When someone unfamiliar with tarot sees The Tower, Death, or The Devil in a reading, panic often follows. These cards have been used in movies, TV shows, and pop culture to suggest doom, evil, or tragedy. But in actual tarot practice, these cards are not warnings of unavoidable disaster—they’re invitations to look deeper.
Tarot isn’t about telling scary stories—it’s about uncovering truth, understanding energy, and finding clarity in your path. Let’s take a look at the three most misunderstood tarot cards and what they really mean when they show up in your readings.
🌩️ The Tower – Sudden Change, Not Catastrophe
Pop Culture Interpretation:
Disaster. Chaos. The end of everything.
True Tarot Meaning:
The Tower represents sudden and necessary change. It's the shock that tears down illusions and reveals something essential—often something you've been avoiding.
When The Tower appears, it’s not saying “everything is doomed.” It’s saying, "Something built on shaky ground is about to fall so you can build something better." Yes, it can feel disruptive—but it’s ultimately about truth, clarity, and rebuilding.
Real-Life Examples of a Tower Moment:
- Leaving a toxic relationship suddenly—but finding freedom on the other side
- Getting fired from a job you hated—then discovering your real calling
- A surprise event that jolts you awake and shifts your entire mindset
The Tower isn’t the villain. It’s the lightning bolt of truth that clears the way for something better.
💀 Death – Transformation, Not Doom
Pop Culture Interpretation:
Literal death. Loss. Grief.
True Tarot Meaning:
In tarot, Death rarely means physical death. Instead, it symbolizes transformation, release, and rebirth. It’s about letting go of what no longer serves you so something new can grow.
Death clears the old to make way for the new. It’s the compost of the soul—unpleasant in the moment, but incredibly fertile in the long term.
Real-Life Examples of a Death Card Moment:
- Ending a long friendship that’s become one-sided
- Graduating from school and leaving your student identity behind
- Letting go of outdated beliefs and stepping into a new spiritual practice
When Death shows up, it’s a sign that something is ending—and that’s a good thing. It marks the transition point from one chapter of life to the next.
😈 The Devil – Awareness of Your Chains
Pop Culture Interpretation:
Evil. Demonic possession. Danger.
True Tarot Meaning:
The Devil isn’t about external evil—it’s about the illusions that keep us stuck. This card highlights addiction, unhealthy attachments, materialism, and fear-based thinking. But here’s the secret: the chains shown on the card are loose—you can take them off anytime.
The Devil is about recognizing where you're giving your power away and learning how to reclaim it.
Real-Life Examples of a Devil Card Moment:
- Realizing you’re stuck in a job you hate because you’re afraid of change
- Noticing patterns of self-sabotage or avoidance
- Feeling trapped by what others think of you
When The Devil appears, it’s not saying you’re doomed—it’s inviting you to wake up, face your shadow, and break free.
🕊️ Bonus Mentions – Cards That Spook But Shouldn’t
Here are a few more cards that tend to get misunderstood:
- Ten of Swords: Yes, it looks painful—but it’s also a card of finality and healing. The worst is over, and now you can rebuild.
- Three of Swords: Often seen as heartbreak—but it’s also about emotional honesty, and the courage to feel and heal.
- The Hanged Man: Not punishment, but a sacred pause. It's asking you to surrender control and see things from a new perspective.
🌱 Final Thoughts – Tarot Isn’t Scary, It’s Honest
The cards aren’t trying to frighten you—they’re here to offer truth, insight, and guidance. The Tower, Death, and The Devil don’t mean something bad is coming. They mean something real is happening, and it’s time to lean in, not run away.
Understanding these misunderstood cards is a powerful step on your tarot journey. They’re not the end—they’re the beginning of transformation, awakening, and freedom.
So the next time one of these shows up in a reading… breathe. Then ask yourself:
“What truth is this card inviting me to see?"
