Do Tarot Cards Bring Bad Luck? Myths, Facts, and Spiritual Insights

Tarot cards have captivated human imagination for centuries. Often associated with mystery, divination, and the occult, they are sometimes misunderstood—especially by those unfamiliar with their true purpose. One of the most common questions people ask is: Do tarot cards bring bad luck?

This question arises from fear, misinformation, and cultural stereotypes. Some believe tarot cards can invite negative energy or bad luck, while others view them as powerful tools for self-reflection and guidance. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of this belief, what the evidence says, and whether there’s any spiritual or psychological truth to the idea that tarot cards are bad luck.

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What Are Tarot Cards Really?

Tarot cards are a set of 78 cards used for symbolic and intuitive exploration. A typical deck is divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards representing major life themes) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards dealing with day-to-day experiences). Each card carries imagery that helps the reader interpret possible energies, influences, or emotional dynamics in a situation.

Contrary to popular belief, tarot is not inherently supernatural. While it has roots in spiritual traditions and mysticism, tarot is often used today as a tool for self-reflection, psychological insight, and personal growth.

Why Do People Associate Tarot Cards with Bad Luck?

The idea that tarot cards bring bad luck comes from a mix of cultural, religious, and historical factors.

1. Religious Concerns

Some religious groups—particularly in conservative branches of Christianity, Islam, or Judaism—warn against tarot cards. They may associate them with:

• Divination or fortune-telling, which some scriptures prohibit.

• Occult practices, viewed as spiritually dangerous or demonic.

• A lack of reliance on God, which may be seen as placing trust in “false” sources of wisdom.

In this view, using tarot might seem like inviting spiritual trouble or misfortune.

2. Media and Pop Culture

Movies, TV shows, and horror novels often depict tarot cards as spooky or ominous. Cards like Death, The Tower, or The Devil are shown as bad omens or signs of impending doom. This dramatized portrayal reinforces the idea that tarot is dangerous or unlucky.

In reality, these cards are symbolic, not literal:

• Death often means transformation, not physical death.

• The Tower symbolizes sudden change or revelation—not necessarily disaster.

• The Devil represents temptation or unhealthy attachments—not evil forces.

3. Superstition and Folklore

People often fear what they don’t understand. Myths about tarot include beliefs that:

• Keeping tarot cards in your home invites bad energy.

• Reading tarot opens portals to evil spirits.

• A "bad reading" can curse your future.

These ideas persist, even though they lack evidence and often confuse symbolism with supernatural power.

Do Tarot Cards Actually Cause Bad Luck?

Let’s examine whether tarot cards can objectively or spiritually bring bad luck.

1. No Scientific Evidence

There’s no scientific proof that tarot cards bring bad luck. They are inanimate objects—printed paper with symbolic art. Any “power” they seem to have comes from:

• The reader’s interpretation

• The user’s mindset

• The psychological impact of the reading

In other words, tarot doesn't cause events to happen—it helps people interpret experiences or make sense of their lives.

2. Power Lies in Interpretation

If you believe that tarot cards are unlucky, you may experience anxiety or fear when using them. This negative mindset can lead to:

• Stress-related decisions

• Confirmation bias (“See? I got The Tower—something bad happened!”)

• Self-fulfilling prophecies

However, this is a psychological effect—not proof of bad luck. The same thing could happen with a horoscope, fortune cookie, or a misunderstood dream.

3. Tarot as a Mirror, Not a Magnet

Most experienced tarot readers agree that tarot cards act like a mirror for the subconscious mind. They reflect inner thoughts, feelings, or patterns—not external forces.

A tarot reading can reveal:

• Where you’re stuck

• What you’re avoiding

• Where you need to grow

This process can be uncomfortable, especially when the message challenges you to change. But that’s not “bad luck”—it’s personal development.

Can Tarot Attract Negative Energy?

