As most people know, we can gain a great deal of insightful knowledge about our future from a tarot reading. According to tarot readers, we select the cards we are destined to see. While it is all well and good when the cards are positive, but, you can not always expect or hope for what you want to hear from your readings. Many readers fail to inform clients that there are some bad tarot cards you should never want to see in a tarot reading. 

These worst tarot cards represent something we may already be aware of within ourselves, be it a betrayal, an unhealthy dependence, or a refusal to accept the situation as it is. Seeing these cards in a spread does not make it any less terrifying, even though it might help us confront some parts of our lives that we have been avoiding for a long time. No matter how you interpret these bad tarot cards, the tarot card readings suggest that misfortune or a difficult time is approaching. 

You have no choice but to make the most of the circumstances when that occurs. Hopefully, we don’t really want it to occur to you in the near future. But, if it does, you will probably know it because one of these worst tarot cards will almost certainly be included in your reading. So, if you are wondering what are the worst tarot cards to draw, here are some of the bad tarot cards that are terrifying in tarot readings. 

10 Bad Tarot Cards in The Tarot Deck

In this article, we will delve into the world of tarot and examine the significance of drawing the worst tarot cards from a tarot deck. Understanding dark cards and their possible tarot card meanings can help you navigate the complexities of tarot readings with more awareness and insight, regardless of your level of experience. So, let’s dive in.

1. The Tower

Despite the seemingly innocent name, the Tower has a rather ominous vibe. The card has a burning, lightning-stricken tower in the foreground and a dark, stormy sky in the background. You will also see two men tumbling out of the tower. The card suggests an abrupt shift or release that might have caught you off guard. Finding a hidden truth or coming to a realization that completely changes one's life are examples of releases. When you see this bad tarot card, your first reaction might be to freak out, but that will not help you at all. 

How many times have you sat comfortably inside the boundaries of your life, content with the ideas, attitudes, and standards that you now hold? Then, out of nowhere, something "shocking" occurs that utterly shatters your ideal of harmony and peace. Either it blows your mind or it surprises you. Because of this, the Tower card is one of the worst tarot cards to draw, and it can be a frightening thing. Hence, even though the card frequently portends something unexpected that will rock your world or come as a shock, just be thankful that it has provided you with a small amount of advance notice of the event.

2. The Ten Of Swords

This card shows a man with ten swords stuck in his back while he is lying face down. The sky above him is frequently dark and ominous, and he wears a red cape pulled back. When you see this terrifying and frequently surprising card, it usually means that you are about to experience some unwanted surprise. This is one of the worst tarot cards to draw, as it usually portends something bad happening to you, whether it is a job loss, an unexpected relationship breakup, a natural disaster, or anything else entirely. 

However, this bad tarot card can also indicate that something negative has already occurred, usually that you have been "backstabbed" by a loved one. In any case, this card does not portend good fortune, so if it appears in your reading, prepare for the worst. But this card's interpretation changes depending on the position of this card in your spread. The Ten of Swords indicates you have not yet reached the worst of something, so get ready for any possible chaos or disaster if it lands in the "future" position of your spread. 

Also know: Tarot Birth Card by Date of Birth 

3. The Death 

Without the death card, no list of bad tarot cards could be considered complete. Of all the worst tarot cards in the Tarot deck, the Death card is most likely the one that people fear and misunderstand. The name of the card is enough to make people tremble with fear! People typically interpret this card's meaning far too literally and assume that it portends their own or others' deaths. This card depicts a skeletal knight riding through a wasteland on a white horse while flying a black flag. 

Pulling this card can be unsettling, even for seasoned readers. However, the Death card is a metaphor for the end of a significant stage or area of your life and the potential start of something far more worthwhile and significant. Although it may not always be easy, you will eventually realize how crucial it is to let go of the past in order to transform and rejuvenate your life. You might suffer emotional and physical suffering if you refuse to accept these inevitable endings.

4. The Three of Swords

The 3 of Swords stand for heartbreak, betrayal, grief, loneliness, rejection, and sadness. The unexpected nature of such events is what makes them feel so painful. However, the Three of Swords frequently indicates when one or more of these are likely to occur. The emotional impact of this trying event can be mitigated by being prepared. For instance, the hurt of losing something you once held dear—like a "comfortable" relationship in which you are stagnating—may be required to set you up for a future filled with more happiness. 

Thus, the Three of Swords serve as a reminder that life will suddenly become less painful if you can begin to view pain as a teaching opportunity. This bad tarot card can indicate discovering your significant other is seeing someone else or walking in on your partner with someone else. It can serve as a valuable warning if drawn into a future situation. Do not forget, though, that this card might also indicate that you have hurt someone else deeply. If you pull this worst tarot card, proceed with caution and give careful consideration to the people you associate with. 

5. The Devil

The Devil is typically associated with evil, and people who are unfamiliar with tarot may become alarmed upon seeing this demonic creature. There is no denying that you do not want this card in your spread, even though its exact meaning is not particularly demonic. Drawing this card suggests that you are dealing with negativity of some kind, which makes it one of the worst tarot cards to draw. Maybe you have fallen into an addiction, or you soon will. Maybe you’re letting fear control you. 

