Introduction
Tarot has been a popular tool for divination, self-reflection, and spiritual guidance for centuries. However, along with its popularity comes a host of misconceptions and urban legends that can discourage newcomers or perpetuate misunderstandings about the Tarot. Today, we’re going to debunk the rumors and clear up the most common Tarot misconceptions, focusing on what the Tarot actually is, how it works, and what it can offer to those who choose to explore this ancient and powerful practice.
Also, just a personal note here: Most people would use the word “myth” throughout an article like this. As a mythology buff, though, using the word “myth” to mean “lie” just sort of rubs my fur the wrong way—so we’re skipping that!
Misconception #1: Tarot Is Evil or Associated with Dark Forces
One of the most prevalent misconceptions about the Tarot is that it is inherently evil or associated with dark forces. This belief likely stems from the deck’s mysterious origins, its association with the occult, and the fact that some cards depict unsettling imagery.
Tarot, like any tool, is neutral and can be used for positive or negative purposes. It is the intention and approach of the reader that determines whether a Tarot reading is helpful or harmful. Many people use Tarot for self-reflection, personal growth, and spiritual guidance, focusing on its ability to inspire insight and self-awareness.
For people who believe anything dealing with the metaphysical is evil, things like astrology and crystals, well, there’s nothing to be done to convince them, and they’re allowed to have their beliefs (provided they refrain from forcing them onto others, anyway.) But if you’ve had any reasonable worries about Tarot specifically, you really don’t need to.
Misconception #2: You Must Be Psychic to Read Tarot
Many people believe that only psychics or those with special abilities can read Tarot cards. This misconception can be intimidating for beginners who may feel they lack the necessary skills to learn Tarot. I’ll add that some readers do try to play what I call the “Madame Zelda” role, exaggerating their own psychic ability or its necessity to the process.
While some Tarot readers may have psychic abilities or heightened intuition, anyone can learn to read Tarot. Tarot reading involves interpreting the symbols and imagery on the cards, which can be learned and practiced by anyone willing to devote time and effort to studying the Tarot.
Also, working with the Tarot will help you to develop your intuition and inherent psychic abilities over time. We all have natural psychic talents; using the Tarot is one way to help strengthen them, but they’re absolutely not required just to read the cards.
Misconception #3: Tarot Predicts the Future
Another common misunderstanding about Tarot is that it can predict the future with certainty. This belief can lead to disappointment or disillusionment when readings don’t accurately forecast future events.
While Tarot can provide insight into potential future outcomes based on current circumstances, it is essential to remember that the future is not set in stone. Tarot readings are meant to serve as guidance and inspiration, helping individuals make informed decisions and take action to shape their desired outcomes.
Indeed, the whole point of a Tarot reading is to give you a heads-up for what could be coming up. If you had no power to change it, what would be the point in knowing? Tarot shows us where the patterns of events are currently leading; if you (or your querent) don’t like what you see, then the reading can be taken as an early warning to make changes before it’s too late.
Misconception #4: You Should Never Read Tarot for Yourself
Some people believe it’s bad luck or ineffective to read Tarot for oneself. This misconception may stem from the idea that self-readings can be biased or lack objectivity.
While it can be beneficial to seek an outside perspective from a professional Tarot reader, self-readings can be a valuable tool for personal growth and self-reflection. By learning to read Tarot for yourself, you can gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and circumstances, empowering you to make informed decisions and take control of your life.
A related misconception I’ve heard here and there is that there’s a limit to how often you can “safely” read your own cards. Obviously, if you’re sitting around all day doing back to back readings, that’s a problem. But there’s no jinx or curse or anything else related to the frequency of readings. I’ve heard people say if you have a second reading done within the same month it’ll reverse the first one, or that you can become jinxed or cursed from reading too frequently.
This is also all untrue. Yes, it’s unhealthy to keep asking the same question over and over, hoping for a different answer. And it can be unhealthy, too, to develop the sort of dependence on the cards that keeps you from making decisions on your own. But there’s absolutely nothing unsafe or unhealthy with, for example, pulling a daily 1 or 3 card spread for guidance throughout your day, or from doing full readings on yourself (with different questions or topics) every day for the sake of practice.
Misconception #5: You Can’t Buy Your Own Tarot Deck
This one is a lot like #4. I’ve heard it as stated in the heading, but more often I’ve heard you specifically aren’t supposed to buy your own first deck. Supposedly the deck won’t work for you if you buy it yourself, or something like that. I think the point of the “first deck” rule is maybe no decks will work for you after that? I’m honestly not sure.
Either version of this rumor is silly. It’s nice to get presents, so if you want to consider it more of a tradition and exchange decks as gifts with a friend who’s also interested in Tarot, then by all means, go for it. But know that buying your own deck, first or otherwise, won’t affect how that deck, or any other, will work for you, now or in the future.
Misconception #6: The Death Card Means You’re Going to Die
The Death card is perhaps the most feared and misunderstood card in the Tarot deck. Many people mistakenly believe that drawing the Death card in a reading signifies physical death or a tragic event.
The Death card, like all Tarot cards, has a range of meanings and interpretations. While it can symbolize endings and transformation, it is more often associated with change, renewal, and the natural cycles of life. Rather than fearing the Death card, it can be helpful to embrace its message of growth and evolution.
In truth, I’m far more concerned if I see the Ten of Swords come up in a reading than Death. That card really can signify death or severe illness or injury. Not always, not even usually, but sometimes. I’ve never seen the actual Death card mean anything to do with illness or physical death.
Even with the Ten of Swords, though, Remember #3 above: the Tarot doesn’t deal in absolutes. A possible future, seen in the cards, is a heads-up, not an engraved tablet. Nobody has ever walked away from a Tarot reading knowing the date they’re going to die, unless they were a fictional character.
Conclusion
By debunking these common Tarot misconceptions and rumors, we can gain a clearer understanding of the Tarot’s true nature and purpose. Tarot is a powerful tool for self-discovery, personal growth, and spiritual exploration, accessible to anyone willing to engage with its rich symbolism and timeless wisdom. By letting go of misconceptions and embracing the Tarot with an open mind and heart, we can unlock its full potential to guide us on our journey towards self-awareness and fulfillment.