What Does the Bible Say About Tarot Cards? King James Version (KJV)

Tarot cards are often associated with fortune-telling, mysticism, and spiritual guidance. In today’s world, they’re used by many people seeking insight into their lives, relationships, or future. But what does the Bible say about tarot cards? Are they compatible with a life of faith, or are they spiritually dangerous? While the Bible doesn’t mention tarot cards by name, it gives clear warnings about practices like divination and seeking hidden knowledge through supernatural means. This article will explore the topic from a biblical perspective using the King James Version (KJV) of Scripture.

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What Are Tarot Cards?

Tarot cards are a deck of 78 cards used primarily for divination — the practice of seeking knowledge about the future or the unknown. Each card features symbolic imagery, and when laid out in spreads, readers interpret the cards to answer questions or give spiritual guidance.

Though the tarot originated as a card game in the 15th century, by the 18th century it had become linked to occult practices and esoteric traditions like astrology, alchemy, and Kabbalah. In modern times, tarot is used for both spiritual insight and self-reflection. However, its connection to supernatural forces and fortune-telling raises concerns for many Christians.

The Bible’s Warnings Against Divination

Even though tarot cards aren’t directly mentioned in Scripture, the Bible clearly warns against divination, enchantment, sorcery, and all forms of occult practices. These terms cover a wide range of spiritual activities that seek knowledge or power outside of God.

1. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (KJV)

“There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD…”

This passage is one of the clearest condemnations of occult practices in the Bible. The list includes divination, consulting with spirits, and magic — all of which relate closely to the intent behind using tarot cards.

2. Leviticus 19:26 (KJV)

“Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.”

Here, “use enchantment” and “observe times” are terms associated with magical and astrological practices — the kinds of things often blended into tarot reading sessions today.

3. Isaiah 8:19 (KJV)

“And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God?”

The prophet Isaiah rebukes those who turn to mediums and spiritual guides instead of seeking God. This verse speaks to the core issue with tarot cards: they often become substitutes for faith and prayer.

What Is Divination?

In biblical terms, divination is the attempt to gain supernatural knowledge apart from God’s revelation. This can include predicting the future, discovering hidden truths, or seeking guidance through symbols, omens, or spirits.

Tarot cards clearly fall into this category when used to discern outcomes, uncover secrets, or receive spiritual messages. Even if tarot readers do not invoke spirits or deities, they are still seeking knowledge by means forbidden in Scripture.

Are Tarot Cards Spiritually Dangerous?

The Bible teaches that spiritual practices not rooted in God can lead to deception and even demonic influence. What seems helpful or enlightening can mask spiritual danger.

2 Corinthians 11:14 (KJV)

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”

This verse warns us that spiritual deception often comes disguised as light or truth. Tarot readings may appear harmless, insightful, or therapeutic, but if they divert someone from God or involve spiritual forces not of God, they are spiritually harmful.

The Story of the Fortune-Telling Slave Girl

The New Testament provides a powerful example of the spiritual consequences of divination.

Acts 16:16-18 (KJV)

“And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God…
But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.”

This woman had a spirit of divination, allowing her to tell fortunes. Paul recognized this as a demonic spirit and cast it out. The lesson is clear: fortune-telling is linked to spiritual bondage, not freedom.

God Forbids Seeking Knowledge Apart From Him

At the heart of the biblical message is a call to seek God directly. When people use tarot cards, they are often trying to gain insight, comfort, or guidance — things God wants to give through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit.

James 1:5 (KJV)

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Rather than seeking wisdom through symbolic cards, Christians are invited to ask God directly. He promises to give wisdom freely to those who ask.

The Appearance of Evil

Even if someone uses tarot cards without believing in magic or the occult, the appearance of the practice may lead others into confusion or spiritual danger.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV)

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

This is a powerful reminder that believers should avoid not only actual sin, but also practices that could be mistaken for ungodly behavior. Using tarot cards — even as a game or for introspection — can resemble occultism and may influence others to explore deeper spiritual risks.

Christian Freedom vs. Spiritual Discernment

Some may argue that Christians have freedom and that not all spiritual tools are inherently evil. While it’s true that believers are not under the law, they are still called to live by the Spirit and avoid temptation.

Galatians 5:1 (KJV)

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

The freedom we have in Christ is not a license to explore spiritually risky practices. It is a call to walk in truth and holiness, relying solely on God’s power and guidance.

Testimonies From Former Tarot Readers

Many former tarot readers who have turned to Christ describe the practice as spiritually draining or deceptive. They often report being drawn into deeper occult practices, struggling with fear or anxiety, and feeling spiritually oppressed.

After leaving tarot and turning to Jesus, they describe experiencing peace, clarity, and a renewed relationship with God. These testimonies reinforce what the Bible teaches: true spiritual freedom is found in Christ, not in cards or symbols.

What Should Believers Do?

If you are a Christian who has used tarot cards in the past — or are currently using them — here are some biblical steps to take:

1. Repent — Acknowledge the sin of seeking guidance outside of God and ask for His forgiveness.

2. Renounce — Renounce all connections to occult practices and break any spiritual ties.

3. Remove — Get rid of tarot cards, books, or other occult items (see Acts 19:19).

4. Renew — Spend time in Scripture and prayer to renew your mind and grow closer to God.

Acts 19:19 (KJV)

“Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men…”

When people in the early church turned from occult practices, they did so decisively — publicly destroying the objects that once bound them. This is a powerful example of repentance and spiritual renewal.

Conclusion: What Does the Bible Say About Tarot Cards?

Though the Bible doesn’t specifically name tarot cards, it gives us all the guidance we need. From a biblical (KJV) standpoint:

• Tarot cards fall under the category of divination, which is strictly forbidden in Scripture.

• Using tarot to seek knowledge or guidance substitutes God’s truth for human or demonic insight.

• Even harmless-seeming uses of tarot may expose people to spiritual deception or confusion.

• Christians are called to seek wisdom from God, not cards, symbols, or spirits.

• True freedom and clarity come from Christ alone, not from occult tools.

If you desire wisdom, peace, and direction, God is ready to give it. As James 1:5 (KJV) reminds us:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God… and it shall be given him.”

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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.