Top 10 WORST Tarot Cards to Pull During a Reading

These are the worst tarot cards to pull during a reading, at least at first glance. They are tough love in card form: they force you to face your fears, your failures, and the chaos in your life head-on. But even the "worst" cards hold potential for growth, transformation, and healing, if you're willing to put in the work.

Featuring the Mystic Deck

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1. The Tower

Meaning: Sudden upheaval, chaos, destruction of old structures.

Why it's challenging:

The Tower screams "everything you thought was stable is actually a house of cards." When this bad boy shows up, expect the unexpected: a job loss, a breakup, a revelation that shakes your foundation to its core. The lightning bolt strikes and the Tower crumbles with fire, destruction, and a lot of screaming. This card is the universe bulldozing your life to force you to rebuild on firmer ground. Necessary in the long run? Yeah. But it sucks in the moment.

Learn more about The Tower card and its implications.

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2. Ten of Swords

Meaning: Betrayal, painful endings, rock bottom.

Why it's challenging:

Imagine getting stabbed in the back ten times. That's this card. It's the epitome of hitting rock bottom, whether through betrayal, burnout, or life just beating you down until you can't take it anymore. The Ten of Swords skips the sugarcoating; it's here to say, "Yeah, it's bad. But you know what? It can't get worse." The only silver lining: once you're at the bottom, the only way is up.

Dive deeper into the Ten of Swords meaning.

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3. Death (Reversed or Poorly Aspected)

Meaning: Resistance to transformation, stagnation, clinging to the past.

Why it's challenging:

Upright, Death is about transformation and new beginnings. Reversed? It's like refusing to throw out a rotting meal because you're sentimental about the container. This card screams, "Let go, for crying out loud!" But often the querent digs in their heels, terrified of the unknown. It's stagnation city, population: you. Staying in a toxic relationship or refusing to move on from a dead-end job: Death reversed means you're resisting the growth you desperately need.

Understand the nuances of the Death card reversed.

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4. The Devil

Meaning: Addiction, bondage, unhealthy attachments, materialism.

Why it's challenging:

The Devil doesn't just trap you; he makes you think you're enjoying it. Whether it's an addiction, a toxic relationship, or chasing money at the expense of your soul, this card exposes the chains we willingly put on ourselves. The real kicker? The chains are loose. You could break free anytime you wanted. But the Devil's allure is strong, and many people stay in the cycle longer than they should.

Explore the depths of The Devil card.

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5. Five of Pentacles

Meaning: Financial loss, hardship, abandonment.

Why it's challenging:

If you're not struggling financially when this card shows up, you're probably feeling emotionally abandoned or left out in the cold. The Five of Pentacles is about lack: of money, of support, of security. The imagery of two destitute figures outside a church window hits hard. Help is nearby, but for some reason you don't see it or can't access it. This card forces you to confront feelings of scarcity, rejection, or isolation.

Read more on the Five of Pentacles and its impact.

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6. Three of Swords

Meaning: Heartbreak, emotional pain, grief.

Why it's challenging:

A big ol' heart with three swords sticking through it. It doesn't get more straightforward than that. The Three of Swords is the heartbreak card, whether it's a romantic betrayal, the death of a loved one, or some other emotional devastation. It's the kind of pain that stays with you, gnaws at your chest, and leaves you crying in the shower. But it also reminds you that heartbreak, while brutal, is part of the human experience.

Gain insight into the Three of Swords meaning.

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7. The Moon (Reversed)

Meaning: Illusions, deception, fear, mental confusion.

Why it's challenging:

The Moon reversed is like being lost in a foggy forest with only shadows to guide you, and one of those shadows is probably a wolf. Anxiety runs high when this card appears, along with a creeping sense that you're being lied to, either by others or by yourself. Reversed, the Moon is about hidden truths, unclear paths, and fear of the unknown. Nothing is as it seems, and you're left doubting your own instincts.

Discover the mysteries of The Moon reversed.

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8. Seven of Swords

Meaning: Deception, theft, betrayal, running away.

Why it's challenging:

The Seven of Swords is the "sneaky bastard" card. Whether someone is stealing from you, lying to you, or you're deceiving yourself, this card is all about dishonesty. It can also mean trying to escape a situation you should be dealing with head-on. If it shows up, consider it a big red flag: keep an eye on your surroundings, or take a hard look in the mirror.

Learn about the Seven of Swords and its warnings.

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9. Nine of Swords

Meaning: Anxiety, nightmares, despair.

Why it's challenging:

Ever stayed up all night replaying every mistake you've ever made? That's the Nine of Swords. It's the card of mental anguish, the kind that gnaws at your soul and keeps you staring at the ceiling. Whether it's guilt, worry, or straight-up existential dread, this card lays your deepest fears bare. It doesn't offer solutions, just a mirror to your sleepless nights and gnawing doubts.

Unveil the truths of the Nine of Swords.

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10. The Hanged Man (Reversed)

Meaning: Stagnation, selfishness, wasted effort.

Why it's challenging:

The Hanged Man reversed is the definition of spinning your wheels. Upright, this card is about perspective and surrendering to the process. Reversed, it's like hanging upside down for no reason and refusing to gain anything from the experience. The themes here are stubbornness, resistance to change, and the feeling that your sacrifices aren't paying off. It's the ultimate "stuck in limbo" card, and it's maddening.

Find out more about The Hanged Man reversed.

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Embracing the challenges for growth

These cards may be harbingers of tough times, but they also hold the keys to real personal growth. They push you to confront uncomfortable truths and step out of your comfort zone. Even the most challenging tarot cards offer a way forward, if you're willing to face them head-on. Next time one lands on your table, don't panic: read it, name the problem it's pointing at, and deal with that.

Want the other side of the deck? Read the 10 best tarot cards to pull, or start from scratch with the beginner's guide to tarot reading. Each card here also has its own page: the Tower, Ten of Swords, Death, the Devil, Five of Pentacles, Three of Swords, the Moon, Seven of Swords, Nine of Swords and the Hanged Man.