Side Effects of Tarot Reading: What You Should Know

Tarot reading has gained widespread popularity as a tool for spiritual guidance, self-reflection, and decision-making. Many people turn to tarot cards during uncertain times to gain insight into their relationships, career, or personal growth. While tarot can be enlightening and even therapeutic, it is not without its drawbacks. Like any practice that taps into the subconscious or deals with emotional and spiritual matters, tarot reading can produce side effects—especially when misunderstood or misused.

In this article, we’ll explore the psychological, emotional, social, and even spiritual side effects of tarot reading. Whether you're a regular reader, a professional practitioner, or someone curious about exploring tarot for the first time, understanding these potential side effects is essential for making informed and responsible choices.

Panaprium is independent and reader supported. If you buy something through our link, we may earn a commission. If you can, please support us on a monthly basis. It takes less than a minute to set up, and you will be making a big impact every single month. Thank you!

1. Psychological Dependence

One of the most common side effects of tarot reading is psychological dependence. People often begin by consulting tarot occasionally, but over time, they may start to rely on it for every decision, large or small.

Why It Happens:

• Fear of uncertainty leads people to seek external validation.

• Tarot can create an illusion of control over the future.

• The habit of reading cards daily can become compulsive.

Consequences:

• Loss of confidence in personal decision-making.

• Anxiety when access to tarot is unavailable.

• Inability to act without “confirmation” from the cards.

This type of dependence can be especially harmful when it replaces critical thinking or emotional introspection.

2. Increased Anxiety or Paranoia

While tarot is often used for comfort and clarity, it can also cause increased anxiety—particularly when people interpret cards negatively or receive readings they don’t understand.

Triggers for Anxiety:

• Drawing traditionally ominous cards (e.g., The Tower, Death, or The Devil).

• Misinterpreting symbolic messages as literal predictions.

• Worrying excessively about the “future” the cards seem to foretell.

Example:

Someone pulls the Death card and assumes a loved one is going to die. In truth, the card often represents transformation or the end of a cycle. But without proper knowledge, such misinterpretations can cause distress.

In severe cases, repeated negative readings can spiral into paranoia, especially for those already prone to anxiety or obsessive thinking.

3. Spiritual Confusion or Crisis

For those new to spiritual practices, tarot can open a door to unfamiliar beliefs and experiences. This can lead to a spiritual awakening—but it can also cause confusion or disorientation.

Signs of Spiritual Side Effects:

• Feeling overwhelmed by new beliefs or symbols.

• Losing touch with previous religious or spiritual values.

• Developing a fear of spiritual forces or “bad energy.”

Some people experience a spiritual identity crisis, especially if they come from a strict religious background that views tarot as taboo or dangerous.

Example:

A person raised in a conservative Christian home may feel guilt or fear after exploring tarot, worrying they’ve “invited dark forces” or broken spiritual laws. This internal conflict can be emotionally intense.

4. False Hope or Misguided Decisions

Tarot readers, especially when not properly trained or experienced, can unintentionally give misleading advice. Even well-meaning readers may interpret cards in a way that gives false hope or promotes risky decisions.

Risks Include:

• Acting on predictions that don’t come true.

• Ignoring practical logic or professional advice (e.g., financial, legal, or medical).

• Abandoning personal responsibility by blaming fate or the cards.

Example:

Someone might leave a stable job because a tarot reading suggests they are “destined” for something greater—only to face financial hardship.

Tarot should be used as a tool for insight, not a replacement for common sense or real-world planning.

5. Negative Impact on Relationships

Tarot readings can also affect personal relationships, especially when people seek answers about love, trust, or betrayal.

How It Can Harm Relationships:

• Misinterpreting a reading as proof of infidelity.

• Accusing a partner based on card symbolism.

• Using tarot as a weapon in arguments (“The cards say you’re lying!”).

In some cases, people may isolate themselves from friends or family who don’t support or believe in tarot, creating division or emotional distance.

6. Financial Exploitation

Another side effect—especially relevant when dealing with professional or online readers—is financial vulnerability.

Common Problems:

• Getting hooked on frequent readings (daily, weekly) and spending excessively.

• Falling for “scam” readers who charge high fees for “curse removals” or “love spells.”

• Relying on psychic hotlines or apps with hidden subscription costs.

While many tarot readers are ethical, there is a growing market of opportunists who exploit vulnerable clients for profit. Always verify credentials and read reviews before paying for a reading.

7. Overemphasis on Fate Over Free Will

Tarot, when misused, can encourage a fatalistic mindset. Some people begin to believe that their life path is fixed, as shown in the cards, and that they have no control over outcomes.

Effects of Fatalistic Thinking:

• Reduced motivation to set goals or make changes.

• Avoidance of responsibility (“It’s already written”).

• Helplessness or resignation in the face of adversity.

Tarot is best approached as a mirror of your current energy and mindset—not a rigid prophecy of the future. Your choices still shape your destiny.

8. Projection and Bias

Another subtle side effect of tarot is projection—the tendency to read personal hopes, fears, or expectations into the cards.

What It Looks Like:

• Seeing what you want to see instead of what’s actually there.

• Bending card meanings to justify a decision or behavior.

• Allowing confirmation bias to influence interpretation.

This can be especially problematic when reading for yourself. Emotional attachment makes it difficult to be objective, which can lead to misleading interpretations and poor choices.

9. Sleep Disturbances and Mental Fatigue

For some people—especially those doing deep spiritual or emotional work through tarot—there can be physical and mental side effects.

Symptoms:

• Trouble sleeping after intense readings.

• Nightmares related to card images or messages.

• Emotional exhaustion from over-analysis.

Tarot engages the subconscious mind, which can bring repressed emotions or unresolved trauma to the surface. While this can lead to healing, it can also be draining.

10. Social Stigma or Isolation

Finally, engaging in tarot reading can lead to judgment or rejection, especially in conservative or religious communities.

Possible Social Effects:

• Feeling the need to hide your practice from friends or family.

• Being labeled as “weird,” “evil,” or “delusional.”

• Experiencing loneliness if no one shares your interests.

This stigma can cause people to doubt themselves or abandon their practice entirely, even if it had previously brought comfort or insight.

How to Minimize Side Effects

While the side effects of tarot reading are real, they’re not inevitable. Here are some ways to reduce risks and have a healthier experience:

1. Set Boundaries

• Limit the frequency of your readings.

• Avoid reading when emotionally unstable or overly anxious.

2. Learn the Basics

• Study the meaning of the cards and the structure of the deck.

• Understand that cards are symbolic, not literal.

3. Use It as a Tool, Not a Rule

• Treat tarot as guidance, not absolute truth.

• Balance card insights with practical thinking.

4. Get Support

• Talk to a therapist if readings stir up intense emotions or trauma.

• Join a community where responsible tarot practice is encouraged.

5. Be Ethical

• If you read for others, avoid giving medical, legal, or financial advice.

• Encourage empowerment, not dependence.

Conclusion

Tarot reading can be a powerful and inspiring practice—but like any spiritual or psychological tool, it carries risks. From anxiety and confusion to financial exploitation and relationship strain, the side effects of tarot reading are worth taking seriously. However, with mindfulness, education, and ethical practices, many of these side effects can be minimized or avoided entirely.

If used responsibly, tarot can be a helpful companion on your journey of self-discovery. But it should never replace your own intuition, logic, or personal accountability. Ultimately, the cards reflect your current state—not a fixed fate. The power to shape your life still lies in your hands.

Was this article helpful to you? Please tell us what you liked or didn't like in the comments below.

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.