Redefining the Darker Aspects of Tarot
Unveiling the Deeper Meaning of Commonly Misunderstood Tarot Cards: The Devil, The Tower, Death, and the Swords
Tarot cards have long intrigued and inspired, serving as a powerful tool for reflection and self-discovery. Yet, in my tarot readings, I often encounter clients who feel uneasy when certain cards appear—particularly The Devil, The Tower, Death, the Ten of Swords, the Seven of Swords, the Five of Swords, and the Eight of Swords. Their striking imagery can make even seasoned tarot readers pause. However, beneath their intense appearances lie profound and transformative messages. Understanding the deeper meanings of these cards reveals that tarot is not about fear, but about guidance, insight, and personal growth.
The Tarot as a Tool for Insight and Growth
Before exploring the meanings of these specific cards, it's essential to recognise that tarot is not a predictor of inevitable outcomes but a symbolic language that offers insight into our lives. Each card represents various aspects of the human journey—emotional, spiritual, and practical. When these cards appear in a reading, they serve as guides, providing opportunities to face challenges, grow, and ultimately, align more closely with our true selves.
Exploring the Deeper Meaning of "Challenging" Cards
Now, let's delve into the deeper meanings behind these cards and understand the valuable insights they offer.
1. The Devil
The Devil card is often misunderstood, with its depiction of a horned figure and chained individuals. However, The Devil is not about literal evil or malevolent forces. Instead, it represents the chains we place on ourselves—whether through addictions, unhealthy relationships, materialism, or self-destructive behaviors. This card invites us to confront these limitations and offers the opportunity to break free.
When The Devil appears, it’s a reminder to examine areas of life where we might feel trapped or controlled by forces within our power to change. It’s a call to reclaim freedom and make choices that align with our highest good.
2. The Tower
The Tower card is dramatic, showing a lightning-struck tower with people falling from it. Though its imagery is intense, The Tower represents sudden change and revelation. It signifies the breaking down of old structures, beliefs, or situations that no longer serve us.
While change can be uncomfortable, The Tower brings necessary transformation. It clears away what is false or unstable, paving the way for new growth and truth. This card encourages embracing change rather than resisting it, trusting that what follows will be stronger and more authentic.
3. Death
Contrary to its name, the Death card is not about literal death. It symbolizes transformation, endings, and new beginnings. Just as seasons change, the Death card reminds us that life is a series of cycles. The end of one phase makes way for the start of another.
This card invites us to let go of what no longer serves us—whether it’s an outdated belief, a relationship, or a situation. By embracing the energy of Death, we make room for growth, renewal, and new opportunities. It’s about clearing the old to welcome the new.
4. Ten of Swords
The Ten of Swords depicts a figure lying face down with ten swords in their back—a very powerful image! However, this card does not predict betrayal or inevitable ruin. Instead, it represents the end of a difficult situation, acknowledging that while the journey may have been tough, the worst is over.
The Ten of Swords offers release, signaling that it’s time to let go of past pain and recognise that a challenging chapter is closing. A new dawn is on the horizon, bringing the chance for a fresh start. The suffering is not endless, and healing is within reach.
5. Seven of Swords
The Seven of Swords is another card that often raises eyebrows, showing a figure sneaking away with five swords while two remain planted in the ground. This card is commonly associated with deception, strategy, or cunning behavior, which can appear negative at first glance. However, the deeper meaning of the Seven of Swords is about strategy, independence, and the need to act with care and wisdom.
This card can represent the need to think outside the box or handle a situation with discretion. It can also suggest that there are elements in your life that require careful planning or that you might need to approach a challenge in a way that’s not immediately obvious. Rather than deception, it can point to the importance of cleverness and adaptability in overcoming obstacles.
6. Five of Swords
The Five of Swords depicts a scene where one figure appears victorious, holding three swords, while two other figures walk away in defeat. The traditional interpretation of this card often involves conflict, defeat, or hollow victory. However, the deeper message of the Five of Swords is about understanding the cost of conflict and recognising the importance of choosing your battles wisely.
This card invites reflection on how you engage with others, especially in situations of disagreement or competition. It asks whether a victory is worth the potential damage to relationships or your own integrity. The Five of Swords encourages finding resolution without unnecessary conflict and suggests a time for introspection on how your actions impact others and yourself.
7. Eight of Swords
The Eight of Swords depicts a blindfolded figure surrounded by eight swords, seemingly trapped. This card often elicits feelings of helplessness or entrapment, but its deeper meaning is about self-imposed limitations and the power of the mind. The Eight of Swords suggests that the barriers you perceive are not as insurmountable as they seem.
This card invites you to examine where you might be holding yourself back due to fear, doubt, or negative thinking. It encourages you to remove the blindfold and recognise that the way forward is not as blocked as you might think. By changing your perspective and reclaiming your power, you can break free from the mental or emotional prison you’ve created.
Understanding the Swords Suit: A Broader Perspective
The Suit of Swords in tarot is associated with the element of Air, representing the intellect, communication, and conflict. Swords often deal with matters of the mind, decisions, and the challenges that come with navigating the complexities of life. While some Swords cards, like the Ten, Seven, Five, and Eight of Swords, may seem daunting, they are not inherently negative. Instead, they offer insights into the mental and emotional battles we face and encourage us to approach these challenges with clarity, strategy, and resilience.
Swords remind us that thoughts and words are powerful tools that can both harm and heal. They call us to be mindful of our mental state, the decisions we make, and the impact of our communication on ourselves and others. These cards guide us through the complexities of conflict, urging us to find balance, truth, and resolution.
Embracing the Lessons
Rather than fearing these cards, consider what they are really asking of you. They are invitations to look deeper into your life, confront what isn't working, and embrace the potential for change and growth. The tarot does not predict an unchangeable future but offers insight into the energies at play in your life right now.
When these cards appear, ask yourself:
Where am I feeling restricted or trapped?
What structures in my life need to be rebuilt or let go?
What is ending, and what new beginning is waiting for me?
How can I move past this difficult chapter?
Where do I need to apply strategy or careful planning?
How can I resolve conflict without unnecessary harm?
What mental blocks or fears are holding me back?
The Power of Perspective
The key to working with tarot is understanding that no card is inherently negative. Each card is a piece of a larger story, and every story has its highs and lows. By shifting your perspective, you can see that even the most challenging cards offer valuable lessons and opportunities for growth.
So, the next time you pull The Devil, The Tower, Death, the Ten of Swords, the Seven of Swords, the Five of Swords, or the Eight of Swords, don’t be concerned. Instead, see them as powerful guides, showing you where you need to focus your energy for your personal evolution. In doing so, you’ll find that these cards can become some of the most transformative and empowering allies in your tarot journey.
Feeling a bit stuck at the moment? Or bogged down by a negative mindset? Shine some light on the obstacles and unearth any deeply rooted negative energies that may be holding you back with a Soul Healing Tarot Reading.
