Keep in mind that there are many ways to read playing cards but playing cards are not the equivalent to Tarot. The rules may be different depending on your family, culture, the type of playing cards, and other factors. This is entirely based on my own style of reading playing cards.
• If you want a quick yes/no reading, shuffle your deck and pull three cards. The meanings of the cards don't matter for this- the colors do. Reds are yes, blacks are no. If all three cards are the same color, it is a definite yes or no. If there are two reds and one black, it is a strong yes but there may be some small caveats. If it is two blacks and one red, it is a strong no but there may be some small truths involved.
• If the seven of hearts comes out followed by the ten of clubs reversed, it is a warning that something bad is coming, and it is coming quick. There is nothing you can do to stop it.
• Ten of spades and ten of clubs (both reversed) together means that somebody is working against you with intentions to destroy something you've worked hard for. The cards following can tell you who it is, why they're doing it and if you can prevent the damage.
• The five of clubs followed by the six of clubs is reassurance. There will be success in things that have been in the works for a long time, especially if it's related to the person's career.
• The seven of diamonds followed by the nine of diamonds (both reversed) indicates that the truth will be disappointing. The rest of the cards can further explain what the truth is.
• Six of spades followed by ace of hearts reversed can suggest a major ending leading to movement; such as moving houses, graduating university, being hired for a job and similar events.
The spades suit is associated with matters such as conflict, inner turmoil, sickness and death.
Please keep in mind that there are many ways to read playing cards depending on region and culture. My interpretations are heavily influenced by Jake Richard's (author of Backwoods Witchcraft & Doctoring the Devil) interpretations, as well as southern and German folklore and superstitions.
I choose to read reversed cards for most of these because my playing card decks have imagery that help me determine if they're reversed or not. This guide may not be the best if you're using a standard issue playing card deck.
Ace of Spades
To dream of a birth is a sign of death, as is the rocking of an empty cradle. Death in this context is usually metaphorical, though in rare cases could be literal. The ace of spades is all about death: changes and endings.
Key Words
Upright: Sudden Changes, Abrupt Endings, Misfortune, Bad Luck
Broken bottles symbolize drama and aggression. The two of spades highlights an external conflict. This conflict can be either verbal or physical.
Key Words
Upright: Arguments, Fighting, Trouble, Separation
Reversed: Making Amends, Reconciliation, Finding a Middle Ground
Three of Spades
Many believe things come in threes: good and bad. You don't really get to decide when it happens, it just does. It all depends on your luck. The three of spades will let you know which threes you're currently dealing with.
Key Words
Upright: Bad Luck, Setbacks, Obstacles, Struggle
Reversed: Good Luck, Balance, Harmony, Overcoming Obstacles
Four of Spades
Acorns are used for both good luck and protection purposes. Some say that oak trees have a special connection to thunder storms, and that if you place an acorn on your windowsill it will protect your home from being stuck by lightning. The four of spades is all about protection and safety.
Key Words
Upright: Protections Compromised, Danger, Take Precautions
Reversed: Secure, Safe, Danger Avoided
Five of Spades
The five of spades is the corpse card. The past cannot be changed, what's done is done. The future is still unknown and full of potential. The five of spades can be a sign of hope that things will only get better from here, or that internal conflict will hinder you. In rare cases, this card may also warn of sickness.
Key Words
Upright: Bury the Hatchet, Release, Moving On, All Uphill From Here
Reversed: Anxiety, Sorrow, Pity, Grudges
Six of Spades
Coffins are the final resting place for many. The six of spades represents a conclusion to something. The situation might not be over quite yet, but it will be. In rare situations this card could represent a literal funeral.
Key Words
Upright: Ending, Conclusion, Separation
Reversed: The Past, Resurrection, Holding Onto Something, Spirit Communication
Seven of Spades
Blood spilled represents loss. The seven of spades represents something lost that cannot be replaced.
Key Words
Upright: Loss, Grief, Regret
Reversed: Something Stolen is Returned, Replacing Something
Eight of Spades
There are many sayings and folk tales about beds. One that I think most of us recongize is, "You've made your bed, now lie in it." The eight of spades represents the consequences of one's actions. What happens after depends on if there is a change.
Key Words
Upright: Consequences, Bad Decisions, Bad Habits
Reversed: Light At The End Of The Tunnel, Good Habits
Nine of Spades
The lily is a common funeral flower, and dreaming of white flowers represents coming illness. In some cases dreaming of white flowers may represent witchcraft is being used against you or a visit from a spirit. The nine of spades represents a haunting, literal or metaphorical.
Reversed: Peace, At Ease, Rest (for both the living and the dead)
Ten of Spades
The graveyard is the ending of all things, as well as a sacred place that demands respect. The ten of spades confirms that something is over and done for, though sometimes it may represent a loss (a small one, not as big as the seven of spades).
Key Words
Upright: The Worst Is Over, Conclusion, Witchcraft At Work
Reversed: Trouble Ahead, Enemies Plotting Against You, Spirits Have Been Offended
Jack of Spades
When we describe a person as being a "snake in the grass", we are trying to say the person is deceitful and not to be trusted. This is the easiest way to describe a jack of spades character.
The jack of spades is typically a young person who has a rebellious or bad attitude. This person uses lies and manipulation to get what they want. This person may also lack respect for authority or generally perceive themselves as above most people.
Queen of Spades
The black widow is a dangerously venomous spider that partakes in cannibalism. Most know to avoid this spider, lest they get bit and end up in the ER. Think of the queen of spades as just that: an older person who is dangerous and toxic.
The queen of spades is commonly a cruel parent, a jealous partner, or a bitter widow. Their toxicity seeps into all aspects of their life. They aren't easy to get close to (not that you should want to) and struggle to keep relationships of all kinds.
King of Spades
While some cultures think of owls as symbols of intelligence and wisdom, others consider them to be harbingers of death and destruction. The king of spades could be perceived in a similar way: an older person who is smart, but ultimately criminal.
The king of spades is a person who thinks of themselves as above the law or knows how to bend the rules (and get away with it). While the jack of spades is impulsive, the king of spades is calculated. They may literally have a criminal record or should have one.
