending on the situation. The result is that the key to these cards is to go with curiosity, not with fear. Ask yourself: So, what is it that I should now be learning from this card? What parts of my life are presently requiring my attention?
And if you still have some doubts you can always get a professional tarot reader to help you out. It is important because they can provide assistance and interpretations regarding the hidden messages in your reading. After all, even the worst tarot cards to draw can offer valuable insights and lead to positive transformation.
Using “Bad” Tarot Cards for Personal Growth

Instead of fearing those seemingly bad tarot cards, try seeing them as opportunities for powerful personal growth. They work as components of identification; they remind us of some part of ourselves or our circumstances which needs some sorting out.
For example, let’s you are thinking of changing your career, and on the reverse side of the deck appears Five of Pentacles. This card may be rated as undesirable because usually it is connected with troubles and grief. But instead of seeing it as a worst tarot cards to draw scenario, consider what it’s trying to tell you. Do you feel threatened with regard to your mastery of the issues? Are you scared of uncertainty? If you can identify what these are, it becomes easier to respond to them in some ways, perhaps in getting more training.
Or let’s say you are having issues in a particular relationship you draw The Tower card. This card represents overthrowing but it can also symbolize progress. Maybe it is time to sit the relationship down and talk to it like an adult so as to grow up together. Perhaps it is now high time to be open and discuss the changes that are necessary or wonder if the given relationship benefits you at all.
Even the best card in tarot, when appearing in a challenging position, can prompt introspection. For instance, The Sun card is associated with success and joyful moments may mean that you are too concerned with how others perceive you.
Are There Any Truly “Bad” Tarot Cards?

So, are there truly bad tarot cards? The short answer is no. The concept of the dual sign pervades the tarot – every single card is twofold, as are our lives. In one reading what may seem to be a negative Tarot card can actually be enlightening and even beneficial in another.
For example, the Three of Swords. Traditionally, it means pain and loss, but it may also mean letting go of toxic emotions or learning to draw lines in relationships. Likewise, the Five of Cups describes a disappointing or a loss experience, but at the same time points to forgiveness and a chance to get on with things if people were let down.
Even cards traditionally viewed as positive tarot cards, like the Nine of Cups or the Ten of Pentacles, can have a shadow side. The Nine of Cups tarot card along with all the positive meanings associated with it of contentment and wish fulfillment, also has negative meanings of complacency or a disinclination to attain more. The Ten of Pentacles which relates to the home, family and financial stability might suggest clinging on to the past or adopting a resistant approach when change occurs.
Ultimately, the best tarot cards meaning depends entirely on the context of the reading, the surrounding cards, and your personal intuition. Learning may be an advantage over memorizing when aiming at understanding the realistic multidimensional characters of the cards in relation to the question of interest or a certain scenario.