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Ask any tarot reader, and they’ll tell you—some cards have a reputation. I’ve seen it time and time again: a client pulls The Tower, Death, or The Ten of Swords, and immediately, their face drops. Oh no, that’s a bad one, isn’t it? They brace for impact, expecting disaster. The question always follows: what is the worst tarot card to draw? People fear certain cards like they’re omens of doom, signs that everything is about to collapse.
But here’s the thing—tarot doesn’t deal in good and bad. The cards don’t exist to curse you or confirm your worst fears. They exist to reveal what’s happening beneath the surface. Some cards hit harder than others, sure, but that’s because they’re cutting through the noise and showing you what you need to see. The problem isn’t the card itself—it’s our resistance to what it’s telling us.
So let’s talk about these so-called “bad” cards. The ones that make people wince, hesitate, or joke about quitting the reading altogether. Whether it’s The Devil, The Five of Pentacles, or The Three of Swords, each of these cards carries a message that, while uncomfortable, can be exactly what you need to hear. By the end of this, you might just realise that the card you feared the most is the one that helps you move forward.
Are There Really ‘Bad’ Tarot Cards?
Tarot Is About Perspective
A lot of people assume certain cards are bad because of the way they feel when they appear in a reading. If you’re going through a tough time, seeing The Ten of Swords can feel like the worst tarot card to get. It looks bleak, sure, but it’s not about suffering for the sake of it—it’s about endings, closure, and moving forward.
The real issue isn’t the card itself; it’s how we respond to it. Tarot doesn’t sugarcoat things. If you’re avoiding something, the cards will call you out on it. But that’s not a curse—that’s clarity. The cards don’t dictate what happens, they reflect what is happening and invite you to engage with it.
The Role of Fear and Misconception
Pop culture has done a fantastic job of making tarot look terrifying. You see it in movies all the time—someone pulls the Death card, and suddenly, disaster strikes. It’s dramatic, sure, but completely misleading. The Death card isn’t about literal death; it’s about transformation. And yet, thanks to media influence, people often assume it’s the worst tarot card to draw.
The same goes for The Devil. It doesn’t mean you’re possessed or doomed—it points to the things that have a hold over you, whether that’s toxic habits, limiting beliefs, or relationships that drain you. These aren’t bad cards; they’re revealing cards. They show you what’s happening so you can do something about it.
The Cards Aren’t Bad—We Just Don’t Like What They Show Us
No one wants to hear that a relationship is falling apart, that they’re carrying too much stress, or that they need to face a hard truth. That’s why certain tarot cards feel like the worst tarot card to get—they highlight things we’d rather ignore. But ignoring something doesn’t make it go away. If anything, it makes it worse.
Instead of fearing these cards, the real question to ask is: What is this telling me? Because the most challenging tarot cards are often the ones that push us towards real growth. And the sooner you stop resisting their message, the sooner you can start working with them instead of against them.
The 10 Worst Tarot Cards Explained
The Tower
People often ask, is The Tower the worst tarot card? And honestly, it’s easy to see why. This card represents sudden, unavoidable change—the kind that turns everything upside down whether you’re ready or not. It’s not just about weak foundations crumbling; even the strongest structures can fall when hit with an unexpected force.
Think about Covid—businesses with solid foundations collapsed overnight, not because they were weak, but because the world changed in a way no one could control. That’s The Tower. It doesn’t care if things were working before—it only cares that they’re about to change.
Fighting The Tower is pointless. When this card appears, the worst tarot card to draw for anyone who hates change, it’s telling you that resistance is only going to make things harder. You can try to cling to what was, but the truth is, you’re better off adapting. Some things just aren’t in your control, and this card forces you to deal with that.
But here’s the thing—once The Tower has done its damage, you get to rebuild. It clears out what no longer fits so that something new can take its place. It might feel like destruction, but it’s also an opportunity for transformation. Instead of fearing it, ask yourself: What is this clearing space for?
Death
Of all the cards people fear, Death is probably the worst tarot card to get—at least in the minds of people who don’t understand it. Blame Hollywood. Whenever someone in a movie pulls this card, disaster is right around the corner. But that’s not what Death is about at all. It’s not literal. It’s transformation, a necessary ending that makes room for a new beginning. It’s the snake shedding its skin, the caterpillar dissolving into goo before becoming a butterfly. It’s change—but the kind that comes from letting go.
People struggle with Death because letting go is hard. Even when we know something isn’t working, we cling to it because it’s familiar. Death shows up when it’s time to move on—when something has outlived its purpose, and holding onto it is just making things worse. That might be a relationship, a job, a version of yourself you’ve outgrown.
This card isn’t about fear—it’s about freedom. What happens when you stop gripping so tightly to what’s already ending? You make space for something better. Death is the doorway to rebirth. You just have to be willing to step through it.
The Devil
The Devil gets a bad reputation, often considered one of the worst tarot cards to draw because it’s all about control, addiction, and toxic cycles. But here’s the kicker—the chains in this card are loose. The people in the image could break free, but they don’t. The Devil isn’t about being trapped—it’s about believing you are.
