What Are Tarot Cards?
Each card carries unique symbolism and meaning, tells a story and guides introspection.
| Major Arcana | 22 cards | Representing life events and spiritual lessons. |
| Minor Arcana | 56 cards | focused on daily experiences and events. |
The Power of Intention
As intuitive card reader and astrologer Lauren McBride states, “Your cards take on the intentions and perspective of the user.” The power of tarot lies not in the cards themselves but in the intention and mindset of the reader.
Card Aspect Meaning
| Card Aspect | Meaning |
| Intention | The mindset of the reader |
| Symbolism | Represents subconscious insights |
| User’s Perspective | Influences interpretation |
Are Tarot Cards Safe to Use?
- Reader Responsibility
If you approach tarot with malintent, the issue lies with the reader, not the deck.
- Myth of Harm
Tarot cards do not harm you, regardless of your emotional state. The messages delivered through the cards are merely reflections of your inner thoughts and emotions.
| Potential Concerns | Reality |
| Harmful Effects | Tarot cards cannot cause harm |
| Mental State | Impacts interpretation and clarity |
| Intention | Impacts results |
Tarot and Witchcraft
- Overlap, but Not Necessarily Linked
Many people associate tarot with witchcraft, as both practices involve tapping into intuition. However, not all practitioners of witchcraft use tarot, and tarot exists independently of witchcraft.
- Divination Tool: Tarot provides additional symbolism and understanding for specific questions but is not a requirement for practising witchcraft.
Distinct Practices
The relationship between tarot and witchcraft varies widely, and both co-exist without overlap.
| Aspect | Tarot | Witchcraft |
| Purpose | Self-reflection and divination | Rituals and spellwork |
| Usage | Personal introspection | Varies widely among practitioners |
| Connection to Intuition | Strong connection to inner wisdom | Varies, include many practices |
Potential Dangers of Tarot
- Trustworthiness of Readers
Even if you receive a reading from a less-than-reputable source, the cards do not impose negative energies or hexes upon you.
2. Spiritual Communication
Many tarot practitioners also use the cards to communicate with spiritual guides or ancestors. Tarot acts as a translator, providing insights from your spiritual team.
McBride confirms, “Be it God, Spirit, the Universe—divination is a way to hear them speaking to us.” This aspect of the tarot emphasizes deepening spiritual connections rather than fear.
| Consideration | Tarot Use |
| Trustworthiness | Critical for a positive experience |
| Reader’s Intent | Influences the session |
| Spiritual Connections | enhance the reading |
Common Misconceptions About Tarot
Are Tarot Cards Dark Magic?
Tarot cards are misinterpreted as tools of dark magic due to their association with the occult. However, they are not inherently evil or linked to malevolent forces. Instead, they serve to connect us with our intuition and subconscious.
Are There “Bad” Tarot Cards?
Contrary to popular belief, there are no terrible tarot cards. Even cards like Death, which might seem ominous, signify profound transformation or change. The key lies in interpretation.
Common Misconception Reality
| Common Misconception | Reality |
| Dark Magic | Misunderstood; tarot is neutral |
| Bad Cards | All cards have positive meanings |
| Predicting the Future | Reflects current energy, not fate |
Do Tarot Cards Predict the Future?
One of the most frequent questions about tarot is whether it predicts the future. The tarot does not definitively predict outcomes. Instead, it reflects the current energies and paths available based on present circumstances.
- Free Will and Agency: The interpretation of tarot cards is not deterministic. The querent (the person asking the question) has free will and can change path at any time.
FAQs
How did it originate?
A tarot is a modern fortune-telling tool. Shuffle the cards to reveal messages from the universe. It developed from the Italian card game tarocchi during the late Medieval era, influenced by Renaissance Hermeticism and alchemy, but emerged from a predominantly Christian context.
Why do some world religions view tarot negatively?
Many organized religions, like Abrahamic ones, associate fortune-telling and divination with evil. It stems from historical experiences, particularly among ancient Israelites, who rejected practices like divination in response to surrounding cultures engaged in child sacrifice.
Is tarot connected to paganism?
It reflects on archetypes, lives, and a personal connection to the sacred.
How tarot is different?
Tarot emphasizes free will and personal insight, often perceived as messages from angels or universal energies rather than pagan gods. Its users typically approach it as a means of self-discovery rather than a strict prediction of the future.
Why is tarot often misunderstood?
Tarot is an ancient practice tied to specific pagan religions. In reality, its development in the context of Christian thought, and its integration of various symbolic meanings lead to misunderstandings about its purpose and origin.
Is tarot compatible with Christian beliefs?
While not specifically a Christian practice, tarot aligns with Christian conventions and is utilized within a Christian moral framework.
