Are tarot readings really bad? Debunking misconceptions

Why do so many people think tarot readings are bad? Is it fear, misunderstanding, or something else entirely? As a professional tarot reader, I encounter these misconceptions often but I believe it is due to a lack of knowledge or understanding about what Tarot is and what it isn't. So let's dive in.

Close up of hands holding tarot cards.

Origins of the Stigma

To understand why people think tarot readings are bad, it’s important to explore the history and evolution of tarot. Historically, tarot cards were originally used for playing games in 15th century Italy, not for mystical purposes. It wasn’t until the 18th century that tarot became associated with divination and fortune-telling. Since then, tarot has been depicted in various ways in media, often linked to dark magic, predicting doom, or involving occult practices. These portrayals, while sensationalized, have contributed to a lot of fear and misunderstanding about tarot. In reality, tarot is a neutral tool—how it’s used is what determines its impact.

What Tarot Actually Is

Let’s start with the basics: tarot is a deck of 78 cards that represents various aspects of human experience. Each card contains symbols and imagery that help trigger intuitive insights and represents archetypes held within the human psyche. The goal of a tarot reading is not to predict the future with certainty, but to gain clarity about your current situation, uncover hidden influences, and open doors to new possibilities. Tarot is used to reflect on your present circumstances, offer guidance, and empower you to make informed decisions. It works as a mirror, reflecting the energies at play in your life, which you can then choose to embrace or shift.

Common Concerns (and my thoughts)

Let’s address some of the most common misconceptions that feed the belief that tarot readings are bad.

• Concern 1: “Tarot is evil .” This is perhaps the most common fear. But in reality, tarot is a neutral tool—it’s not inherently evil or tied to dark magic. It’s only when used with harmful or malicious intent that it could take a negative turn (as with all things). Tarot, like any tool, can be used for empowerment and healing, depending on the reader’s approach. Many spiritual practitioners, including myself, use tarot as a means to guide others toward personal growth and clarity.

• Concern 2: “Tarot is inaccurate or vague.” Some may feel that tarot is too vague or not specific enough. While tarot doesn’t offer a fixed, literal prediction, it can provide profound insights into your current emotional state, your subconscious patterns, and the energies surrounding your situation which you can then begin to understand and change if you choose to do so. The vagueness you might perceive is often simply a reflection of the question being asked or the energies in the moment. A well-phrased question will give you clearer answers.

• Concern 3: “Tarot is a scam.” It’s important to be mindful of where you get your readings. There are certainly unethical readers out there who use tarot for manipulation or to take advantage of people by preying on their vulnerabilities. However, tarot, when done ethically, is a genuine tool for self-discovery and growth. Ethical readers use tarot to empower others and help them connect to their own intuition, not to predict their doom or keep them reliant on them for clarity. It's important, when looking for a reader, to find one who is experienced and has a clear code of ethical practices they follow.

  
  

How Tarot Can Be a Positive Tool

Now that we’ve addressed the fears, let’s talk about how tarot can actually improve your life. Tarot can be an incredibly positive tool when approached with an open mind and heart. Here are a few ways tarot can benefit you:

• Clarity in decision-making: Tarot helps you see things from different angles and reveals the underlying energies at play, which can bring understanding and clarity to your decisions.

• Emotional understanding: Tarot helps you understand your emotional landscape and provides insight into your deeper feelings. This can help you heal old wounds or get a clearer sense of what’s blocking you from truly connecting to who you are as a person. When we are truly connected to who we are we become more confident in our ability to handle life's challenges.

• Empowerment and guidance: Tarot can empower you to trust your own intuition and make choices that align with your highest good. Instead of feeling powerless, you can begin to see yourself as the creator of your own reality.

Whether you’re dealing with a relationship issue, career crossroads, or seeking general guidance, tarot can be a supportive and insightful tool.

Addressing Fears or Hesitations

If you’re still feeling hesitant or skeptical, you’re not alone. Many people are nervous about trying tarot for the first time. But I want to assure you that there’s no need to fear tarot. It’s a tool, not a force that controls you. The cards themselves are, after all, just ink and paper. For those new to tarot, I recommend approaching it with curiosity and an open heart. The first time you experience a reading, it may feel unfamiliar, but that’s okay. Advocate for your desire to understand. Over time, you’ll begin to see how tarot is about uncovering the wisdom within you and accessing your higher self. Remember, tarot readings are there to guide you, not dictate your fate.

At the end of the day, tarot is not bad—it’s a powerful tool for personal empowerment and spiritual growth. It helps you tap into your inner wisdom and discover new paths for healing, self-awareness, and growth. If you’re curious about how tarot can help you, I invite you to explore a reading with me. Let’s uncover the clarity and guidance you need to step into your personal sovereignty. If you still have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact me!

Your journey with tarot is waiting.