Table of Contents
Introduction
For years, I believed the myths about tarot. I thought it was evil, that it was witchcraft, that it was about fortune-telling and fixing the future in stone. I thought oracle cards and tarot cards were basically the same thing. I assumed all tarot readers were mediums, and at one point, I even thought tarot was just a load of nonsense.
Then, I actually tried it. I picked up a deck, shuffled the cards, and laid them out with a mix of curiosity and scepticism. Instead of finding some dark, mystical force staring back at me, I found something surprising—clarity.
And just like that, my entire perspective shifted.
Tarot isn’t about demons, and it isn’t about knowing the future. It’s about understanding yourself. It’s a tool for self-reflection, insight, and decision-making. But the myths persist, and that’s exactly what I want to break down.
Why Are There So Many Myths About Tarot?
Tarot myths are so persistent because they’ve been reinforced by centuries of fear, misinformation, and pop culture dramatics. During the 15th and 16th centuries, anything resembling divination was condemned by religious authorities, and tarot was swept up in that fear.
The association with the occult grew stronger in the 18th century, when mystics and esoteric groups began using tarot for spiritual insight, further fueling suspicion and misunderstanding. Religious beliefs have played a major role—anything outside of the structured faith framework has often been dismissed as dangerous or deceptive.
Then there’s Hollywood. How many times have you seen a tarot reader ominously pulling the Death card right before something awful happens? It’s a cliché at this point, but one that’s done real damage to how people perceive tarot. Add to that the general lack of knowledge about what tarot actually is, and it’s no surprise that these myths refuse to die.
Tarot is Evil
The Origins of the Fear
I used to think tarot was evil. That’s what I was told growing up. Tarot was “opening a door to dark forces,” and if you messed with it, you were inviting something sinister into your life. This idea wasn’t unique to my experience—many religious traditions teach that divination is forbidden, and tarot gets lumped into that category.
The problem is, tarot isn’t actually about divination in the way people assume. The cards themselves don’t hold any supernatural power. They’re a tool—one that reflects back what’s already inside you. The only thing “dangerous” about tarot is that it might make you confront things you’ve been avoiding.
Pop Culture and Fearmongering
Films and TV shows have done a fantastic job of making tarot seem terrifying. You pull the wrong card, and suddenly you’re cursed. Tarot readers in horror movies always seem to be creepy old women in dimly lit rooms, delivering ominous messages about unavoidable doom.
In reality, tarot readings are nothing like that. A tarot card doesn’t seal your fate—it highlights potential paths, obstacles, and patterns. It’s not here to scare you; it’s here to help you understand yourself better.
The Reality of Tarot
Tarot isn’t good or evil—it just is. It’s a deck of cards with symbolic imagery that helps people explore different aspects of their lives. Some people use it as part of their spiritual practice, while others approach it from a completely psychological angle. Either way, the only thing tarot does is provide insight and reflection.
Tarot is Witchcraft
Why People Associate Tarot with Witchcraft
For a long time, I assumed tarot was just another part of witchcraft. After all, witches use tarot, so that must mean tarot is witchcraft, right? Turns out, no. Tarot is a tool that can be used by witches, but it’s not exclusive to them.
Just like meditation isn’t exclusive to Buddhists, tarot isn’t exclusive to witches. While some spiritual traditions incorporate tarot into their practices, that doesn’t mean tarot itself belongs to any one group. It’s simply a tool that people of all backgrounds use in different ways.
Tarot in Different Spiritual Practices
Tarot is used by people across all belief systems. Some see it as a way to connect with their spirituality, while others use it purely as a psychological tool. It doesn’t require belief in magic or mysticism to be effective.
Therapists, coaches, and artists use tarot in ways that have nothing to do with witchcraft. It’s a flexible system that adapts to whoever is using it. You can approach tarot as a method of self-reflection, as a storytelling device, or even as a creative tool—it doesn’t have to be tied to any specific spiritual or religious belief.