This card forces you to confront where you’ve given up your power. Maybe it’s a relationship that drains you, a habit you can’t shake, a way of thinking that keeps you stuck. The Devil doesn’t sugarcoat things. It says, Look at this. This has control over you. And yeah, that’s uncomfortable. No one wants to admit they’re stuck. But recognising it? That’s the first step to breaking free.
The Devil isn’t here to punish you. It’s here to wake you up. Once you see the chains for what they are—illusions, beliefs, fears—you can slip them off. You’re not as trapped as you think.
The Hierophant
People often assume The Hierophant is the worst tarot card to get when they’re feeling rebellious or resistant to authority. It’s the card of structure, tradition, and external guidance—things that don’t always sit well in a world that celebrates individuality. But The Hierophant isn’t about blind obedience. It’s about learning. It’s about knowing when to seek wisdom from outside yourself.
The problem is, a lot of people don’t like being told what to do. This card challenges that. Are you rejecting structure just because you don’t like rules? Or are you dismissing valuable guidance because it doesn’t fit what you want to hear? The Hierophant isn’t saying, Follow without question. It’s saying, There’s something to learn here—are you willing to listen?
Sometimes, this card is a reminder that mentorship, education, or guidance is what’s needed. Other times, it’s a sign that you might be leaning too much on tradition without thinking critically. The key is balance—learn from others, but don’t lose yourself in the process.
The Three of Swords
No one wants to see The Three of Swords in a reading. It’s heartbreak, pain, the worst tarot card to draw when you’re hoping for good news. And yet, this card is one of the most honest in the deck. It doesn’t sugarcoat. It doesn’t pretend everything’s fine. It cuts through denial and lays the truth bare.
The thing about this card? It’s not just about the pain—it’s about how we process it. Swords represent thoughts, and this is a card about intellectualising emotions instead of feeling them. When we overthink heartbreak, when we try to understand our pain instead of just letting ourselves feel it, we make it worse. The Three of Swords tells you to stop analysing your feelings like a puzzle to be solved. Just feel them. Move through them.
And yes, it hurts. But the only way to truly heal is to stop avoiding it. The Three of Swords isn’t here to break you—it’s here to clear the way for something new. Pain is temporary. Growth is what lasts.
The Two of Cups Reversed
The Two of Cups Reversed is often seen as the worst tarot card to get in relationships. When this card comes up, it usually points to a disconnect. The cups, which represent emotions and connection, are upside down—emptying out, draining. And that can be a tough thing to acknowledge. Maybe something’s shifted between you and your partner. Maybe the closeness that was once there just isn’t anymore.
Sometimes, that’s the sign you need to step back and ask: Is this relationship actually working? But The Two of Cups Reversed doesn’t always mean it’s over. Sometimes, it’s just highlighting that emotional distance, showing you what needs to change.
Instead of overthinking it, sometimes the best way to reconnect is just spending time together. Back when I worked for the church, I used to run the tech for a marriage course. One of the only things that stuck with me was how often couples, after an argument, would go off and stew over it separately instead of just spending time together. The result? More resentment, more disconnect.
If you’re feeling that emotional gap, the best way to bridge it is to be present with each other. And if that sounds unbearable? Well, that might be your answer.
The Five of Pentacles
If you’re looking for the worst tarot card to draw when it comes to financial struggles, The Five of Pentacles is probably up there. It’s about hardship—financial, emotional, physical. It’s the moment where you feel like you’re on your own, like there’s no help coming. And when you’re in that space, it’s easy to believe that’s just how things are.
But here’s the thing—if you look at most versions of this card, there’s usually a source of help right there. A lit-up window, a warm building, something just outside of view. This card isn’t just about struggle—it’s about perspective. It’s about recognising that even in the hardest times, support is there. But you have to be willing to reach for it.
Also, if you’re at Transcend right now reading this, you’ll know the Five of Pentacles too well—because let’s be real, this place is freezing. But just like in the card, there’s warmth nearby. (Maybe just not inside the barn.)
The Nine of Swords
A lot of people would say The Nine of Swords is the worst tarot card for anxiety. If you’ve ever had a night where your brain just won’t shut up—where you’re lying awake, spiraling over worst-case scenarios—congratulations, you already know what this card feels like. It’s the weight of your own thoughts pressing down on you. And the worst part? Half the time, the things you’re stressing over aren’t even real.
That’s the thing about this card—it’s about fear, but not necessarily reality. It’s the stories we tell ourselves in the dark, the way our minds run wild when there’s nothing to distract us. It doesn’t mean your worries aren’t valid, but it is a reminder to ask: Is this fear based on fact? Or am I making it worse by feeding into it?
So next time The Nine of Swords shows up, don’t take it as confirmation that everything’s doomed—see it as a challenge to step back from the spiral. What’s real? What isn’t? And what can you do about it?
