Understanding Tarot: Myths, Misconceptions, and the Truth

For centuries, people have been intrigued by the practice of tarot reading, as it usually has a sense of mystique (and an abundance of myths!). Most misconceptions about tarot have shifted it from a practice for self-reflection, guidance, and spiritual development into misunderstandings and the fear of “dark magic.” Fortune telling is just one of the many myths that can mislead new tarot readers, and for some, even create a fear that prevents them from exploring it.

​In reality, tarot is a powerful form of self-reflection, guidance, and spiritual growth. In this blog, we will discuss the myths and misconceptions about tarot for you to see tarot for what it is.​

What is Tarot?
Fundamentally, tarot is a deck of 78 cards broken into:

Major Arcana (22 cards): representing the big lessons, themes, and archetypes of life.
Minor Arcana (56 cards): depicting day-to-day situations, challenges, and emotions.
Tarot is not about accurately predicting your future 100% of the time. It is used for gaining clarity, exploring possibilities, and making informed choices. You can view it as a mirror showing your subconscious thoughts and feelings.

The Real Benefits of Tarot
Tarot Is Fortune-Telling: One of the largest misconceptions about tarot cards is that they foretell the future word-for-word. In reality, tarot is more about guidance than prophecy. The cards illustrate patterns, energies, and possible outcomes, but your choices and free will dictate what happens next.

The truth: Tarot is a tool for insight and reflection, not a predetermined map of fate.

​Tarot Is Evil or Dark: Many people associate tarot with the occult, superstition, and even “devil worship.” This perception is related to cultural and religious misunderstandings of the practice.

The truth: Tarot is neither good nor evil; it is simply a symbolic system of imagery and archetypes. Its use is entirely subject to the reader’s intention. For most, it is simply a positive practice of self-awareness, spiritual growth, or practising mindfulness.

Only Psychics Can Read Tarot: Another myth about tarot is that only “psychics” can read tarot decks. Tarot reading does require “special powers” or psychic gifts; however, intuition is also present in every person, and reading tarot is a skill that can be developed.

The truth: Anyone can learn tarot through studying, practice, and openness. Tarot reading is about your relationship to the symbolism of the cards, your own intuition, and not a “supernatural” gift among a select few.

Tarot Offers Yes-or-No Solutions: Many people expect tarot to provide yes or no answers. It is common for people to ask a tarot an absolute question, such as “Will I receive that promotion?” or “Is my friend being honest?” However, tarot usually benefits people with open-ended questions, such as “What do I need to know related to this situation?” or “what are my options to improve this area of my life?”

The truth: Tarot shines a light on potential and provides perspective; it does not provide yes/no answers. Tarot opens the door to future possibilities but does not lead the way; it simply holds thought-provoking conversations in a contained environment.

Tarot Cards Are Dangerous to Keep at Home: Some people believe that having tarot cards available in the home can invite negative energy.

The truth: The images on the tarot are just like any other image printed on pieces of paper. The energy is created when the values of the symbols relate to you. Many readers will even refer to tarot cards as a sacred and trusted ally in the process of meditation, healing, or becoming aware of their own habits for clarity in the future.

Tarot Always Predicts Doom: Many people worry about drawing “scary” cards like Death, The Devil, or The Tower.

The truth: These types of cards are not inherently bad or ominous. They suggest whether you need transformative inspiration to confront challenges or need to make a change. For example, the Death card does not usually mean physical death, but usually marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of other possibilities.

The Real Benefits of Tarot
When freed from myths, tarot can be a useful practice with many advantages:

Self-Reflection: Tarot brings to light emotions, thoughts, and patterns that you may be unaware of or ignoring.
Decision-Making: Tarot can frame possible outcomes and help you design your actions more consciously.
Spiritual Growth: Tarot helps inspire and evoke mindfulness, awareness, and internal healing.
Problem-Solving: Tarot can bring attention to possible alternatives when you feel stuck.
Empowerment: Tarot doesn’t tell you what you should do; it reminds you that you guide and control your own life.
How to Approach Tarot the Right Way?
If you’re interested in tarot, here are some ideas for how to get started:

Use a Rider-Waite deck if you want to start with the most common deck for beginners.
Ask open-ended questions instead of yes or no questions.
Keep a diary of your tarot readings and thoughts
Practice mindfulness to prepare your mind for a reading; breathe, relax, and be receptive.
Think of it in terms of guidance versus absolute truth.
Conclusion: A Mirror and a Guide, Not a Crystal Ball
Tarot is sometimes poorly understood. After the myths and superstitions have been stripped away, we see that tarot is about fear, superstition, or the foreseeing of doom. It is a mirror for the soul, a pathway for reflection, growth, and clarity in life’s journey.

When practiced with intent, tarot isn’t so much about predicting the future as it is about activating your instincts to increase your agency in creating your reality.