You may have heard of tarot cards before – those mysterious cards used for fortune telling and divination. As a Christian, you probably know that we’re called to avoid witchcraft and sorcery. But what exactly does the Bible say about tarot cards? Are they inherently evil, or just a harmless game?
In this post, we’ll take a close look at tarot cards through a biblical lens. We’ll examine what tarot cards are, trace their origins, see what Scripture says about divination and witchcraft, and draw some conclusions. Read on to get a full understanding of the biblical view on tarot cards.
A Brief History of Tarot Cards
Before jumping into what the Bible says, it helps to understand what tarot cards are and where they come from. Tarot decks consist of 78 cards, each with its own imagery and meaning. The cards are divided into two sections:
- The Major Arcana – Consisting of 22 cards representing themes like death, love, and fortune. Cards include The Fool, The Magician, Strength, The Hanged Man, and more.
- The Minor Arcana – Made up of 56 suit cards similar to a deck of playing cards. The suits are wands, cups, swords, and pentacles. Each suit runs from Ace to 10, plus four face cards.
The origins of tarot are somewhat mysterious. Some trace it back as far as ancient Egypt. But most credit the cards to 15th century Italy. The earliest decks were used for a card game called Triumphs, which shares some similarities to modern bridge.
Occultists began using tarot cards for divination and fortune telling in 18th century France. The practice grew in popularity through the 19th and 20th centuries. Today there are countless tarot decks available on the market. New age followers use them for guidance, claiming the cards tap into psychic energy and spiritual forces.
So in summary, tarot decks are sets of illustrated cards once used for card games, now employed by psychics and spiritualists to gain hidden knowledge about the past, present, and future. With this background in mind, let’s see how the Bible views these cards.
What Does the Bible Say About Divination and Fortune Telling?
The clearest biblical condemnations against tarot cards come from verses about divination, witchcraft, and fortune telling – practices that often involve tarot cards. For example:
- “When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, 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. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you.” (Deuteronomy 18:9-12)
- “You shall not eat any flesh with the blood in it. You shall not interpret omens or tell fortunes.” (Leviticus 19:26)
- “As for the person who turns to mediums and to spiritists, to play the harlot after them, I will also set My face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.” (Leviticus 20:6)
- “When they say to you, ‘Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter,’ should not a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?” (Isaiah 8:19)
- “Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:31)
The Bible clearly prohibits divination, the occult, fortune telling, and consulting the dead. These verses directly apply to using tarot cards to gain spiritual insight or see the future.
Some believers still insist tarot cards are just for fun and they don’t really work. But the Bible warns against going anywhere near these practices, whether we believe in their power or not. We are not even to dabble in these things.
Tarot Cards Qualify as Divination
There is no doubt that tarot cards would be classified as divination according to the Bible’s definition. Comparing tarot to the divination practices called out in Scripture removes any gray area:
- Omens – Interpreting a sign or event as a good or bad sign about the future. Tarot cards are used in just this way. Certain cards are interpreted as good or bad omens.
- Fortune telling – Predicting information about a person’s future. This is the main function of tarot cards, to reveal hidden details about one’s future relationships, career, finances, and destiny.
- Interpreting omens – Discerning the significance behind a sign. The tarot reader studies the deal of the cards and assigns meaning to each one.
- Mediums – A person who consults spirits or supernatural forces. The tarot reader calls on psychic powers or spiritual entities to empower the cards.
It’s clear – the use of tarot cards falls squarely into the divination practices that the Bible denounces. There is no getting around it.
Marks of the Occult Surround Tarot Cards
Not only does tarot qualify biblically as divination, but these cards are steeped in spiritual influences:
- Designs – The intricate artwork on tarot decks bears clear occult influences. The Rider Waite deck features pagan symbols like the zodiac, Greek gods, horns, pentagrams and more.
- Interpretation – Readers use the imagery on the cards to interpret omens, reveal fortunes, and tap into supernatural knowledge. This mystic interpretation is an occult practice.
- Guidance – Readers believe the cards offer spiritual guidance and wisdom straight from the spirit realm. But there is only one true source of wisdom – the Holy Spirit.
- Power – New age thinking says the cards hold intrinsic power and energy. But the Bible says true power comes only from God.
- Origins – Tarot originated as a card game but was hijacked by the occult. This shift from innocence to spiritualism reveals the corrupt source steering tarot cards today.
Every part of tarot reading – the cards, interpretations, and beliefs – is marked by influences of the demonic realm.
Tarot Readers Use Deceptive Spirits
As Christians, we know there are only two spiritual sources – the Holy Spirit and deceptive spirits. Since tarot is not from the Holy Spirit, its source of knowledge can only be deceiving spirits.
The Bible warns there are deceiving and seducing spirits at work in the world:
- “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1)
- “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
- “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24)
Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and his servants also disguise themselves in righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:15). These dark spirits stand behind tarot card readers, feeding them counterfeit predictions.
All supernatural knowledge and future predictions outside of the Bible come directly from Satan’s realm. Tarot cards act as a dangerous gateway into this deceptive world.
Should Christians Have Tarot Cards in Their Home?
Given everything we’ve examined from Scripture, would it be wise for a Christian to keep a deck of tarot cards in their home? Absolutely not! Here are a few reasons why:
- It violates the Bible’s clear commands to avoid divination and the occult, even in appearance. “Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:22)
- It brings spiritual oppression into the home. “Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:31)
- It causes confusion and offers a stumbling block to fellow believers. “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” (1 Corinthians 8:9)
- It feeds dangerous spiritual curiosity in yourself or others. “It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night.” (Psalm 127:2)
- It opens the door to deeper occult practices and idolatry. “Do not turn to idols or make cast images for yourselves; I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:4)
Bringing tarot cards into your home would be unwise, dangerous and demonstrably against God’s commands for His people. Don’t compromise or rationalize in this area.
Key Takeaways on the Biblical View of Tarot Cards
- Tarot decks consist of illustrated cards once used for card games, now used for fortune telling and tapping hidden knowledge.
- The Bible clearly prohibits all forms of divination, sorcery, fortune telling, and interpreting omens.
- Tarot cards qualify as divination since readers use the cards to predict the future and interpret omens.
- Occult symbols and spiritual forces surround tarot cards. The guidance comes from deceiving spirits.
- Christians should completely avoid bringing tarot cards into their homes or lives based on the Bible’s warnings.
The Bible leaves no room for compromise. Tarot cards are tied to the occult and stand opposed to God. As followers of Christ, we must have nothing to do with this practice, or even the appearance of it in our lives and homes. Jesus calls us to ensure no form of witchcraft takes root in our midst (Galatians 5:19-21). Now that you understand the biblical view on tarot cards, you can stand firm against this deceptive practice.
Applying the Truth to Life
The simple act of owning a tarot deck opens your life up to all kinds of danger – demonic oppression, warped character, and spiritual harm. Don’t take the first step down this path. Keep far from it.
If you’ve already invited any kind of occult practice like tarot into your home, get rid of any related objects immediately. Ask other believers to help remove the items and pray over your home. Claim the power of Christ to cleanse your home completely.
Most importantly, fill your heart and home with the truth of Scripture. Read the Bible daily, and memorize key verses about avoiding the occult. Stay active in your local church. The best defense against deception is knowing and applying the Word of God.
As Christians, we accept only one source of truth – the Holy Bible. No hidden knowledge, future predictions, or spiritual guidance can surpass what’s available to us freely through Christ. Avoid tarot and all forms of divination. Instead, pursue intimacy with Jesus daily through prayer, study and worship. He alone holds your future and leads your destiny.
