so why do people really fear tarot?

Much of this fear isn’t really about tarot at all. It's about the idea of what tarot might say.

Imagine if you’re worried about your future, love life, or finances—tarot brings those concerns up. Suddenly, the cards are staring back, as if they have all the answers you’re afraid to face (you know those memes about pulls you make and you try to reshuffle and pull again because you can’t accept the first pull you made…and just end up with the same card again??? Tarot can have its own humor and sarcasm too)

But here’s the thing: tarot’s just reflecting what’s already in you. It’s like a mirror for the mind. And yeah, mirrors aren’t always fun when you’re having a rough day.

But the cards don’t predict doom. They’re not magic portals to another realm (as much as some of us want it to be), they’re symbols that, over time, humans have given meaning to. I mean, the Death card, for instance, it’s not telling you that your number’s up! It’s more like, “Hey, maybe it’s time to let go of that old habit.” Death in tarot is all about endings and new beginnings—a fresh start, if you will. When you think of it that way, it’s less spooky and more like a nudge from a friend.

misconceptions about tarot and spirituality

Ah, and then there’s the classic fear: “Tarot is evil.” A lot of people worry tarot is some dark art, or they’ve been told it’s all about devil worship. Movies don’t exactly help here—they love to paint tarot as ominous, mysterious, or downright dangerous. When was the last time Hollywood made tarot look like a chill, self-reflective practice? Exactly.

For those of us who were raised in religious households, this fear can be even stronger. You might worry that picking up a deck means going against your upbringing or beliefs. But honestly, tarot doesn’t have to be anything other than what you make of it. If your intention is to find peace, understanding, or insight, then that’s exactly what tarot can be for you. Think of it as a friend giving you perspective, not a mysterious force from beyond the veil.

finding a deck that feels right for you

Another thing: the deck itself can make all the difference. If you’re drawn to softer, more playful imagery, go with a deck that’s lighthearted! There are so many beautiful, calming decks out there. You don’t have to start with the Rider-Waite or something like our Shadow Realm deck that has really intense imagery if it makes you uncomfortable. Some decks have more modern, vibrant designs that don’t look intimidating at all.

We once had a friend who was spooked by the old-school artwork in her first deck and nearly gave up. She switched to a softer, more pastel-themed deck, and it completely changed her perspective. Sometimes, a simple shift like that can make tarot feel more like a cozy chat than a psychic interrogation. 

Here’s an awesome comparison of two cards and their opposite designs. The one on the right is the Elemental Empath deck, customized for a self-care journey through empathy and kindness to oneself. 

You can find the Tarot of the Shadow Realm (pictured above), by clicking here.

You can find the Elemental Empath Oracle (pictured above), by clicking here.

Many beginners fear tarot because they think it controls their fate. But tarot isn’t there to boss you around or lay down an unchangeable path. You shuffle the deck, pull a card, and yes, sometimes it feels like it was meant for you, but remember, the message is a reflection, not a command.

Let’s break it down: energy flows between you and the cards because of your thoughts, intentions, and questions. The deck reflects what you bring to it, like a conversation. It’s not telling you to quit your job, dump your partner, or anything drastic. Instead, it might just highlight something you’ve already been sensing but haven’t fully acknowledged.

You know, that intuition that has been bugging you, but you tend to keep in the back of your mind—not saying to overthink through it, but sometimes, we take time to acknowledge things we’ve already had a hunch.

facing your fear, one card at a time

If you’re still feeling wary, start simple. Instead of diving into a big, soul-searching spread, pull a single card each morning and see what it has to say about your day. No big question, no weighty concerns—just a daily check-in. When we started, I did this, and it was a lovely way to ease in. You’ll get used to seeing tarot as a positive addition to your day, like a nudge from a friend.

And if you find a card that makes you uncomfortable, try journaling about it. Ask yourself what part of it feels unsettling. Sometimes, the act of writing can be pretty enlightening, showing you why certain symbols trigger specific feelings. It’s like untangling a knot in your mind.

Find a good journal, much like our Mystic Muse Journal, this journal is made with the intention of helping you with your journal journey, from the cover details and each unruled pages that is perfect for you to release the piled up thoughts you may have.

tarot as a tool, not a crystal ball

Remember, tarot isn’t about predicting the future with eerie accuracy. It’s about uncovering your own insights. Think of it this way: the cards are showing you different facets of yourself, helping you work through challenges, reflect on your actions, and get a little clarity. Tarot can’t take away your free will or make decisions for you. It’s a guide, not a puppet master.

Keep in mind that this is a tool to help you in your journey, you’re still the one in control—the one who holds the reins.

If you’re ever in doubt, ask questions that keep things light. Start with “What’s a positive focus for today?” rather than big, anxiety-provoking questions. Or, if you’re feeling especially playful, ask the cards what your pet is thinking! Sometimes, these “light” readings show how tarot can be just as fun and relaxed as it is insightful.

Our greatest transformations often lie on the other side of our deepest fears.

It’s natural to feel nervous around tarot at first. There’s so much mystery and misinformation around it that makes us wonder if we’re playing with fire or if it’s even worth it.

Tarot doesn’t have to be scary. It’s here to help you, like a comforting book or a trusted friend who listens without judgment. You don’t have to immerse yourself fully from the start, ease in at your own pace, keep things light, and you’ll soon find that tarot can be an amazing tool for self-discovery and growth.

So next time you’re shuffling, don’t overthink it. Take a breath, pick a card, and let the conversation begin. You might just surprise yourself with what you find.

If you’re curious to learn more about tarot, spirituality, and the ways these tools can guide you on your own journey, you can join our newsletter! Our La Sorcière Gazette (yes, that’s the name of our newsletter!) is like a newspaper of magick filled with insights, tips, and stories that might help you, whether you’re just starting out or have been on the path for a while. 

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