The Most Misunderstood Tarot Cards & What They Actually Mean

Why Misinterpretations Happen:

Tarot cards are deeper than their surface meaning. At The Argyle Oracle, we’re here to demystify these symbols to reveal the real wisdom of the Tarot.

Pop culture and lack of context often fuel common misconceptions about Tarot. In reality, the meaning depends on the card’s position in a spread and the reader’s intuition.

The Death Card:

Unlike popular belief, the Death Card in tarot doesn’t mean physical death; it means transformation and new beginnings. This card is the end of old parts of life, release of old patterns or beliefs to make space for growth and renewal. It’s a reminder that endings are part of life’s cycle and often lead to new opportunities and personal evolution.

The Devil Card:

The Devil Card in tarot represents inner struggles and self imposed limitations not an external force. It often highlights negative patterns, like addiction, dependency, or destructive behaviour that keep us trapped. This card is a powerful reminder we have the key to our own freedom. By identifying and confronting our own limitations we can break free from negativity and open the path to growth and empowerment. Understanding the Devil Card is a big part of this journey.

The Tower Card:

The Tower Card means upheaval but also means growth that can emerge from it. This card is sudden often unsettling change but through it we’re invited to re-assess and rebuild our lives. The Tower asks us to let go of old beliefs and unstable structures and make space for stronger foundations. It means transformation and guide us to rebuild with more resilience and insight from the unexpected. Though hard this process leads to deeper clarity, strength and wisdom.

The Hanged Man Card:

The Hanged Man Card in tarot signifies it’s time to pause and reflect rather than an ominous delay. It’s time to step back and view things from a different perspective. This period of suspension isn’t stagnation but a chance for insight through releasing control. The Hanged Man teaches patience and the power of surrender, suggesting that true understanding often arises when we let go of preconceptions and remain open to new ideas. By embracing reflection, we can uncover deeper self-awareness and clarity about our path forward.

The Ten of Swords Card:

Despite its grim imagery, the Ten of Swords suggests a difficult cycle is coming to an end. This card often depicts a person lying defeated with 10 swords in their back. It means the hardship is over and we have hit rock bottom. But it also holds a message of hope and renewal. The Ten of Swords means the worst is over and recovery and healing is on the horizon. It’s time to let go of past pains and look forward to a brighter future. This card tells us we have the opportunity to rise again stronger and more resilient than before.

Understanding Tarot Context & Intuition:

Tarot is a deeply personal practice where the meanings of the cards are influenced not only by their traditional interpretations but also by the specific context of the spread and the reader’s intuition. Each reading is unique, shaped by the question at hand, the placement of the cards, and the insights of the tarot reader.

A flexible approach like we use at The Argyle Oracle allows for more in-depth, more personal guidance. By considering the dynamic between the cards and tapping into intuition we provide readings that resonate on a deep level, guidance that is relevant and meaningful and helps you on your journey. This adaptability means the guidance you receive is not only relevant but also personal, so you connect with the tarot messages on a deeper level.

What Next?

Misunderstood Tarot cards are gateways to hidden wisdom and personal growth.

We invite you to explore their true meanings with an open mind through a reading at The Argyle Oracle or by learning from experienced psychics like Helen Beckman.