The Ten of Wands
If you ask tarot readers what is the worst tarot card to draw for burnout, The Ten of Wands would be a strong contender. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and like you’ve got way too much on your plate, this card is showing up for a reason. Wands represent energy and passion, but this card? This is when you’ve taken on so much that it’s crushing you.
The goal might still be in sight, but if you keep carrying all this weight alone, you’re never going to make it. The lesson here? Put some stuff down. You’re not proving anything by struggling. The Ten of Wands is a reality check—if you don’t start setting limits, your energy is going to run out before you get where you’re trying to go.
Sometimes, pushing through isn’t strength. Knowing when to rest? That’s strength. So if this card shows up, ask yourself: What can I let go of? What’s actually mine to carry? And am I running on determination or just running myself into the ground? Because if you don’t know your flipping limits, your body will remind you.
The Ten of Swords
If there was ever a card that screamed “the worst tarot card to get,” it would probably be The Ten of Swords. Let’s be real—this card looks brutal. Ten swords in the back, someone lying face-down, full betrayal energy. But as dramatic as it seems, The Ten of Swords isn’t about suffering for the sake of it. It’s about finality. This is rock bottom. The absolute end of the road. But the thing about rock bottom? The only way is up.
The Ten of Swords is a painful but necessary ending. Something in your life has run its course—whether it’s a mindset, a situation, or a relationship, this is the moment you stop fighting for something that isn’t meant to continue. And yeah, that can hurt. But clinging onto something that’s already over? That is what really drains you.
So if this card shows up, ask yourself: What am I still holding onto that’s already done? Am I making this ending harder by resisting it? Because the sun is rising in the background of this card for a reason. The worst is behind you. Time to get up and move forward.
Worst Tarot Card Combinations (And What They Actually Mean)
The Tower + The Ten of Swords
If you were looking for the worst tarot card combination, this might be it. The Tower represents complete upheaval, while the Ten of Swords signals an abrupt, painful ending. Together, they paint a picture of total devastation—like everything crashing down at once with no warning.
But here’s the reality: this combination is the ultimate reset. It’s the collapse of something that was never meant to last, clearing the way for something new. The Tower forces change, and the Ten of Swords confirms that the old way is well and truly over. One door is closing, but another is about to open.
The lesson? Surrender to the change. You don’t have to fight to hold onto what’s already gone. Instead, ask yourself: What comes next? Because once the dust settles, you’ll see that this wasn’t the worst tarot card combination to get—it was the most necessary.
Death + The Ten of Wands
At first glance, Death and the Ten of Wands seem like the worst tarot card combination to draw. One represents endings, the other overwhelming burdens. It’s easy to assume this means complete collapse—but that’s not the full story.
This combination is about release. Death clears the way for transformation, and the Ten of Wands reminds you that you’ve been carrying too much for too long. This pairing shows up when you’re at breaking point, but it’s not a punishment—it’s permission to let go.
Instead of seeing this as everything falling apart, recognise the gift: you don’t have to keep holding on. Let go of what’s too heavy, and embrace the new beginning that’s waiting for you.
The Devil + The Five of Pentacles
If you’re asking, what is the worst tarot card to get?, this combo probably makes the list. The Devil is about feeling trapped—by addiction, by toxic cycles, by limiting beliefs—while the Five of Pentacles screams scarcity and isolation. Together, they create a sense of hopelessness, like you’re stuck in hardship with no way out.
But here’s the truth: this is a wake-up call, not a life sentence. The Devil’s chains are loose—you can free yourself. The Five of Pentacles might show struggle, but in every version of the card, help is nearby. This combination asks you to recognise where you’re keeping yourself stuck.
The way forward? Acknowledge what’s holding you back, and reach for support. You are not as trapped as you feel, and you are never truly alone.
The Three of Swords + The Nine of Swords
No one wants to see this combination in a reading. The Three of Swords is heartbreak, the Nine of Swords is anxiety—put them together, and it’s easy to spiral into despair. This combo represents the pain that keeps you up at night, the overthinking that makes suffering even worse.
But here’s the difference: feeling pain and overthinking pain are not the same thing. The Three of Swords tells you to acknowledge your hurt, while the Nine of Swords warns against getting lost in mental loops. This pairing doesn’t mean you’re doomed to heartbreak forever—it’s reminding you to process, not obsess.
How do you move forward? Let yourself feel, but don’t let the fear of pain keep you stuck. Your emotions are real, but so is the possibility of healing. The worst tarot card combinations aren’t the ones that break you—they’re the ones that show you what needs to be healed.
Conclusion: There Is No Worst Tarot Card
Tarot doesn’t deal in good or bad—it tells you what you need to hear. Even the hardest cards carry a message that, if you listen, can help you grow. The ones that feel painful? They’re often the ones that push you towards transformation the most.
The cards don’t predict disaster—they reveal what’s already happening beneath the surface. And sometimes, the message that scares you is the one that frees you.
Ready to face your own messages head-on? Book a tarot reading today and see what the cards have to tell you.
