Is Tarot Card Reading Dangerous?
Tarot – a tool for contemplation or a dangerous practice?
Tarot cards have fascinated and sparked controversy for centuries. For some, they are a tool for personal development, aiding introspection and problem-solving; for others – a dangerous entry into the world of occultism. Can tarot card reading truly pose a threat? Let’s examine this issue from various perspectives.
What is Tarot?
Tarot is a deck consisting of 78 cards divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. Originally used as a social game in 14th-century Europe, it gradually became associated with divinatory practices. The images on the cards carry rich symbolism, combining philosophical, mystical, and even Christian elements.
Are the Tarot cards dangerous in themselves?
Tarot cards are merely a tool, and thus are neither inherently good nor evil. The problem arises when they are used without an awareness of the responsibility they carry. From a psychological perspective, Tarot can be helpful in analyzing problems and reflecting on one’s life. However, improper use of the cards – for example, treating them as an infallible oracle – can lead to dependency or misguided life decisions.
Risks Associated with Tarot Card Reading
1. Addiction to Divination
One of the greatest risks associated with Tarot is addiction to divination. People who become dependent on the cards may stop making decisions on their own, basing their entire lives on card interpretations.
2. Emotional and Spiritual Energy
Believers in the spiritual aspect of Tarot often emphasize that improper use of the cards can open "gateways" for negative energies or entities. Practitioners frequently employ various protective rituals, such as lighting a white candle, cleansing the cards, or visualizing a protective sphere of light.
3. Lack of Professionalism and Ethics
Not everyone who uses Tarot cards adheres to ethical principles. Reading without the consent of the person involved, exploiting someone’s fear, or manipulating card interpretations can cause harm to both the seeker and the reader.
4. Potential Spiritual Consequences
From a religious perspective, Tarot is sometimes considered a practice incompatible with Christian faith, which can lead to spiritual discord. There are also accounts of individuals who experienced unsettling visions or emotional disturbances after intense engagements with Tarot.
The Tarot Reader’s Code of Ethics
Every professional tarot reader should follow a clearly defined code of ethics. Key principles include:
- Do not perform readings for minors – young people might take the cards’ guidance too seriously, which could negatively affect their decisions.
- Do not perform readings for pregnant women – the emotional and physical state of expectant mothers is particularly delicate, and divination can only add unnecessary stress.
- Do not interfere in the lives of others – providing readings without the consent of the person concerned is unethical.
- Maintain emotional and spiritual hygiene – regular cleansing of the cards, adherence to "tarot safety guidelines," and taking breaks from divination are crucial.
Protective Practices in Tarot Work
Many tarot readers use various methods of protection and cleansing:
- Candles and Incense – fire and smoke hold symbolic cleansing significance.
- Cleansing Rituals – employing the four elements (earth, water, fire, and air) during a full moon.
- Deck Guardian – designating a single card to "guard" the deck during storage.
- Intentions and Prayers – before starting a reading, practitioners often recite protective words or ask for spiritual support.
Tarot and Religion
From the perspective of the Catholic Church, Tarot is considered a practice incompatible with faith. The Bible contains warnings against divination, which is viewed as a sin against the first commandment. Some people who have distanced themselves from Tarot report long-lasting spiritual and psychological effects resulting from their involvement in occult practices.
Can Tarot be Helpful?
Although Tarot carries its risks, many people view it as a tool for self-reflection and personal growth. Thanks to its rich symbolism, the cards can help in better understanding oneself, uncovering unconscious emotions, or seeking answers to difficult questions.
When is Tarot Safe?
- When used as a tool for reflection, rather than as an oracle.
- When practitioners adhere to ethical principles and take care of energetic protection.
- When the seeker approaches readings with a sense of detachment and common sense.
Summary
Is tarot card reading dangerous? It all depends on who uses it and how it’s used. The cards themselves are merely a tool – the key lies in the intention and ethics of the user. Tarot can be a helpful tool for personal work, but it requires a responsible approach. It is also worth remembering that this practice is not for everyone and the decision to engage in it should be well considered.