Misconceptions Around Mysticism and Tarot
Tarot deals with symbolism, which some people interpret as mystical. But if interpreting symbols makes something supernatural, then we’d better throw out literature, poetry, and dreams too. Humans naturally seek meaning in symbols—tarot just provides a structured way to do it.
Tarot isn’t inherently mystical—it’s just another way to make sense of the human experience. Some people use it in a ritualistic or magical context, but that’s a personal choice, not a requirement. At its core, tarot is about perspective, not prophecy.
Tarot Predicts the Future
Where the Myth Comes From
One of the biggest misconceptions I had about tarot was that it told the future. I thought a tarot reading meant being told what was going to happen, no matter what. I assumed the cards had the final say, that if they told you something bad was coming, there was nothing you could do to stop it.
The reality is, tarot doesn’t predict the future in any fixed way. Unlike astrology or numerology, which rely on set patterns and cycles, tarot is more fluid. It reflects the energy of the present moment and the potential outcomes based on current choices rather than determining a preordained fate.
It doesn’t tell you exactly what’s going to happen, and it doesn’t remove your free will. The future isn’t set in stone, and tarot is more about guidance than prophecy. A reading reflects your current path, but it’s up to you whether you continue on that path or change course.
What Tarot Actually Does
Tarot is about potential, not certainty. It shows where things are heading if nothing changes. A tarot reading can highlight patterns, challenges, and opportunities that might be influencing your situation, but it doesn’t dictate what happens next.
Instead of showing a definite future, tarot helps you see different options and perspectives. It can reveal factors you haven’t considered, helping you make informed choices. It’s not about predicting an unavoidable outcome—it’s about empowering you to shape your own future.
The Role of Free Will
A tarot reading might show you where your current choices are leading, but you can always change direction. If a reading suggests potential obstacles, that doesn’t mean you’re doomed—it means you have the chance to prepare, adapt, and approach things differently.
The future isn’t set in stone, and tarot doesn’t lock you into any outcome. Instead, it gives you a chance to course-correct if needed. Rather than telling you what will happen, it helps you decide what you want to happen and how to make it a reality.
All Tarot Readers Are Mediums
The Difference Between Tarot Reading and Mediumship
At one point, I thought tarot readers and mediums were the same thing. I assumed that if someone read tarot, they must also be channeling spirits. But tarot and mediumship are two entirely different practices.
Mediums claim to communicate with the dead, while tarot readers interpret symbols and patterns. A tarot reading is about reflection, not spirit communication.
Different Skill Sets and Practices
Mediumship is about receiving messages from spirits, whereas tarot is about understanding situations and emotions. Mediums claim to communicate with the dead, passing along messages from the other side, while tarot readers focus on interpreting symbols and narratives in the cards. The two practices are entirely separate, though some individuals choose to do both.
Tarot readings rely on intuition, pattern recognition, and deep reflection rather than supernatural communication. Some tarot readers might feel spiritually connected when reading, but that doesn’t mean they’re acting as mediums. Most tarot readings are focused on helping people understand their lives, their emotions, and their choices rather than channeling spirits.
Why the Confusion Exists
The confusion comes from pop culture, where psychics, tarot readers, and mediums are often lumped together as if they all have the same abilities. In films and TV shows, a tarot reader is often portrayed as someone who can see the future, talk to ghosts, and reveal hidden secrets all at once. In reality, tarot reading is much more grounded.
Another reason for the mix-up is that some psychics and mediums do use tarot, but that doesn’t mean tarot requires psychic ability. It’s simply a tool—how people use it varies. Just like not every writer is a journalist, not every tarot reader is a medium. The two practices overlap sometimes, but they are not the same thing.
Tarot is Just a Load of BS
Why Sceptics Dismiss Tarot
I get why people think tarot is nonsense—I used to think that too. It’s easy to dismiss tarot as a party trick or a scam if you’ve never actually had a meaningful reading. A lot of people assume it’s just a bunch of vague statements that could apply to anyone, a cold reading trick designed to convince the gullible.
