In defence of these less-than-popular Tarot cards
Certain cards when drawn from the Tarot deck are met with automatic feelings of warmth and relief: the Lovers, the Sun, the Ten of Cups. Other cards are often met with significantly less enthusiasm.
Among the deck's most misunderstood and feared cards are those that seem to carry ominous connotations at first glance. The Hanged Man, The Devil, Death, The Moon, The Tower, The Three of Swords, and The Ten of Swords – these cards can strike fear into those unfamiliar with their deeper meanings. However, beneath their seemingly dire depictions lie powerful messages of transformation, liberation, and growth.
The Hanged Man: surrender and enlightenment
In traditional Tarot imagery, The Hanged Man is depicted hanging upside-down by one foot from a tree, seemingly in a position of vulnerability or surrender. However, this card carries a profound message about perspective and surrendering to the flow of life. Rather than indicating literal suspension or stagnation, The Hanged Man encourages us to embrace a new perspective, to let go of resistance, and to surrender to the present moment. It invites us to pause, reflect, and reassess our situations, ultimately leading to enlightenment and spiritual growth.
The positive aspect of The Hanged Man lies in the willingness to release control and embrace the unknown. It symbolises a time of introspection, self-discovery, and personal transformation. When this card appears in a reading, it suggests that by surrendering to circumstances beyond our control, we can gain valuable insights and find inner peace amidst chaos.
The Devil: liberation from chains
The Devil card often evokes fear and apprehension due to its association with temptation, bondage, and materialism. However, its message extends beyond mere darkness and serves as a powerful reminder of the illusions that bind us. In Tarot, The Devil signifies the chains of our own making – be it unhealthy attachments, addictions, or limiting beliefs.
Despite its ominous appearance, The Devil card holds a positive message of liberation and empowerment. It challenges us to confront our shadow selves, to acknowledge our fears and desires, and to reclaim our personal power. By acknowledging and transcending these self-imposed limitations, we can break free from bondage and embrace a life of authenticity and freedom.
The appearance of The Devil in a Tarot reading serves as a wake-up call, urging us to confront the areas of our lives where we feel trapped or restricted. It encourages us to release ourselves from toxic patterns and reclaim sovereignty over our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Death: transformation and renewal
Few Tarot cards evoke as much fear and trepidation as Death, with its stark imagery of a skeletal figure wielding a scythe. However, far from representing literal death or destruction, this card symbolizes profound transformation and rebirth.
In Tarot, Death signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It heralds the closing of outdated patterns, beliefs, or relationships to make way for new opportunities and growth. Like the changing seasons, Death reminds us that life is cyclical and that endings are necessary for new beginnings to emerge.
Embracing the positive aspect of Death means letting go of attachments to the past and embracing the inevitability of change. It encourages us to surrender to the natural rhythms of life, trusting that endings pave the way for fresh starts and greater fulfillment. When Death appears in a Tarot reading, it invites us to welcome transformation with open arms, knowing that out of the ashes of the old, new possibilities await.
The Moon: embracing intuition and inner wisdom
The Moon card invites us to delve deeper into the realms of the subconscious and embrace the mysteries of the unknown. With its dreamlike imagery of a moonlit landscape inhabited by a howling wolf and a lobster emerging from the depths, this card symbolizes intuition, illusion, and the subconscious mind.
The positive aspect of The Moon lies in its invitation to trust our inner guidance and explore the hidden realms of the psyche. It encourages us to embrace the ebb and flow of our emotions, knowing that within the darkness lies the potential for profound insight and revelation. When this card appears in a Tarot reading, it serves as a reminder to listen to the whispers of our intuition and to trust in the wisdom that resides within.
The Tower: liberation through destruction
With its imagery of a crumbling tower struck by lightning, The Tower is often seen as a harbinger of chaos and upheaval. However, beneath its terrifying facade lies a powerful message of liberation and renewal.
In Tarot, The Tower represents sudden and unexpected change, often accompanied by upheaval or destruction. While the initial impact may be jarring, this card reminds us that sometimes it takes a crisis to catalyze growth and transformation. The Tower signifies the breaking down of structures that no longer serve us, whether they be beliefs, relationships, or institutions.
Far from being a solely negative card, The Tower offers the gift of liberation from stagnation and complacency. It encourages us to embrace change as a catalyst for personal evolution and to trust in the inherent wisdom of life's unfolding. When The Tower appears in a reading, it serves as a call to surrender to the process of transformation, knowing that from the rubble, we can rebuild stronger foundations aligned with our true selves.
The Three of Swords: healing through heartache
In Tarot, the Three of Swords is often associated with heartbreak, sorrow, and emotional pain. Its imagery of three swords piercing a heart evokes feelings of loss and betrayal. However, hidden within this card's melancholy symbolism lies a message of healing and resilience.
While the Three of Swords may signify moments of profound sadness or disappointment, it also reminds us of the importance of processing and releasing our emotional wounds. This card encourages us to acknowledge our pain rather than suppress it, knowing that through catharsis comes healing and growth.
The positive aspect of the Three of Swords lies in its invitation to embrace vulnerability and open our hearts to the process of healing. It reminds us that pain is an inevitable part of the human experience but that it is through facing our pain that we find strength and resilience. When this card appears in a Tarot reading, it serves as a reminder that while heartache may be present, so too is the capacity for profound transformation and renewal.
The Ten of Swords: embracing endings for new beginnings
In Tarot, the Ten of Swords is often viewed as a card of defeat and betrayal, with its imagery of a figure lying face-down, surrounded by ten swords piercing their back. However, this card carries a deeper message about the inevitability of endings and the potential for new beginnings.
While the Ten of Swords may signify moments of rock-bottom despair or betrayal, it also heralds the dawn of a new chapter. This card encourages us to release the grip of the past and embrace the promise of renewal. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is the potential for growth and transformation.
The positive aspect of the Ten of Swords lies in its invitation to surrender to the process of release and to trust in the inherent wisdom of life's cycles. It reminds us that endings, while painful, are often necessary for new opportunities to emerge. When this card appears in a Tarot reading, it serves as a powerful reminder that even in times of despair, there is the potential for rebirth and renewal.
So, while these Tarot cards may initially evoke fear and apprehension, they hold within them profound messages of growth, transformation, and renewal. By embracing the deeper meanings of cards like The Hanged Man, The Devil, Death, The Moon, The Tower, The Three of Swords, and The Ten of Swords, we can navigate life's challenges with courage, resilience, and wisdom. Through introspection, surrender, and acceptance, we can harness the power of these cards to cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and our journeys. As we journey through the ever-changing landscape of life, may we find solace in the knowledge that even in our darkest moments, the light of transformation shines brightly, guiding us toward greater authenticity and wholeness.
