Here is a list of the most challenging tarot cards to get in a love reading. The more of these that show up in your spread the stronger the negative message. Every one these is a different manifestation of a fear of commitment or intimacy.
I have not included the Death card, the Ten of Swords or the Eight of Cups, as these indicate that the relationship is over, not challenged! 
The Five of Swords: This is the ultimate game player card. A person represented by the Five of Swords must 'win' at any cost (even the relationship itself). This card often times represents a situation or pattern in your relationship that you wish was different...but it is not going to change. Your only option is to accept it totally or Leave it. 
The Seven of Swords: This person will cut and run at a moments notice. If you are wondering if you are being deceived, you probably are...especially if the moon is also present. If you are afraid they will leave if you express your true feelings, they probably will. Ask questions of the other person and be brave facing the answers. Truth is the only currency. Sometimes you have to push the envelope to see how strong your relationship is. |
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The 7 of Cups:
If this card represents a person, they may feel like they have sooooo many romantic choices. They don't want to choose or commit because they want to be wanted by as many people as possible. They will always be waiting for a better offer to come around.
If this card represents a relationship, an awful lot of projection is going on. Reality may hit hard and fast. One partner may have such hard set ideas about relationships and how they should be that they can't hear the truth of their partners words.
This can also be the 'gaslighting' card, where one person makes the other person doubt their own reality, especially if the emperor and moon are present.
The Devil:
In a negatively aspected reading, the Devil represents addictive love. Here are the hallmarks of addictive love:
Things are difficult more than they are smooth
Your relationship leaves you on top of the world one day, really low the next.
Your mind thinks about the relationship non-stop
You just never feel your best self in this relationship.
You feel oddly lonely despite being with someone
Power Plays
You hide things about the relationship from friends and family.
Even though you often want to leave, the truth is, you just can’t.
Time spent apart from them is painful, rather than full of excited expectancy.
You are trapped and must figure out how to set yourself free.
The Three of Swords:
Ouch! This card rolls up heartache and disappointment into one big bitter pill that you have to choke down whether you like it or not. If this card is paired with Death, the relationship is over. If it is paired with the Eight of Cups, you may choose to move on. And if it is paired with the Ten of Swords a serious betrayal is at hand and the end is imminent.
Otherwise, this card represents a difficult time period in a long term relationship and some unwelcome truth in a new romance.
It also is the card that represents a threesome that is unwelcome. There may be another man or woman.
The Moon:
This is the card of unconscious motivations and hidden truths. If it shows up in a relationship reading it is calling on you to look at why you are once again in the same love situation. The moon is all about patterns. If your partner's behavior is confusing you, they may be playing out their own unconscious fears and dramas. Unfortunately, they may be purposely confusing you in order to manipulate you because they are a narcissist. The Moon can represent outright deception. Direct communication, fearless questioning and holding on to integrity are critical now.
The Six of Wands:
While not inherently bad, the six of wands does have some warnings attached. Look to the other cards to see if these meanings apply.
This is the card of victory, so it can be very positive in a new romance reading if you have finally got who or what you wanted. Unfortunately, with this card, you may have gotten what everyone else wanted, too! Jealousy from another is indicated here, so don't show off. Be happy, but lay low for the moment.
If this card represents the other person, be aware. It can portray someone who just wants to be wanted, but doesn't want to invest.
The Emperor
In a negatively aspected relationship reading, the Emperor is a Narcissist. Even in a positive love reading the Emperor will bring a certain need to control the relationship.
The Emperor wants things done his way...or the highway.
In a negatively aspected relationship reading, the Emperor is a Narcissist. Even in a positive love reading the Emperor will bring a certain need to control the relationship.
The Emperor wants things done his way...or the highway.
The King of Cups
This King can be a wonderful person, full of kindness and compassion and maturity. But if your partner is a negative version of this card they are subtly manipulative. Their difficulties are paramount and all plans revolve around their fluctuating needs. This is a very self-centered person and if you choose to be with them you will always be on their agenda. You deserve more.
I often times see this card when someone is a hardcore drinker.
This King can be a wonderful person, full of kindness and compassion and maturity. But if your partner is a negative version of this card they are subtly manipulative. Their difficulties are paramount and all plans revolve around their fluctuating needs. This is a very self-centered person and if you choose to be with them you will always be on their agenda. You deserve more.
I often times see this card when someone is a hardcore drinker.
All of the 'Five Cards' are challenging.
5 of Cups=Disappointment
5 of Wands=Competition
5 of Swords= Game playing
5 of Pentacles=a Sense of Loneliness
5 of Cups=Disappointment
5 of Wands=Competition
5 of Swords= Game playing
5 of Pentacles=a Sense of Loneliness