How do you handle a "bad" reading?

[MysticScribe]

I just did a reading for a friend, and a lot of the cards were difficult (The Tower, Ten of Swords, Devil). It was a very intense reading, and I felt like I didn't handle it well. What's your approach when you get a very negative or challenging spread? Do you reframe the interpretation, or do you deliver the message as it is? I'd really appreciate any advice on this!

 

[Anne Marie]

Reply: How do you handle tough spreads like The Tower, Ten of Swords, or The Devil?


You're not alone—every reader hits that moment where the cards come through loud and heavy. First, take a deep breath. Cards like The Tower, Ten of Swords, and The Devil aren’t bad—they’re transformational. They're signposts that say: "Something needs to shift. The old structure isn't working anymore."


When I pull a challenging spread, I honor the message, but also the person receiving it. I never sugarcoat, but I do reframe—not to avoid the truth, but to help the seeker see the opportunity in it.


The Tower? That’s not destruction—it’s liberation—a chance to rebuild on stronger foundations.
Ten of Swords? A tough ending—but it marks the beginning of healing. The worst is behind them.
The Devil? A mirror. It asks: What are you giving your power away to—and how can you take it back?


I always remind my clients: the cards don’t dictate your future—they highlight what’s ready to evolve. And no matter how intense a reading gets, I end by grounding them with a message of empowerment: “You have the strength to move through this.”


Trust yourself. You did better than you thought. The fact that you care means your heart was in the right place—and that’s what truly matters.

 

[Welsh Dragon]

Be as kind and as gentle as possible. Help them see the light at the end of the tunnel. There's always something to look forward too...help them find it. Ask the cards for solutions to help them move through this time with minimal stress.