Tarot is a centuries-old divination practice that uses a deck of cards to provide insights into the past, present, and future. It is a popular tool for self-reflection, personal growth, and decision-making. However, many misconceptions about Tarot can prevent people from experiencing its benefits.

Misconception #1: Tarot is evil.

Tarot is often associated with dark magic, but this is untrue. A skilled Tarot reader can use the cards to help people understand their lives, make better decisions, and heal from past wounds.

Misconception #2: You need to have special powers to read Tarot.

Anyone can learn to read Tarot. There is no need to have psychic abilities or any other special powers. Many resources are available to help you learn how to read Tarot, including books, websites, and online courses.

Misconception #3: Tarot cards can predict the future with certainty.

Tarot cards offer insights into potential outcomes and help you to understand the choices that you have available to you. The future is fluid and shaped by your actions and decisions.

Misconception #4: You must wrap your Tarot cards in silk or keep them in a wooden box.

Some people suggest storing Tarot cards this way because the natural fibres in silk and wood have protective properties that will be a barrier to negative energy. The superstition of keeping Tarot cards in silk dates back centuries. In many cultures, silk was considered to be a sacred material, and it was often used in religious ceremonies and rituals. But there is no need to wrap your Tarot cards in silk or hide them from others. Tarot cards are simply tools. You can treat them in whatever way feels comfortable to you.

Misconception #5: You need to steal your Tarot cards or have them given to you as a gift for them to work.

You can buy Tarot cards from any bookstore or online retailer. It doesn’t matter how you get your Tarot cards; they will work just as well. Many people find it better to choose their own cards, as this allows them to connect with the cards on a deeper level.

Misconception #6: Other people cannot touch your Tarot cards.

Letting other people touch and use your Tarot cards is perfectly fine. There is no magic in them. The reader uses intuition to divine the cards’ meanings from the symbols in the image. The cards are not magically connected to the reader. And allowing others to handle the cards will not affect future readings.

Misconception #7: You must be initiated into a secret society or have a particular personality type to be a good Tarot reader.

Anyone can learn to read Tarot, regardless of personality type or background. There are no special requirements for doing Tarot readings apart from having an open mind.

Misconception #8: You must perform a ritual before doing a Tarot reading.

Tarot is a tool for self-awareness and guidance; it won’t be affected by magical or religious ceremonies. Tarot cards hold symbols that are used to communicate with your subconscious mind. Just as you don’t need to perform a ritual to read a book or newspaper, you don’t need to complete a ritual to read Tarot cards. If you were about to play a poker game, nobody has proven that performing a ritual or praying gives you a better chance of winning. It’s the same with Tarot. All that’s required is focus, so make sure you centre yourself by taking a few deep breaths or meditating for a few minutes. Don’t let the fear of not performing the proper ritual prevent you from experiencing its benefits.

Misconception #9: You have to cleanse your Tarot cards between readings.

Before beginning a reading for someone, it is said that you must clean the cards. This is supposed to remove the energies of the person you previously did a reading for. Some ideas for this are to place crystals on top of your cards or smudge them with the smoke from sage or another cleansing herb. Many authors suggest visualising a white light around your cards. The idea behind cleansing is to clear away any residual energies from the previous reading and ensure a fresh start for the next one. However, this is not necessary. The main thing to remember is that Tarot readings primarily rely on the reader’s intention. If your intent is clear and you approach each reading with a fresh mindset, the need for cleansing is eliminated.

Misconception #10: When you no longer want to use a particular Tarot deck, you must burn it.

There are a few reasons why some people think you need to burn Tarot cards that are no longer used. They consider it a final cleansing of any negative energy the cards may have absorbed. Burning the cards can also be a symbolic way of letting go of the past and moving on to a new chapter in your life or releasing any emotional attachments to the cards. However, if you have no further use for a deck, then you can recycle them in more sustainable ways. You could place them with regular paper recycling, but why not donate your Tarot cards to a charity store instead? This gives the cards a new life and helps someone else who may be interested in learning about Tarot. Otherwise, turn them into greeting cards, or place your favourite cards in frames to decorate your home.

Final Thoughts:

Tarot is a powerful tool for self-reflection, personal growth, and decision-making. It is essential to debunk the misconceptions about Tarot so that people can experience its benefits. It is a valuable tool for living a more fulfilling life.