You could be destroying yourself, or you might be surrounded by bad influences and people. The Devil card should act as a reminder for you to evaluate your life and make any necessary adjustments. This bad tarot card represents a toxic connection that you have, either with a person or a substance. The image of the man and woman tied to the beast represents shamelessness and desire, suggesting the heedlessness with which you pursue particular relationships in your life.

6. The Five of Pentacles

The Five of Pentacles tarot card generally denotes a period of hardship, poverty, and adversity. This bad tarot card also suggests that you have experienced a major setback or financial loss. This card depicts the various manifestations of financial hardship and deprivation, such as cash loss, overall impoverishment, disease, joblessness, and isolation. If you have experienced a loss, be aware that there are people in your community who are eager to lend a hand. 

You can either close your eyes and follow the guidance of your inner light, or open your eyes and go towards the solution that is always there. Your own emotions have probably played a major role in these financial issues; possessiveness will lead to loneliness, greed will lead to loss, and anxiety will lead to mistakes. You miss out on your spiritual growth when you concentrate only on the content.

Also know: Free Yes or No Tarot Card Reading Online

7. The Nine of Swords

Few pains are more challenging to face than the ones we inflict on ourselves. The Nine of Swords stands for the kinds of suffering we all carry around. The figure on the card is depicted as hunched over at night, appearing to be concerned, which is symbolic of the frequent times when these anxieties wake us up. Indeed, the Nine of Swords tarot card represents suffering, hopelessness, anxiety, and guilt. 

If this bad tarot card comes up, it may indicate that you are fully aware that you have done something incorrect. This card suggests that it is the perfect time to reflect on your life and deal with areas where you could behave better. Perhaps you were dishonest about something significant, had an affair, or cheated on the exam. The Nine of Swords indicates that you are experiencing a great deal of guilt and that it is time to make amends. 

8. The Hanged Man

Though the name "Hangman" is unsettling, based on some of these cards, it appears that he is enjoying himself — or as much as one can while hanging upside down, anyway. He is hanging by one ankle, his arms bound behind his back, his eyes wide open as he looks directly at the viewer. This bad tarot card makes it very evident that its main idea is to put oneself in an uncomfortable situation where fighting will not help. Rather, you just have to let go and accept that you are powerless. 

This card is about releasing yourself, taking a team approach, and knowing what to do with "stuck" circumstances that are no longer beneficial to you. But exercise caution if you draw this card in a spread with the Suit of Wands; it may indicate that you should give your artistic and professional endeavors a second look. Perhaps it is time to take stock of your abilities and determine whether you can genuinely succeed in your endeavors.

9. The Moon

The Moon card has two possible meanings because it is the master of tides and moods. It can be a sign of understanding and enlightenment or of conflict and uncertainty. This card frequently represents worries and anxieties—the kinds that keep us awake at night. It may also indicate a kind of existential dread, similar to what you experience when you gaze into something as vast and incomprehensible as space and the night sky. 

If you draw this card, it may indicate that you have been believing lies or falsehoods. It may also indicate that you are feeling fear and allowing yourself to be overcome by it. The Moon is one of the worst tarot cards to draw, as it is a symbol of transition, ambiguity, and emotional susceptibility. If this card comes up, you might need to evaluate and face your fears or areas of your life where you are unclear. 

10. The Hermit

The Hermit card features an elderly man with a hood and a lit lantern, staring off into the distance. With so many possible interpretations, it is a pretty enigmatic card in the deck. There is a folktale that describes a hermit as someone who has chosen to live a reclusive life, seeking inner peace and meaning. In a similar way, this card frequently symbolizes a time of reflection or the need to withdraw from the outside world.

Although this seems like a pretty innocuous thing to do, it is thought that occasionally this can be a sign of something negative. For instance, if the Hermit lands in your spread's current position, it may indicate that you are deluding yourself into believing that a job or relationship is worthwhile. If you find yourself drawn into a position in the future, be on the lookout for the possibility of ending a relationship in which you feel content. It turns out that sometimes we are compelled to engage in introspection rather than choosing to do so. 

Final Takeaway

It is important to keep in mind that the tarot is a tool for reflection and self-awareness, even though the idea of drawing the worst tarot cards might seem intimidating. When these negative tarot cards come up in a reading, it does not always mean that things will get worse. Instead, it can mean that there is room for improvement and change. Accepting the lessons these cards offer can enable people to face their fears, deal with unresolved problems, and eventually create a path toward a more purposeful and genuine life. 

By approaching tarot readings with an open mind and a willingness to engage with all aspects of the human experience, including the darker facets, individuals can harness the wisdom of the tarot to navigate life's complexities with resilience and grace. Remember, the tarot is a mirror reflecting the depths of our subconscious, and the presence of adversity within the cards only serves to enrich the profound journey of self-discovery.