A relationship break-up can be incredibly disappointing and hurtful. So, what Tarot cards should you look out for to foresee if a relationship is about to end? Here are my top ten Tarot cards for relationship break-ups.
Ten of Swords—One look at the imagery on the Ten of Swords and it is clear that this is about a painful, dramatic and perhaps unexpected ending. You have been deeply hurt and betrayed in this break-up and it will take many months, or even years, to heal from this difficult experience. However, keep faith as this Ten heralds a new cycle in life and new beginnings on the horizon.
Tower—Again, what stark imagery in the Tower! A lightning bolt strikes, the building is in flames, and people are leaping from the windows. This card reflects great turmoil or a major shake-up that forces you to change the way you see the world. Just when you thought you were in a safe and comfortable relationship, an event has occurred which has turned the relationship upside-down. You are now confronted with major change and may be dealing with divorce or the end of a long-term relationship.
Three of Swords—In the Three of Swords, we see a heart pierced by three swords. This card indicates grief, heartbreak and sorrow. This card may appear when a relatively new relationship has come to an end, because thankfully we see the sun shining from behind the clouds, suggesting that this heartbreak is only temporary and you will soon move on to greener pastures.
Three of Cups reversed—Ah, the Three of Cups reversed! I nearly always see this card when there is a love triangle or an unfaithful partner. Now, if this is not what you signed up for, it is likely it will lead to the end of the relationship. You need to be clear about the boundaries of your relationship and what you will and won’t stand for!
Five of Swords—The Five of Swords shows that battle has been fought and lost. Perhaps you have been going through a long period of disagreements and arguments with your partner and have finally decided to go your separate ways. While the arguing is over, you may not have the closure or ‘final word’ that you were looking for. Instead of pushing the matter, it is time to let go.
Death—Death is a card of change and transformation, endings and beginnings. Your relationship may have reached its final cycle and has come to an end. It is now time to let go of the past and embrace the future by bringing about change. In many cases this will mean the imminent end of the relationship, but take a look at the other cards in your reading as it is possible that change may occur within the relationship itself, steering it in a new and more positive direction.
Two of Cups reversed—Upright, this is a card of emotional connections and bonds between two people. Reversed, the Two of Cups reflects the end of a relationship, but perhaps it is under the context of a ‘mutual parting of ways’. You have both agreed that it is best to separate and break the bond that you once shared.
Five of Pentacles—The Five of Pentacles indicates failure and loss. Two destitute figures walk in the snow, shut outside of the church despite being in need of a helping hand. With this card, expect to feel isolated and ‘shut out’ of a relationship, experiencing some financial and spiritual loss as a result. Your partner may be refusing to help you or is withholding your finances as a result of a dispute.
Ten of Pentacles reversed—Upright, the Ten of Pentacles reflects an established relationship – possibly a long-term marriage along with an extended family network. Reversed, this marriage may be coming to an end and now you are having to divest family assets and separate your finances as part of the break-up. Your family and home life are being affected too.
Hermit—The Hermit is a solitary figure, representing a time of isolation and withdrawal from others. I see this as indicative of being ‘single’ and using this time to reflect on one’s personal and spiritual goals. So, while it is not strictly a ‘break-up’ card, it suggests a time of solitude and being on one’s own.
What other Tarot cards do you associate with break-ups and the end of a relationship? Leave your comments below!
Do you want to know what each of the 78 Tarot cards mean in a relationship Tarot reading? Buy my latest eBook “The Ultimate Guide to Tarot Card Meanings” to discover the Tarot card meanings for relationships, love, career, work, finance and spirituality Tarot readings. Click here to find out more.
{ 42 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for so generously sharing your knowledge of the tarot. Your website is wonderful, informative, and the wording is in terms a beginner can easily understand. I love your helpful articles such as this. With gratitude, Cheryl (British Columbia, Canada)
Hi Biddy!
