Are Tarot Cards Against Christianity? What the Bible Says

By Alex Assoune May 21, 2025

Tarot cards have fascinated people for centuries, offering insight into the past, present, and possible future. But for many Christians, tarot remains a controversial topic—viewed by some as mystical curiosity and by others as spiritually dangerous. This raises an important question: Are tarot cards against Christianity?

The answer depends on how one interprets Scripture, church tradition, and the intentions behind tarot use. To explore this issue, we need to look at what tarot cards are, what the Bible says about divination, how various Christian denominations approach the topic, and whether tarot can ever be compatible with a Christian worldview.

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What Are Tarot Cards?

Tarot cards are a deck of 78 cards often used for divination, self-reflection, or spiritual insight. The deck includes 22 Major Arcana cards (like The Fool, The Magician, or The Lovers) and 56 Minor Arcana cards, divided into four suits—similar to a standard deck of playing cards.

Historically, tarot emerged in 15th-century Europe as a card game, not a mystical tool. The association with the occult began in the 18th and 19th centuries when mystics and esoteric thinkers, especially in France and England, began using tarot for spiritual and divinatory purposes.

Today, tarot is used in a wide variety of ways—from psychological reflection to guidance during personal challenges. While some users see tarot as a form of communication with spiritual entities, others view it more like a mirror for the subconscious mind.

What Does the Bible Say?

The Bible repeatedly warns against divination and seeking spiritual knowledge from sources outside of God. Key passages often cited in this debate include:

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (NIV):
"Let no one be found among you who...practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft...Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord."
Leviticus 19:31 (NIV):
"Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them."
Isaiah 8:19 (NIV):
"When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God?"

These verses form the basis of the traditional Christian rejection of tarot cards, especially when used for fortune-telling or spiritual guidance outside of prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit.

From a biblical standpoint, the issue is not the physical cards themselves, but the intent and source of guidance. If tarot is used to seek supernatural knowledge or power apart from God, it is typically seen as violating biblical teaching.

The Role of Intent

Intent plays a crucial role in how tarot is viewed. Some people use tarot cards not to contact spirits or predict the future, but as a reflective tool to explore emotions, relationships, or personal decisions.

For example, a person might draw a tarot card not to summon hidden knowledge but to spark intuition or journal about their feelings. In this case, the practice may feel closer to Christian meditation or personal reflection rather than divination.

Still, many Christian leaders argue that even seemingly harmless tarot practices can open doors to spiritual deception. They warn that what starts as curiosity can evolve into dependence on occult tools, leading believers away from trust in God.

Views of Different Christian Denominations

1. Evangelical and Fundamentalist Christians

Most evangelical and fundamentalist Christians reject tarot cards outright. They see them as part of the occult, strictly prohibited by Scripture. Many churches teach that any form of divination, no matter how light-hearted, is spiritually dangerous.

They emphasize that God alone should be the source of wisdom, and turning to cards, crystals, or astrology for answers can compromise one’s relationship with God.

2. Roman Catholic Church

The Catholic Church also cautions against divination and the occult. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

"All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead, or other practices falsely supposed to 'unveil' the future." (CCC 2116)

However, some Catholic theologians distinguish between superstitious use of tarot and psychological use. Still, the official stance remains one of caution, especially if tarot replaces prayer, sacraments, or trust in God’s providence.

3. Progressive and Liberal Christians

Some progressive Christians take a more nuanced view. They might see tarot as a symbolic language—like poetry—that helps people reflect on spiritual truths. For them, tarot cards don’t inherently conflict with Christianity if used as a metaphorical or psychological tool.

This group often emphasizes the personal relationship with God over strict adherence to dogma. They may explore tarot as a way of deepening spiritual awareness rather than seeking supernatural knowledge.

Can a Christian Use Tarot?

This is the heart of the debate. Here are the key arguments on both sides:

Against Using Tarot

Biblical Prohibition: Scripture forbids divination and seeking hidden knowledge through spiritual means outside God.
Spiritual Risk: Tarot can be a gateway to more occult practices or false spiritual dependencies.
Idolatry Concern: Seeking answers from cards may place trust in the created rather than the Creator.

In Favor (with Caution)

Intent Matters: If tarot is used for self-reflection, not fortune-telling, it may be more psychological than spiritual.
Art and Symbolism: Some Christians use tarot as an artistic language that helps illustrate spiritual growth or archetypes.
Spiritual Discernment: Spiritually mature Christians might engage with tarot thoughtfully, without compromising faith.

Ultimately, whether a Christian can use tarot comes down to conscience, guidance from the Holy Spirit, and understanding the purpose behind the practice. But traditional interpretations of Scripture generally advise against it.

Alternatives for Spiritual Guidance

For Christians who feel drawn to introspection or need guidance, there are many alternatives that align with biblical principles:

Prayer and meditation on Scripture
Journaling and spiritual direction
Lectio Divina (a form of meditative Bible reading)
Christian counseling or mentorship
Using Psalms or Proverbs for wisdom

These practices not only deepen one’s connection with God but also provide clarity and peace without the spiritual ambiguity associated with tarot.

Conclusion

So, are tarot cards against Christianity? According to most traditional interpretations of the Bible and Christian doctrine—yes, especially when used for divination or supernatural guidance.

However, some modern Christians argue that tarot can be a neutral tool, depending on how it’s used. But even in those cases, caution is essential. Christianity calls believers to seek wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit—not through cards, symbols, or esoteric practices.

If you are a Christian curious about tarot, the best path forward is honest prayer, spiritual discernment, and perhaps talking with a pastor or mentor. Above all, the Bible encourages believers to fix their eyes on Christ as the true source of wisdom and light.

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

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