Negative Cards - Part 2
There are several useful techniques for helping Querents when cards that are traditionally viewed as negative or 'spooky' come up in a reading.
People rarely come to a reading hoping to see the Death card but it will, of course, show up from time to time. A good Reader knows how to handle this card, as well as other negative cards when they appear in a Spread.
In part 1, we examined the meanings of the scary cards and how to interpret them. However, it is also useful to look at them from a different perspective - one that is more focused on Querents and their needs.
Approaching 'Fear'
Cards such as Death, the Tower, Devil, Three of Swords and Ten of Swords are often described as the 'scary cards'. It is important to learn how to work effectively with these cards in a reading.
If a Querent becomes upset or scared, they won't be open to the reading. THey will shut down and focus on their fear. With this in mind, there are three important steps for the Reader to consider:
To understand and recognise why these cards are considered scary.
To comprehend the role that these cards play in the deck as a whole.
How to work with individual cards as they come up in readings.
By following these simple guidelines, the Reader will be better able to lead the Querent to a deeper understanding of themselves and their situation.
What Are You Afraid Of?
It is not difficult to see why he 'scary cards' are frightening. The typical illustrations on these Arcana reflect situations that most people would prefer to avoid. The illustrations on the Three and Ten of Swords generally look like bad or at least unpleasant experiences. Death is off-putting especially if a Querent thinks the card means physical death, perhaps even their own. The Tower gives the distinct impression of something unexpected and catastrophic. The Devil, to many people, represents evil in general or malice or black magic.
These cards can truly upset people by evoking negative emotions and reactions in them. This is one of the things that Tarot is meant to do. At the same time, this sort of reaction can be paralysing. Not only are the images scary, but people might think the Tarot is predicting an absolute, irrevocable future. When they see Death in the outcome position, they might automatically think that they or someone they love is going to die. It is no wonder Querents can become alarmed. It is your job as a Reader to educate them.
General Scariness
A Querent might express their fears at the beginning of a reading and say things like, 'Oh, I hope I don't get the Death card. That's bad, isn't it?' If they do this, then the Reader should consider taking the time to explain 'scary cards'. The following explanations will help t eliminate a lot of fears and misperceptions that could hinder the reading later.
Death doesn't mean you're going to die
Right at the beginning, it is a good idea for the Reader to explain that the Death card rarely signifies physical death. This information will help to set the Querent's mind at ease.
The cards are symbolic
This goes along with the first point: just as the Death card desn't mean you are going to die, the Devil doesn't mean an evil spirit is going to possess you. The Tower doesn't mean your home will be destroyed. They are metaphors, allegories and representations that deal with the entire spectrum of human experience.
Experiencing life's ups and downs
Tarot is a wonderful tool, in part because it relates to every dimension of life. Everyone's life contains ups and downs, good times and bad times, and challenges that can lead to growth. All experiences are important. We gro and learn from everything. The Tarot wouldn't be as effective if it always showed that life was perfect.
Cards have a spectrum of meanings
Tarot cards are complex, just like people and life. All the cards have a range of meanings, some positive and some negative. Some difficult or scary experiences lead to great things later. For example, the Ten of Swords, while a difficult card, does mark the end of a painful experience. On the flip side, it also reflects the ending of a toxic thought pattern.
Cards must be read in context
Tarot cards do have a variety of meanings and the position in the Spread and the surrounding cards affect their interpretation. The card must be interpreted in context. Even a card that may seem 'good' on the surface can be 'bad' in certain contexts. No card should be judged out of context.
If you don't want to know
This is tongue-in-cheek, but there is some seriousness to it. Life does have ups and downs. If the Querent doesn't want to see and deal with whatever comes up, if they aren't ready for any possible answer, they shouldn't be asking the question. It is possible they may not want a reading after all. To ask is to open a door.
Specific Scariness
If a spooky card shows up in a reading and the Querent reacts badly to it, remember that Tarot is a mirror, always offering reflections about the individual and their life. The following techniques can help channel the Querent's' reactions into learning new information.
What are they really afraid of?
When a Querent reacts in a negative fashion to a card, the Reader might ask them to hold the card and really look at it in detail. The Querent should then describe what they see and what scares them. Ask them to explain why they are so scared.
What does it mean to them?
The Reader should ask the Querent to explain what they think the card means within the context of the reading. What is the worst thing that they think could happen? Why do they think that? Do they really believe that this bad thing will happen?
Dealing with questions like these often gets to the heart of the matter and reveals a Querent's deeply rooted worries. If they genuinely believe that a card means a particularly awful thing is going to happen to them, ask them what they might do to circumnavigate or negate the effect. If they don't know, the Reader might propose doing a fresh reading addressing how they can handle what they fear will happen.
Experiment With Decks
Remember that different decks can offer alternative vibs when it comes to frightening cards. Should you choose to confront spooky cards head on, a lighter, more playful or positive deck may make your task easier and put your Querents' mind at rest.
Removing Cards
Some Readers offer Tarot readings at large events and parties. In such cases, it may be a good idea to remove frightening cards for the following reasons:
Party readers are hired for entertainment. Most hosts won't want you to scare their guests or deal with heavy, serious themes.
A party setting may not provide you with enough time to explain the Tarot.
Consider how you would feel about a child approaching your table, drawing the Death card and becoming frightened.
Removing cards from your deck while reading for the general public is ultimately a decision only you can make.
Updated
21 January 2025 at 22:36:09