The Seven of Swords came up on my daily spread on the day my ex boyfriend and I broke up! Till this day I believe he didn’t give me his honest reasons for wanting to break up!
I’m also curious about something, when you layout the cards for a spread do you spread them and choose randomly or do you pick them up from the top of the deck in order? I was taught to pick the top ones but it never felt right so I just choose them randomly! How do you do it?
Hi Ana,
Great suggestion with the Seven of Swords! This card often represents deception and betrayal – two elements that do not go hand in hand with a positive relationship!
In laying out the cards, I choose the cards off the top of the deck, however many readers fan out the deck and then select a card randomly. I think it’s best to do whatever feels right to you! There’s no one right way.
Thanks, Biddy
Thanks for your positive comments! I am really glad to hear that you find my Tarot blog helpful!
What about the 8 of Cups? I’m curious you didn’t include it since I thought it meant walking away from something/someone in disappointment with no more hope of fixing. What has your experience been with the 8 of Cups? Breakups, something less serious?
(And thanks for your website! Your individual card pages are super-helpful resources for learning!)
Hi Lisa,
Great suggestion! The Eight of Cups is definitely about walking away from something, particularly that is of an emotional nature. Often it reflects a time when there are still many unresolved relationship issues, but you know it is still the right time to leave the relationship and move on. The issues may be insurmountable (particularly if the Eight of Cups is reversed).
Thanks, Biddy
Good Evening: I am new at this and have a question: With a regular deck of playing cards I did the relationship spread. I have been dating a man for 3 months, and broke up this evening: I did the reading about 2 months ago. These were the cards: top left: Queen Spades, top Right Ace Hearts, under the Queen 3 of hearts, middle 7 Hearts, under the ace of hearts Ace of Dimonds, under 3 of hearts 9 of Hearts, under Ace of Diamonds 2 of Spades, What is your taken on this reading? Thank you so much Lora
I forgot to add I used the H spread…. Thanks Again Lora
Hi Lora,
Thanks for sharing your reading. I have to say that I’m not very familiar with using regular playing cards for a Tarot reading, but I know that it can be done! (If you’re like me and need a refresher on what playing card suits relate to what Tarot suit, click here). I certainly prefer using actual Tarot cards because I really tune in to the pictures and visual messages of the cards.
I am also not familiar with the “H Spread” – could you shed some light on this? Once I know a little more about the meaning of each position, we can take a better look at your reading.
Thanks, Biddy
Thanks – really interesting style of post and very thought-provoking! Particularly for a newbie like me. On a topic such as this it’s useful to get this kind of analysis of cards beyond the more obvious relationship break-up cards such as Death and the Ten of Swords.
Good Morning,
Thank you for your reply. The H spread is something I found on line. 3 on the left-3 on the right-1 in the middle. My cards in a straight line down the left side of the H were: Queen of Spades, that card is suppose to represent how I see myself; continuing down the left side of the H, my next card was a 3 of hearts, that card is suppose to represent how I feel about my partner, lastly on the lower left my card was 9 of heart, that is suppose to represent how my partner sees me. My center card was 7 of hearts, that is suppose to represent the present status or challenge of the relationship. Moving to the right hand side; top right my card was Ace of hearts, that is suppose to represent how I see my partner, center right my card was Ace of diamonds, that is suppose to represent what stands between me and my partner, lastly lower right my card was 2 of Spades that is suppose to represent what my partner feels about me. This relationship has been on again off again, he is so jealous of a man I dated for a brief time, before I even knew him. He brings him up in every conversation. He is 50, been single 26 years. I am 53, was married 25 years, my husband passed away 20 months ago. Ironically this man and my husband have the same name. John.
Thank you Biddy for this article. Very informative. <3
Hi Biddy,
I was wondering if a Hanged Man could be added to the list of break-up cards. Wouldn’t that mean a voluntary break up as such? Also, maybe queen/king of pentacles reversed?
