Tarot cards have always been surrounded by mystery, but also by a lot of legends and prejudices. Those who fear them associate them with dark forces, those who ignore them think they are just superstitions. In reality, tarot cards are a powerful tool for reflecting on our lives, if read with empathy and awareness. Today I want to clarify some of the most common myths and explain how they really work.
1. Tarot cards are dangerous
One of the most widespread prejudices is that the Tarot can unleash disasters or misfortunes. The truth is that they are simply a deck of cards with symbols and archetypes, designed to stimulate reflection. There is no curse behind them, nor a dark power ready to materialize. Even if the Knight of Swords card shows a sword, it has no intention of using it against you! In fact, the most the Tarot can do is tell you "that path is not for you" or "this situation could evolve differently than you think". No cataclysm, just an invitation to reflect.
2. Tarot cards are scary
It is natural to feel a little uncomfortable when dealing with sensitive topics, but there is no need to panic. The Death, Devil and Tower cards, for example, are often associated with catastrophic events, but their meaning is much deeper and less tragic than it seems. Death, for example, can indicate the end of a cycle, a transformation. The Devil could refer to addictions or illusions to overcome. In short, there is nothing to fear: the cards are not condemnations, but tools of awareness.
3. Tarot is black magic
Another myth is that tarot cards are linked to black magic. Nothing could be further from the truth! There is no spell behind the reading of the cards, but a deep work of introspection. Tarot cards are a symbolic tool that is based on empathy and knowledge of the meanings of the symbols, not on mysterious rites. Of course, some people can use them in an unethical way, but this depends on the intention of the person reading them, not on the tool itself.
4. Tarot cards are used to cast magical spells
Magical bindings have nothing to do with tarot. These practices are ethically questionable and offer no real emotional relief. If a relationship is over, it is important to accept it and go through the pain, not try to force a situation. Love is meant to be lived freely, not manipulated.
5. Tarot cards are tools of the devil
Many believe that Tarot is an invention of the devil, but this is a legend that has ancient roots. The idea comes from a worldview that seeks to label as evil everything that is mysterious or difficult to understand. Tarot is not an instrument of evil, but only cards that speak to our unconscious. And yes, if we speak of "devil" in a symbolic sense, we could say that it also refers to earthly temptations such as pleasure, physical attraction and passion, which are certainly not negative things!
6. Tarot cards are only for mediums
You don't have to be a medium to read tarot cards. We all have a connection with our unconscious and subtle energies that surround us. Tarot cards are a tool that helps us get in touch with these hidden aspects of ourselves. You don't have to be a mystical expert, but rather sensitive and able to read the symbols of the cards in a personal way. Tarot reading is an art that can be developed by anyone, if approached with respect and curiosity.
7. Tarot cards are only read during the full moon
This is a myth that has roots in superstition. The full moon is certainly a time of particular energy, but it has nothing to do with tarot reading. You can consult the cards whenever you feel you need guidance.
8. To read tarot cards you have to dress in a particular way
Many people think that to read tarot cards, you need special clothing - turban, cape, crystal ball. The reality is that you don't need any exotic outfit! To create the right atmosphere, all you need is a little tranquility and concentration. Sometimes I use incense to "bend" the environment in favor of the reading, but it's more a question of atmosphere than clothing. Tarot cards are not worn, they are read.
9. Tarot cards see the future for the next 10 years
Here is one of the most insidious myths. Tarot is not a time machine. It cannot tell you exactly what will happen in 10 years. The cards are not a crystal ball to caress to see the future but they help us to take our responsibilities and be more aware of the path to take to achieve the future we desire. The tarot cards tell you about the flow of situations and choices that you have in front of you, they do not reveal every detail of the future.
10. You can't ask the same question to the cards more than once.
The cards don’t get “angry” if you ask the same question more than once, but it’s important to be patient. If the cards tell you that a situation requires time and patience, there’s no point in asking the same thing every day in the hope that the answer will change. Excessive repetition can be confusing and cause anxiety, while a calm and detached reading is always more helpful. Let things evolve before returning to the same questions.
As you can see, tarot cards are neither dangerous nor tied to dark forces. They are a powerful tool that offers food for thought and awareness, but they do not replace free will. Used with respect, they can become a guide to navigate life with greater clarity and serenity.
The key is to approach them with an open mind, without being influenced by myths and prejudices. If you are feeling curious, why not try to discover what the cards have to say to you?