But when you actually sit down for a tarot reading that isn’t just surface-level fluff, it’s a completely different experience. It’s not about pulling random predictions out of thin air—it’s about engaging with your own thoughts and emotions in a way that helps you make sense of things. That’s not trickery; that’s self-reflection.
The Psychological Value of Tarot
Even if you don’t believe in anything mystical, tarot can still be useful. The imagery prompts introspection, much like journaling or therapy. A good reading doesn’t just tell you what you want to hear—it asks the right questions, helps you notice patterns, and encourages you to think about your situation in a new way.
Many sceptics change their minds once they see how tarot actually helps people process their thoughts. It’s not about believing in magic—it’s about using a structured tool to explore your inner world. You don’t have to think the cards are mystical for them to be effective; they work because they make you engage with your own intuition and subconscious.
Studies on Intuition and Decision-Making
There’s research showing that intuition plays a huge role in decision-making. People don’t always make choices based purely on logic—gut feelings, subconscious patterns, and emotional responses all factor in. Tarot helps people tap into their intuition and explore different perspectives by externalising their thoughts in a way that makes them easier to process.
Even if you don’t believe in it on a spiritual level, it can still be a valuable tool for self-awareness. It’s a structured way of looking at situations differently, breaking out of old habits, and gaining clarity on things you might not have considered before. Whether or not you believe in tarot’s “power,” it’s hard to deny that it can be a useful tool for reflection and insight.
More Tarot Myths
You Must Be Gifted Your First Tarot Deck
This is one of the most common myths in the tarot world, and while it’s a nice sentiment, it’s completely unnecessary. The idea that you must be gifted your first deck has no real historical basis—it’s just something that’s been passed around. If you wait for someone else to gift you a deck, you might never start reading. If you feel drawn to tarot, go ahead and buy your own deck. There’s nothing stopping you.
Reversed Cards Always Mean the Opposite
A lot of people assume that when a tarot card appears upside-down, it means the opposite of its traditional meaning. While some readers interpret reversals this way, others see them as a sign of blocked energy, internal struggles, or a need for reflection. Reversals add nuance to a reading, but they don’t always mean the exact opposite of the upright meaning.
The Death Card Means Literal Death
If I had a pound for every time someone freaked out over pulling the Death card, I’d be rich. Pop culture has convinced people that this card means impending doom, but in reality, the Death card is about transformation, endings, and new beginnings. It’s about letting go of the old so something new can take its place. It’s not a bad omen—it’s a reminder that change is a necessary part of life.
Tarot Readers Must Be Psychic
Some people assume that to read tarot, you need to be a psychic with supernatural abilities. That’s not the case. Tarot is a skill that anyone can learn—it’s about understanding the cards, interpreting patterns, and tapping into your intuition. While some readers may identify as psychic, many simply use tarot as a tool for insight and guidance without claiming any special abilities.
Conclusion
I used to believe all of these myths about tarot. I thought it was evil, dangerous, and completely useless. But the more I learned, the more I realised that tarot isn’t some mystical force that controls your fate—it’s a mirror, reflecting back the things you need to see. It challenges you, encourages you to think in new ways, and helps you navigate life’s twists and turns.
The truth is, tarot isn’t about superstition or magic—it’s about perspective. Whether you’re using it to process emotions, gain clarity on a situation, or simply spark new ideas, tarot is a tool that meets you where you are. If you’re still sceptical, that’s fair—but the best way to understand tarot is to experience it for yourself.
So why not see what the cards have to say? Whether you’re looking for clarity on a tough decision, insight into your relationships, or just a fresh perspective on life, tarot has a way of bringing things to the surface that you might not have considered.
Book a reading with me or one of the other readers here, and let’s explore what’s waiting for you beneath the surface. Book a reading with me or one of the other readers here, and let’s explore what’s waiting for you beneath the surface.