Just an idea that I thought I’d share
Great suggestion! I would see the Hanged Man as perhaps a significant break in the relationship, where one or both parties need to have some time away from the relationship to collect their thoughts and decide what’s best for them and the relationship. It may end up that the relationship ends completely, but it is more reflective of the ‘pause’ in that relationship.
Biddy
I would add “Judgement” as a break-up card. As in, “forgive, let go, move on.”
Great suggestion! Although, I suppose Judgement could go one of two ways… After a period of contemplation and evaluation, you may also decide that you need to re-commit to the relationship or look at the relationship quite differently. Of course, you may also decide that it’s just not for you and it is indeed time to move on.
Biddy, that’s true. Judgement can mean taking the time to decide to forgive and stay together, or forgive and move on. Thank you!
I recently did a reading where the three of cups, I suspect, referred to the triangle between a husband, wife and mother-in-law. The husband was overly attached, the mother-in-law constantly caused trouble with the wife and there was no reason to believe infidelity. Do you think this could be a possible interpretation for the three of cups?
Hi Blake,
Thanks for sharing your comment! This is an excellent example of how the Three of Cups can play out… doesn’t always have to be a ‘lover’ but can also be a mother / mother-in-law who may be somewhat ‘interfering’.
Biddy
Hello i did a reading for a friend and her first card was the 3 of swords (I DID THE CELTIC CROSS) and i lay 3 more cards on top to help ecplin what is happening and on top of that she got the 10 swords, the hermit and 5 pentacles could that also mean break up.
Thank you
also forgot to mention I than did her partners cards and he got the hangman and on top of that we lay 3 cards and he got the 3 swords,page swords and 4 swords…
Thank you
Hmm, it sounds like they are just hanging in there if they are still together. I wouldn’t be surprised if your friend was feeling incredibly lonely in the relationship and her partner is holding back or using this time to work out what he wants from the future. Your friend is probably going through a really tough time, so the best thing you can do is to be there for her and encourage her to open up and share her feelings about the relationship.
Thank you so much
rita
Hi Biddy i was wondering about a spread i did for myself it was for a love spread for myself and my ex and suprisingly i got
king wands
king swords and
king cups
as me and my ex have recently parted could this mean that we will get back together again.
Thank you
Hi Tina,
Wow, three Kings! What I find most interesting about this is that, given it is a reading on a partnership, there are three Kings, and not two. This suggests that there may be some other men in your life who are playing a prominent role. Is it possible you have another two potential suitors?
Also, did you have specific positions in the spread, or was it just a three-card draw?
Biddy
Hi Biddy
I used a Celtic cross that I learnt while doing a course on Tarot.
The King of wands was in the feelings position
the king swords was in the environment around me and the king cups was my hopes and fears.
Hi Biddy,
First I want to thank you for your interpretations, I find it very helpful! Today my tarot spread was the strength inverted, page of cups inverted, 7 of wands, the chariot inverted, king of wands and the 8 of wands. Every area of my life is changeing so quickly that I am experiencing alot of fear. Trying to be strong.
Thank you
Eduarda
Hi Eduarda,
Well, there’s definitely a lot of change in the Eight of Wands! And probably at a much faster pace than you can keep up with. There are also a number of cards here that show your inner power and strength is at their weakest and that you may be realising your view of the situation has been idealistic and romantic, when the reality of the situation is quite different. Hang in there, and find ways to generate your own inner power and determine the path YOU want to take rather than what others dictate for you.
Biddy
Hi Tina,
My initial view would be that the King of Swords indicate that your ex is using his rational / logical mind here and is not giving away anything. He is more pragmatic and perhaps even a little ruthless in the way he is approaching the relationship. Meanwhile, the King of Wands and Cups show that you are wanting something more connected and authentic, rather than the ‘arms length’ relationship which your ex seems to be encouraging.
