Which tarot cards indicate emotional unavailability?

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Which tarot cards indicate emotional unavailability?

Four of Cups – the figure in this card is closed off. Although the cups are in front of him and one is being offered, he’s not open. Note the arms crossed over the heart chakra. This card says: “I am not interested or open.”

Five of Cups – this card represents the kind of emotional unavailability that arises out of grief or depression. It could be the person is going through a rough time – or not over their ex. Note: this one has a glimmer of hope (the two upright cards). In time, this one is capable of changing and opening up to a new beginning after they have had time to heal.

Eight of Cups – the figure is walking away and moving in a different direction. This can indicate someone who wants something very different than what they are being offered. It can also indicate “a hermit” or someone who is not interested in a relationship.

Two of Swords – note again that the figure is crossing the arms protectively over the heart chakra. This card shows a person who is not open. Swords are also “thoughts” which an indicate a person who is “in their head”, not their heart.

Four of Swords – this card shows a figure at rest. It’s often the card of the “time out” or the rest after battle. The solo nature indicates a person who is on a sabbatical and perhaps doing some important healing work.

Eight of Swords – note the ligature over the heart chakra (see my theme here with heart chakras?). The figure is bound, closed down, inward focused. This says: “I’m stuck and unwilling to free myself or open up.”

Nine of Wands – my friend Gillian calls this guy the “wounded warrior” and I think that’s a great description of this card. He’s fearful and on guard. In a question about love, this card shows a person who is extremely guarded. The fear of getting hurt is getting in the way of their heart (note the protective wand over that heart chakra!). He won’t allow himself to be vulnerable again.

The Hermit – although this card is attributed to spiritual wisdom, in a romantic situation, this can represent someone who simply does not want to get involved with another person. They prefer to be alone. Try pushing someone like this and they only withdraw further. (And yes, there are people who have zero interest in being in a relationship and it’s not always because they’ve been burned.)

Any of the Courts in the Cups suit reversed – the Cups suit is always a happy indicator of emotional openness. But reversed, I will often interpret them as either being over the top emotionally – or emotional unavailability. The emotions in the reversed Cups cards are not fully functioning. Can that change? Yes. But buyer beware.

What tarot cards represent emotional unavailability to you? Share your thoughts with me on Twitter: @thetarotlady

Blessings,

Theresa