Is tarot evil and what does the Bible say about tarot cards? Tarot cards have become increasingly popular in recent years, finding their way into mainstream culture through movies, social media, and even some churches. However, many Christians are rightfully concerned about the spiritual implications of using tarot cards.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the history of tarot, its connection to divination, what the Bible says about such practices, and why Christians should avoid tarot cards altogether.
The Origins of Tarot
To understand why tarot is problematic from a biblical perspective, it’s important to first examine its history:
- Tarot cards originated in Italy in the 1430s as a card game, not for divination purposes
- The original deck had 78 cards: 22 trump cards (the major arcana) and 56 suit cards (the minor arcana)
- In the late 18th century, occultists began assigning mystical meanings to the cards
- Antoine Court de Gébelin linked tarot to Egyptian mythology in 1781
- Jean-Baptiste Alliette published the first book connecting tarot to divination in the 1780s
- By the early 20th century, tarot had spread to America and become associated with fortune-telling
So, while tarot didn’t start as an occult practice, it evolved into one over time. The imagery and symbolism of the cards made them ripe for mystical interpretation.
Tarot and Divination
The core issue with tarot from a biblical standpoint is its use as a tool for divination. Divination is defined as:
“The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means.”
When people use tarot cards to gain insight into their lives or predict future events, they are engaging in divination – regardless of their intentions. Even those who claim to only use tarot for self-reflection or to “hear from God” are still participating in a practice rooted in occult divination.
What Does the Bible Say About Divination?
The Bible is abundantly clear in its condemnation of divination and similar occult practices. Here are some key verses:
Deuteronomy 18:9-12 – “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”
Leviticus 19:31 – “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.”
Galatians 5:19-21 – “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft…I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
These verses make it clear that God considers divination to be sinful and detestable. It’s not a practice that can be redeemed or made acceptable, even with good intentions.
Why Tarot is Dangerous for Christians
Beyond simply being unbiblical, there are several reasons why tarot cards pose spiritual danger:
- Opens doors to demonic influence: Using tarot invites spiritual forces that are not from God into your life.
- Misplaces faith: Relying on tarot cards for guidance takes faith away from God and His Word.
- Can become addictive: Many people find themselves constantly returning to tarot for more “answers.”
- Provides false prophecy: Any “insight” gained through tarot does not come from God.
- Indulges the flesh: Tarot appeals to our desire for easy answers and control over our lives.
- Leads to further occult involvement: Tarot often acts as a gateway to other New Age practices.
Common Justifications for Tarot Use
Many Christians attempt to justify using tarot cards in various ways. Let’s address some common arguments:
“I’m just using them to hear from God”
God has given us His Word and the Holy Spirit to guide us. We don’t need additional tools to hear from Him. Using tarot for this purpose is essentially testing God.
“It’s just for fun/entertainment”
Even using tarot casually opens spiritual doors. There’s no such thing as “innocent” divination.
“I’m using Christian/angel cards instead”
Changing the imagery doesn’t change the core practice. It’s still divination, regardless of what you call it.
“The Bible mentions casting lots”
Casting lots in the Old Testament was a specific practice used by priests to determine God’s will. It’s not equivalent to modern divination practices like tarot.
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“It’s just tapping into my intuition”
Our hearts are deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). We can’t rely on our own intuition for spiritual guidance.
What to Do if You’ve Used Tarot
If you’ve engaged with tarot cards in the past, here are some important steps to take:
- Repent and ask God for forgiveness
- Renounce any agreements made through tarot use
- Burn or destroy all tarot cards and related items
- Break soul ties with any tarot readers you’ve consulted
- Seek deliverance prayer if needed
- Focus on deepening your relationship with God through prayer and Bible study
The Freedom Found in Christ
While giving up tarot may feel restrictive to some, true freedom is found in following Christ. Reliance on divination tools like tarot actually keeps us in bondage. Jesus offers a better way:
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
When we trust in God’s Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we don’t need tarot cards or any other divination practice. We can have confidence that God will reveal what we need to know in His perfect timing.
Conclusion: Is Tarot Evil?
Tarot cards may seem harmless or even helpful on the surface, but they have no place in the life of a Christian. The Bible clearly forbids divination in all its forms. Instead of seeking guidance from cards, we should turn to God’s Word, prayer, and the counsel of mature believers.
By rejecting tarot and similar practices, we protect ourselves from deception and open the door to experiencing the true freedom found in Christ alone.