Hope this helps,
Biddy
Hello Biddy,
Your help has been of enormous help in inspiring me spiritually, everyday has been a different experience. Today I am feeling stronger, It must be because tomorrow is when my Transit Period begins. The two tarot cards today where the Ace of Swords and the Seven of Wands. I think that may be telling me to wait until I seek legal advice, because I have been struggling with my current relationship. Not to take things into my own hands but to stand my ground in a positive spiritual way. Did I intrepret this correctly?
Much appreciated,
Eduarda.
“Judgement” is also recommended for break-up. Simple rule, you need to pull through and move one in life.
Great suggestion! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Margareth
Hi Biddy,
What a terrific site. I’m so pleased to have discovered this! And your e-book looks amazing. Shall purchase it very soon.
Throwing out a couple more possible cards that might reinforce a break-up meaning:
1. The Wheel of Fortune
I’ve seen this come up when people are divorcing, particularly. This always signifies a sea change to me, and one that’s meant to be.
2. The Five of Cups
This card feels very much like the aftermath of a breakup, after the initial band-aid has been pulled off and you’re just sitting with the feelings of loss.
3. 9 of Swords
This one feels like a card that might come up if the querent is the one who’s likely to spearhead the break-up, and feels terrible about it.
Again, so happy to have discovered your work.
Hi Biddy
I have used a three card spread for my self a number of times, however over the last ten days I have done this three times and the same three cards have appeared – Page of cups, Hermit and 3 of Pentacles, I feel the cards are really trying to tell me something and for whatever reason I cant ‘understand@’. I always shuffle and cut my cards into three piles before choosing 3 cards, what are the odds of getting the same three times over?
Hi Wendy. Definitely a sign that you need to pay attention to!! Have you seen my post on this topic – http://www.biddytarot.com/blog/repeated-cards ? Also, what were the positions in the spread you used? That will help to understand how these cards play out for you. Brigit
I find it fascinating how the tarot cards “speak” to the reader. Some cards have different interpretations and I think it’s interesting how they mean one thing for one reader and a different one for the other, like in the Wheel of Fortune and how some see it as a very lucky card and others an unlucky one (to me it’s a lucky one). The Hanged Man to me represents a period of wait, not a break-up and the 9 of Swords tells me you’re making a bigger issue than it actually is, that you (or your querent) is getting all worked-up, stressed out and worried and that’s what’s making things bad (or worse). When I see it in a spread about a relationship it tells me you need to calm down because things are not as bad as they might seem and all that stress over then is what’s making the situation worse.
I also find that sometimes in a 3 card spread it’s not past, present, future or situation, influences, outcome or however you usually read it, but it’s a message in a whole and the last card doesn’t stand for what’s probably going to happen, but it’s part of the whole message.
I have a question for you, Biddy: recently I did a Celtic Cross reading regarding a romantic relationship and in the positions 9 and 10 I got the 4 of Wands and the Ace of Pentacles respectively, what do you think that means?
Dany, great suggestions with the card meanings!
4 of Wands shows a desire for a happy, committed and stable relationship and the Ace of Pentacles shows the ability to actually start manifesting that goal! Go girl!
Thank you Biddy!!! =) When reading for myself, I’m always afraid of being subjective and interpreting what I want to hear and now what the real message is, though most of the time the cards will be so clear they leave no room for such thing, lol.
Another thought about the 8 of cups, can’t it also mean in a new relationship that both people in the relationship (especially if the question is about both people) want to move away from a bad past together?
Vathek, I would say it’s possible, but you would want to see other cards in the reading that confirmed it, such as the Two of Cups, Lovers, Ten of Cups, Five of Swords reversed, etc. Thanks for your suggestion! Brigit
Thank you for the response. I’ve had this card come in in a cc reading that had the wheel of fortune, strength, the lovers, 10 of cups, the devil and the eight of cups, the moon and the king of wands as outcome in the same reading. It never seems to quite fit if I read it as walking a way from a relationship by myself. But it also shows up with 2 of cups, lovers, 10 of cups etc. I’m just trying to find alternate meanings for it.