As a Bible-believing Christian, you know to avoid any practice that connects with evil spiritual forces. So it may alarm you to learn that tarot cards ultimately do provide a gateway to demonic influence. Despite their popularity in mainstream culture, tarot cards are not harmless tools for self-reflection or art. Their origins and purpose are rooted in the occult.
Christians need to understand why tarot cards are dangerous and incompatible with following Jesus Christ.
Occult Origins of Tarot
To evaluate tarot cards rightly, we must begin with their history. Contrary to popular myths, tarot did not originate as a harmless gaming pastime in medieval Europe. The earliest decks appeared in 15th century Italy and contained symbols directly connected to secret societies and occultism. The cards contained clues to interpreting esoteric spiritual beliefs hidden within their imagery.
Over the next few centuries, divination and mediumship using tarot cards became increasingly popular. Occultists created the 78-card system still used today specifically for fortune-telling, sorcery and communicating with spirits. They believed the cards allowed them to predict the future, cast spells and channel departed souls.
So the very purpose of tarot cards from their inception was occult divination, not artistic design or recreational games. Later attempts to sanitize tarot’s history cannot erase its origins in forbidden spiritual darkness. Even if well-intentioned people today use tarot cards in creative or reflective ways, the roots remain contaminated by demonic influence at their core.
Biblical Prohibition of Occult Practices
Some defend tarot cards as merely tools which can be used for good or evil purposes. But God’s word directly addresses occult arts like divination and condemns them completely, leaving no room for debate. The Bible contains clear prohibitions against engaging in any practice that seeks to access supernatural power or hidden knowledge outside of God Himself.
Several Old Testament passages explicitly forbid divination, fortune-telling, astrology, interpreting omens, sorcery, casting spells and similar practices. For example:
“There shall not be found among you anyone…who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
Attempting to gain spiritual insight or advantage through any means other than directly seeking the true God of the Bible is clearly prohibited. Sadly tarot cards have long been a tool for doing exactly what these verses condemn.
The New Testament also denounces occultism in passages like these:
“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident…idolatry, sorcery…and things like these, of which I forewarn you…that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21)
“As for the person who turns to mediums and to spiritists…I will also set My face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.” (Leviticus 20:6)
There is simply no justification for contradicting God’s word and participating in tarot and other occult arts He detests. We must take these verses at face value and steer clear of spiritually harmful practices.
Dangers of Demonic Oppression
Tarot may seem harmless, but God warns about its dangers for good reason. Venturing into divination, spell work, and communication with spirits opens our lives to demonic influences. Here are some very real risks:
- Demons gain a foothold – Tarot often leads to further occult involvement, giving evil spirits access.
- Unhealthy obsession – Relying on tarot readings can become addictive and controlling.
- Fear and anxiety – When predictions seem negative, tarot brings crippling worry.
- Damaged faith – Occult practices sidetrack people from trusting and following Jesus.
- False spirits – Seeking supernatural experiences may deceive people through counterfeit signs, wonders and mystical encounters.
- Eternal judgment – Those who reject God’s word to pursue occultism face His wrath.
These are terrifying consequences that come with involvement in tarot. Even using tarot cards “just for fun” or art is incredibly foolish given what is at stake.
No Such Thing as “Harmless” Tarot
Some claim tarot cards are simply neutral objects like any other game, art form or tool. But this fails to account for tarot’s undeniable and dangerous spiritual roots. At best, tarot desensitizes people to the occult and risks a slippery slope towards more serious deception and bondage.
Like other seemingly innocent spiritual practices such as yoga and meditation, tarot carries inherent spiritual risks despite no longer outwardly appearing ritualistic. We must recognize that any practice originating in demon-worship, spell-casting, and forbidden arts cannot be cleanly extracted from those roots.
Tarot inherently remains inextricably connected to and tainted by its background in divination. No Christian should consider dabbling in tarot any more than they would practice palm-reading, light candles for spell-casting, or try to summon spirits using a Ouija board. At their core these practices all experiment with depths of the demonic realm forbidden by God for our protection.
Guidelines for Avoiding Occult Dangers
For any believer who has used tarot cards or felt tempted to, here are some Scriptural guidelines for leaving this dangerous practice behind:
- Repent and renounce – Express to God your remorse over sinful occult involvement. Ask Him to break any spiritual ties.
- Remove objects – Throw away tarot cards and occult books to remove temptation.
- Receive God’s forgiveness – Trust Christ’s death covers all sins. The past no longer has power over you.
- Renew your mind – Read the Bible daily and immerse yourself in God’s life-giving truth.
- Pray for protection and deliverance – Ask the Holy Spirit to guard you from demonic influence.
- Find fellowship – Surround yourself with other strong believers who will uplift and encourage your faith walk.
God promises that when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us in turn. Although tarot and other occult practices may seem exciting, only a real relationship with Jesus Christ can provide the meaning, security and spiritual power we crave.
Conclusion: Tarot Brings Danger, Not Blessing
In summary, tarot cards may appear fun, artistic or psychologically useful – but Christians must resist this deception. All occult practices directly violate God’s commands, providing a gateway to demonic influence that wreaks havoc spiritually.
Tarot cannot be safely separated from its roots in divination, sorcery, and communing with deceiving spirits. Mature believers must teach younger Christians the dangers of tarot cards and steer them away from this forbidden path.
God’s word makes the hazards of tarot clear. Jesus alone is the way, the truth and the life. Only through Christ can we access blessing, protection and true spiritual wisdom. Instead of looking to tarot, we must fix our eyes solely on Jesus.