Some people worry that tarot cards might draw in bad energy or open doors to harmful spiritual forces. Here's what we know:

1. Tarot Reflects Your Energy

Many spiritual teachers believe that tarot reflects your own energy or the energy of the situation you’re asking about. If you're anxious, confused, or angry, the reading might feel "negative"—but that’s your own energy coming through, not an external force.

This is why many readers:

• Meditate or ground themselves before a reading

• Cleanse their decks with sage, crystals, or intention

• Create a sacred space to encourage positive focus

These practices help align the reading with peace and clarity, not fear.

2. Tools Are Neutral, Intent Matters

Like a candle, a pendulum, or a prayer bead, a tarot card is a tool. It’s your intention and use that shape the experience.

• If you use tarot with fear, desperation, or superstition, the results may feel chaotic or dark.

• If you approach it with curiosity, clarity, or healing in mind, the reading often feels empowering and insightful.

In spiritual terms, tools respond to the energy you bring to them, not the other way around.

What About “Bad” Cards in a Reading?

Some people believe pulling cards like Death, The Tower, or The Devil is a sign of bad luck. But in tarot symbolism, these cards serve important functions.

1. Death – Transformation

This card rarely means literal death. It often signals the end of one phase and the start of another. It can be a sign of growth, letting go, or rebirth.

2. The Tower – Sudden Change

This card symbolizes disruption, but not always in a harmful way. It can mean breaking illusions, clearing false beliefs, or a dramatic breakthrough.

3. The Devil – Temptation

This card points to being trapped by fear, addiction, or limiting beliefs. Recognizing these patterns is the first step to reclaiming power.

In short, “scary” cards are opportunities—not punishments. They show you what needs to change so that you can grow stronger.

Real Reasons People Feel Unlucky After Tarot

While tarot itself doesn't bring bad luck, some people feel worse after a reading. Here's why:

1. Over-Reliance on Cards

Using tarot for every decision can lead to confusion or dependency. If you're constantly asking the cards for answers, you may lose touch with your own inner wisdom.

2. Negative Interpretations

An inexperienced or fear-based reader might deliver readings in a way that causes worry. For example, saying "You're going to lose your job" rather than "You may be facing change at work."

3. Poor Timing or Context

Getting a tarot reading when you're in a mental health crisis, under extreme stress, or experiencing trauma may not be helpful. You might project fears onto the cards or misinterpret them.

How to Use Tarot Safely and Positively

If you’re interested in tarot but want to avoid negative experiences, here are some helpful tips:

1. Educate Yourself

Learn the meanings and symbolism of the cards. Understanding the depth of each card can prevent panic over “bad” ones and improve interpretation.

2. Set Intentions

Before a reading, clarify your purpose. Are you seeking guidance, insight, or reflection? Ground yourself with breath or a calming ritual.

3. Cleanse the Deck

Some people feel better energetically when they cleanse their deck with sage, sound, or crystals. This is about intention, not superstition.

4. Stay Empowered

Tarot should never make you feel powerless. If a reading causes fear or anxiety, pause and reflect. Remember, you always have free will.

5. Don’t Replace Professional Help

If you're dealing with serious mental, emotional, or financial issues, tarot should not be your primary resource. Consult professionals when needed.

Conclusion: Do Tarot Cards Bring Bad Luck?

The short answer is no—tarot cards do not bring bad luck.

They are tools for self-discovery, not magical objects that influence fate. Misunderstandings about tarot come from cultural fear, superstition, and media portrayals—not actual evidence. While it’s possible to have an unsettling experience with tarot, that’s usually due to interpretation, mindset, or personal fears—not the cards themselves.

When used with intention, knowledge, and emotional clarity, tarot can be a powerful ally for growth, reflection, and empowerment. Like any tool, tarot is as positive or negative as the person using it.

If you respect the cards, trust your intuition, and keep a grounded perspective, tarot can be a safe and meaningful addition to your spiritual or personal development journey.

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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.