Are Tarot Cards Demonic? THE TRUTH About Their Mystery

Tarot cards have long been associated with mystery, spirituality, and the unknown. While some view them as harmless tools for self-reflection or guidance, others fear they may open doors to dark forces. In particular, a common concern—especially among some religious communities—is whether tarot cards are demonic.

To answer this, we need to examine tarot’s origins, how it’s used, the beliefs surrounding it, and what different perspectives say about its spiritual nature. Is tarot truly linked to demons or evil forces, or is that idea a misunderstanding based on cultural or religious interpretation?

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What Are Tarot Cards?

A tarot deck consists of 78 illustrated cards used for divination, spiritual exploration, or personal insight. It is divided into two sections:

• Major Arcana (22 cards): Representing significant life themes and archetypes (e.g., The Fool, The Devil, The Lovers).

• Minor Arcana (56 cards): Similar to playing cards, divided into four suits—Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles—symbolizing everyday matters.

While often seen today as a mystical tool, tarot cards originated in 15th-century Italy as a card game. The game was called tarocchi and was not originally associated with the occult or demons.

It wasn't until the 18th and 19th centuries that European occultists began using tarot cards for divination and connecting them to esoteric systems such as astrology, Kabbalah, and alchemy.

Why Do Some People Think Tarot Cards Are Demonic?

The idea that tarot cards are demonic typically comes from religious teachings, particularly within Christianity, Islam, and other monotheistic traditions that warn against the occult, divination, or spirit communication.

Here are some reasons this belief persists:

1. Association with Divination

Tarot is often used to gain insight into the future or the unseen. This practice is known as divination, which is strongly condemned in many religious texts. For example:

• Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (Bible) says:
  “Let no one be found among you who… practices divination or sorcery… Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”

Because tarot is considered a tool for divination, some interpret its use as an act of rebellion against God or an invitation for demonic influence.

2. Symbolism in the Cards

Some tarot cards contain imagery that unsettles or disturbs religious viewers. For example:

• The Devil card shows a horned figure.

• The Tower card depicts destruction and chaos.

• Death card shows a skeletal figure.

These cards are archetypes meant to represent psychological or life transitions—not literal demons—but the imagery can be misinterpreted as evil or satanic.

3. Occult Connections

Tarot was adopted by occultists in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially in secret societies like the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Occultism often involves hidden knowledge, mysticism, and spiritual rituals, which some faiths consider spiritually dangerous or demonic in nature.

4. Fear of the Unknown

Tarot often explores spiritual themes, intuition, and mystery. For those unfamiliar with these concepts, especially in a religious context that discourages them, tarot may appear dark or threatening.

Are Tarot Cards Inherently Evil?

The short answer is: no, tarot cards are not inherently evil or demonic.

Tarot cards are simply printed images on paper—tools that hold no moral value by themselves. Just like a hammer can be used to build or destroy, how tarot cards are used determines their impact.

Intentions Matter

The spiritual significance of tarot depends heavily on the intention of the person using them. Tarot can be used for:

• Personal reflection

• Spiritual exploration

• Creative storytelling

• Decision-making support

• Therapeutic insight

Many people use tarot without invoking any spirits or supernatural forces. For them, tarot is more like a mirror to the subconscious than a mystical communication device.

Psychological vs. Supernatural Viewpoints

Psychological Interpretation

Some psychologists and life coaches use tarot as a tool for introspection. Carl Jung, the famous Swiss psychiatrist, believed in the power of symbols and archetypes to explore the human psyche. Tarot cards contain rich imagery that can help people identify emotions, beliefs, and life patterns.

From this view, tarot is not demonic—it is symbolic and metaphorical.

Supernatural Interpretation

Others believe that tarot connects to unseen spiritual forces—either divine, neutral, or malevolent. In some spiritual traditions (like certain New Age practices or witchcraft), tarot is used for guidance from spirit guides, ancestors, or the universe.

This supernatural interpretation is where concerns about demons usually arise, especially in faith systems that believe any non-divine spirit contact is potentially dangerous.

Christian Perspectives on Tarot

Mainstream Christian View:

Most conservative or evangelical Christian denominations strongly warn against tarot. The Bible repeatedly discourages divination and seeking knowledge through spiritual means other than God.

Verses often cited include:

• Leviticus 19:31 – “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them.”

• Galatians 5:19-21 – Lists “sorcery” among the acts of the flesh.

Because tarot is often used in ways similar to these practices, many Christians label it as sinful or even demonic.

Alternative Christian View:

Some progressive or mystical Christians see tarot differently. They may use tarot cards as tools for prayer, meditation, or reflection on God’s will, similar to using art, poetry, or journaling.

There are even Christian-themed tarot and oracle decks that include biblical symbols or teachings. These practitioners argue that intention and discernment—not the cards themselves—determine whether something is spiritually harmful.

Do Tarot Cards Attract Demons?

There is no objective evidence proving that tarot cards attract demons. Beliefs about demons depend on one’s religious or spiritual worldview.

However, some religious individuals believe that opening oneself to unknown spiritual forces—especially through divination—can invite negative entities, intentionally or not.

From a psychological or secular perspective, tarot poses no more danger than using a deck of playing cards. But from a spiritual lens, people concerned about demonic influence should:

• Reflect on their beliefs and values.

• Consider how they use the cards.

• Stay grounded and discerning.

Ultimately, spiritual experiences—whether good or bad—are shaped by belief, intention, and context.

Are There Safer Alternatives to Tarot?

If you’re spiritually sensitive or concerned about demonic influence but still want tools for guidance or reflection, there are alternatives to traditional tarot:

• Christian devotional cards

• Affirmation or mindfulness decks

• Journaling prompts

• Scripture-based meditation tools

• Dream interpretation using religious frameworks

These options provide insight and clarity without the same spiritual connotations that tarot sometimes carries.

Final Thoughts

So, are tarot cards demonic?

Tarot cards are not demonic by nature. They are tools—neutral objects—used in different ways by different people. While they can be included in practices that involve spiritual or occult elements, they can also be used in psychological, artistic, or reflective ways.

Whether tarot cards are “demonic” depends on:

• Your personal beliefs and worldview

• How and why you use the cards

• The spiritual or religious framework you follow

If your faith teaches that divination or spirit contact is dangerous or evil, then tarot may be something to avoid. But if you see tarot as symbolic or introspective, then it may not pose the spiritual risks some believe it does.

As with any spiritual practice, the most important thing is to be informed, intentional, and discerning.

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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.