The topic of tarot and spirituality often comes up, and one question I’ve heard a lot is whether tarot reading is considered a sin or if it’s something that’s frowned upon by God.
While I don’t have all the answers, I’ve definitely explored this topic a bit and thought it would be helpful to share some perspectives.
This article will run through absolutely everything you need to know to make your own informed decision about this important question. And we’ll cover what each religion thinks about tarot.
Lets talk about:
🌕 What each religion says about tarot
🌔 Interpretation vs divination
🌓 Ethical considerations
🌒 The history of tarot holds important answers
🌑 Personal beliefs and choices
The Perspective from Various Religions
So, let’s start by talking about what different religions say about tarot.
A heads up answer… In nearly all religions, the concept of divination or predicting the future is always frowned upon and is not encouraged.
However, you might want to read on to see how this could possible change, for you and your own personal beliefs.
Christianity ✝️
In many Christian circles, tarot is often viewed with suspicion or outright disapproval. The Bible doesn’t explicitly mention tarot cards, but passages in the Old Testament do condemn divination and other forms of soothsaying (Deuteronomy 18:10-12, for example).
For some, this extends to tarot reading, which is considered an attempt to divine the future and therefore sinful.
However, it’s worth noting that there are Christian practitioners who use tarot as a form of contemplation or to explore biblical themes, separating it from the predictive aspects.
Islam ☪️
Islamic teachings generally oppose divination and any practices considered as trying to predict the future, which would include tarot reading. The Quran advises Muslims to seek guidance from Allah and warns against engaging in practices that could be seen as attempting to bypass divine will.
However, cultural interpretations may vary, and you may find some Muslims who engage in practices like coffee cup reading or other forms of folk divination, although these are not generally considered in line with Islamic teachings.
Judaism ✡️
In traditional Jewish thought, practices like tarot would likely be grouped under the category of divination, which is generally discouraged.
The Torah contains prohibitions against divination and seeking omens (Leviticus 19:26).
However, Kabbalistic traditions within Judaism have explored mystical and esoteric subjects, and you’ll find individuals in the Jewish community who are open to tarot, especially as a tool for self-reflection rather than prediction.
Hinduism 🕉️
Hinduism has a rich tradition of various forms of divination, astrology, and other metaphysical practices. In this context, tarot reading isn’t generally considered sinful.
However, how it’s viewed can depend on the individual’s personal beliefs and the specific Hindu philosophy they follow.
Some might argue that relying on tarot could detract from focusing on Dharma (righteousness) or Bhakti (devotion), while others might integrate it into their spiritual practices without issue.
Buddhism 🕉️
Buddhism generally doesn’t consider tarot reading as sinful, but its core teachings emphasize the importance of personal insight and enlightenment obtained through meditation and mindfulness.
In that sense, some Buddhists might see tarot as a distraction from the ultimate goal of achieving Nirvana.
However, Buddhist principles like impermanence and interconnectedness could be explored through tarot, making it a tool for contemplation for some practitioners.
Related: Are Tarot Cards Demonic?
Interpretation vs. Divination
Another thing to consider is how you’re using tarot cards.
Are you using them for self-reflection and guidance? Or are you trying to predict the future?
Some religious folks might have an issue with the latter, viewing it as an attempt to play God or bypass divine will.
However, many people use tarot cards as a way to connect more deeply with themselves or even as a meditative tool.
In these cases, the aim is not divination but introspection. And most spiritual practices encourage self-reflection.
Ethical Considerations
Now, let’s talk about ethics.
Some argue that the issue isn’t whether tarot is sinful but whether it’s being used in an ethical manner.
Are you being honest with your readings? Are you using them to manipulate people?
Ethics play a big part in any spiritual practice, and tarot is no different.
Being ethical in your practice can help you navigate through any religious or moral grey areas. Be clear about your intentions, both to yourself and anyone you’re reading for.
The History of Tarot Holds Important Answers To This…
It’s super useful to understand a bit about the history of tarot and its spiritual roots. Knowing where tarot comes from can provide context for the conversations around its morality or sinfulness.
Tarot’s Early Days
Contrary to popular belief, tarot cards didn’t start out as a spiritual tool. They actually originated in the 15th century as playing cards in Europe.
The symbolism and imagery were initially not intended for divination but for games. It wasn’t until later that they evolved into tools for spiritual reflection.
Knowing this historical background can help clarify that tarot itself doesn’t inherently hold “sinful” qualities. They are cards with images and symbols that have been given specific meanings over time.
Tarot and the Occult
Now, let’s talk about the occult. In the late 18th and 19th centuries, tarot started to gain traction as a divination tool, linked to the occult and esoteric traditions.
For some religious groups, anything labeled as “occult” can be seen as sinful or taboo.
But the term “occult” actually means “hidden” or “secret,” and it encompasses a wide range of spiritual beliefs and practices.
So, while tarot is often associated with the occult, that doesn’t automatically make it “evil” or “sinful” unless your personal belief system categorizes it that way.
Tarot as a Mirror
Something else to consider is the idea that tarot acts as a mirror. Rather than predicting the future or contacting other realms, many people use tarot as a reflection of their own inner thoughts and feelings.
In this sense, tarot becomes a tool for self-awareness and personal growth. For many, self-improvement and introspection are far from sinful activities.
They are, in fact, often encouraged in spiritual contexts.
Modern Tarot Practice
In the modern world, tarot has been embraced by people from various religious backgrounds, including those who identify as Christian, Jewish, Muslim, pagan, and even atheist.
Today’s tarot community is quite diverse, and the practice has been adapted in numerous ways to fit into different spiritual frameworks.
So if you’re questioning whether tarot is acceptable within your own belief system, know that there’s a broad range of opinions out there, and it’s ultimately up to you to decide where you stand.
I hope this deep dive gives you even more to think about as you explore the intersections of tarot, spirituality, and morality.
Personal Beliefs and Choices
Finally, your personal beliefs play a big role in how you view the morality of tarot reading.
If your religious convictions tell you that it’s wrong, then that’s something you’ll need to reconcile for yourself. If you feel conflicted, seeking advice from a trusted spiritual advisor can be a big help.
Remember, spirituality is a personal journey. What feels right for one person might not feel right for another, and that’s okay. Be open to exploring and questioning as you find your own path.
If you’ve been reading along, you’ve probably gathered that the answer to this isn’t one-size-fits-all.
The compatibility of tarot reading with your religious beliefs is a personal matter that often requires introspection, research, and sometimes even consultation with a spiritual advisor.
So there you have it—some food for thought on whether tarot reading is a sin or if God frowns upon it. No clear-cut answers, but hopefully, some useful perspectives! Happy shuffling! 🌟