Are Tarot Cards Evil in the Bible? All You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Tarot cards have long been associated with mysticism, divination, and attempts to uncover hidden knowledge. Some view them as harmless tools for self-reflection or guidance, while others — especially within Christian circles — see them as spiritually dangerous. This raises an important question: Does the Bible say tarot cards are evil? To answer this, we need to explore what tarot cards are, how they’re used, and what the Bible actually says about practices like divination, fortune-telling, and contacting spiritual forces.

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What Are Tarot Cards?

Tarot cards are a deck of 78 cards, typically divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and Minor Arcana (56 cards). Each card carries symbolic imagery and is interpreted in a spread or layout to provide insight into a person’s life, decisions, or future. Tarot has roots in 15th-century Europe, originally as a playing card game. Over time, it evolved into a tool for occult practices, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, many people use tarot not necessarily to predict the future, but as a way to explore emotions, gain clarity, or reflect on personal challenges. Still, its association with the supernatural raises questions from a biblical perspective.

What Does the Bible Say About Divination?

The Bible does not directly mention tarot cards because they didn’t exist during the time it was written. However, it does have strong warnings against divination, fortune-telling, and occult practices, which tarot is often associated with. Here are some key verses:

1. Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (NIV)

"Let no one be found among you who...practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells...Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord..."

This passage lists various forms of occult activity and clearly prohibits them. While tarot cards aren’t mentioned by name, they fall into the broader category of divination — seeking knowledge of the future or hidden things through supernatural means.

2. Leviticus 19:26 (ESV)

“You shall not eat any flesh with the blood in it. You shall not interpret omens or tell fortunes.”

Again, the emphasis is on avoiding practices that attempt to gain supernatural knowledge apart from God. The act of interpreting symbols to tell fortunes — a practice directly related to tarot — is explicitly forbidden.

3. Acts 16:16–18 (NIV)

“We were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future…Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’”

This New Testament example shows that fortune-telling was associated with a demonic spirit. Paul didn’t see the girl’s ability as harmless — he cast the spirit out, implying that such abilities were spiritually deceptive and dangerous.

The Bible’s Stance on Seeking Hidden Knowledge

A recurring theme in Scripture is that seeking secret or hidden knowledge apart from God is a serious offense. This applies not only to fortune-telling, but also to astrology, necromancy (communicating with the dead), and other occult practices.

The problem is not just the method — it’s the source of the information. The Bible teaches that only God holds true knowledge of the future and of our lives. Trying to access this knowledge through tarot cards or other mystical tools often opens the door to deception or spiritual confusion.

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?”

This verse strongly encourages people to seek guidance from God rather than alternative spiritual sources. It warns against putting trust in methods that bypass God’s authority.

Are All Uses of Tarot Cards Evil?

Some argue that using tarot cards for self-reflection or psychological insight — rather than fortune-telling — makes them acceptable. For example, some people use tarot like journaling prompts or conversation starters. But from a biblical perspective, the intent doesn’t always make a practice spiritually safe.

Even if a person doesn’t believe in the supernatural aspects of tarot, the Bible warns that dabbling in spiritually symbolic tools can still have negative effects. Scripture consistently urges believers to stay away from anything connected to the occult or that could lead others into confusion.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV)

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

This suggests that even if the use of tarot cards seems harmless, Christians are called to avoid practices that resemble occult activity or could lead others astray.

The Influence of Spiritual Forces

One of the clearest reasons the Bible warns against tarot and similar practices is the belief that these methods can invite demonic or deceptive spiritual influences.

In 2 Corinthians 11:14, Paul writes:

“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”

This suggests that spiritual experiences that seem enlightening or helpful may actually be deceptive. The danger of tarot cards, then, lies in their potential to open doors to spiritual confusion, fear, or deception, even if the initial experience feels positive.

Freedom in Christ and the Call to Discernment

For Christians, the central truth is that Jesus offers freedom, wisdom, and guidance through a relationship with Him. There’s no need to turn to tarot cards or mystical practices to find direction or peace.

James 1:5 offers this encouragement:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Rather than relying on external tools, the Bible calls believers to seek God’s wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit.

Testimonies and Christian Perspectives

Many former tarot readers or occult practitioners who have become Christians report experiencing spiritual oppression or confusion while involved in those practices. After turning to Christ, they often describe a sense of peace and clarity they didn’t find through tarot.

Christian leaders and theologians generally advise against tarot cards — not because they're inherently magical pieces of cardboard, but because what they represent and invite contradicts biblical truth.

How Should Christians Respond?

If you're a Christian wondering about tarot cards, or if you’re simply curious about their spiritual impact, here are a few key takeaways:

1. The Bible clearly condemns all forms of divination, including methods like fortune-telling and interpreting symbols for spiritual guidance.

2. Tarot cards fall under the category of occult practices according to biblical standards, especially when used to seek hidden knowledge or predict the future.

3. Even using tarot for “fun” or self-help can be spiritually risky, as it mimics forbidden practices and may open doors to deception.

4. God desires us to seek Him directly for guidance, not through spiritual substitutes or tools rooted in mysticism.

5. Christ offers complete spiritual freedom, wisdom, and direction without the need for tarot or similar practices.

Conclusion: Are Tarot Cards Evil in the Bible?

While tarot cards themselves are not mentioned in the Bible, the principles Scripture lays out are clear: divination and attempts to access hidden knowledge apart from God are spiritually harmful and forbidden. Tarot cards, especially when used for fortune-telling or spiritual insight, fall into this category.

From a biblical perspective, the danger isn’t in the cards themselves — it's in the spiritual influence behind them and the temptation to seek answers outside of God. Christians are called to walk in the light, to seek wisdom from God, and to avoid anything that resembles the occult.

Ultimately, for those who want to honor biblical teachings, the safest path is to steer clear of tarot cards and instead rely on prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit for guidance.

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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.