8 Tarot Card Truths Every Reader Should Know

There are all sorts of myths surrounding Tarot cards and reading Tarot. Some of them come from misrepresentations in the film and TV, like the image of the velvet clad Tarot reader. Others are sparked by misinterpreted religious texts. Some are even believed within the Tarot community!  Today, I'm here to set the record straight.

1. You Don't Need to be Psychic to Read Tarot

Want to know a secret? I'm not super psychic. And yet, I can read the Tarot with confidence and help others do the same.

Here's the truth – anyone can read Tarot. Including you. All you need to do is say ‘yes' to your intuition.  We're all intuitive beings and using Tarot will help you develop those skills even further.

The more you open yourself up to what the cards are trying to tell you, the better you'll be able to understand the people and the world around you.

2. Tarot is Not the Work of the Devil

Contrary to what some people may tell you, Tarot is not evil and it is not the work of the devil. In fact, it's not connected to Satan at all.  Tarot cards are a way to connect with your inner self and tap into your Divine being.  I see Tarot cards as a mirror to the soul and there's nothing evil about that.

Still not convinced? Check out my blog post “Are Tarot Cards Evil and the Work of the Devil?“.

3. There are No Bad Cards in the Tarot Deck

So many people are afraid of getting a Tarot reading, because they don't want to get dealt a so-called ‘bad card'.  But really, there aren't any bad cards in the Tarot.

For example, while the Death and Devil cards may look and sound totally scary, they aren't necessarily ‘bad'.

The Death card most commonly represents the end of an experience in your life and the beginning of a new one.

And while Devil shows two people chained to a horned beast and doesn't exactly invite thoughts of love, happiness, and prosperity, the Devil card actually teaches you about attachment and detachment and where you can regain control in your life. For example, while you may feel that certain things are out of your control, it is well within your power to change them.

So you see, these spooky looking cards often represent something good and inspire change.

You can learn more about this in my “Good Cards, Bad Cards” blog post.

4. Tarot Can Help You Create Your Future (Not Just Predict It)

While it would be nice if Tarot cards gave us the winning lottery numbers or clued us in to when we find the love of our life, that's not the way it works.  It's actually a lot more useful than that.

Tarot helps you to understand your present situation so that you can make positive changes now.  This allows you to manifest your goals and dreams in the future.

Instead of learning what will happen to you, the Tarot teaches you to reclaim your existing inner power to create the future that's right for you. How cool is that?

5. You Don't Need to Study Tarot for Years to Start Reading

Despite what some Tarot “experts” might lead you to believe, you do not have to study Tarot for decades to be a master.

In fact, I recommend that you start reading Tarot for yourself from Day 1.  Practice is the best way to learn.  You can start by doing a daily card draw as you learn.  As you continue to read the cards on a daily basis, you'll learn what they mean for you.  Attaching personal meaning will create a powerful connection between you and the cards, which makes tapping into your intuition easier than ever.

Of course, if it helps you to have a book nearby as you do so, go for it.  But don't feel like you have to memorize descriptions and interpretations before you can begin reading.

I know it's scary, but don't wait until your Tarot reading skills are ‘perfect' before reading for someone else.  Doing free Tarot readings, like those in the Biddy Tarot Community, is the perfect way to get started.

6. It's OK to PersonaliZe the Tarot Card Meanings – Even If They're Different to the Book

If you've read anything I've written or listened to the Biddy Tarot Podcast, you know that my motto is “read from the heart, not from the book”.  If you open your mind and read your cards intuitively, you'll discover new messages that can't be found in any Tarot book.

For example, I consulted my cards to help me decide where my family and I should go on our next vacation.  I drew the Sun and my attention was immediately drawn to the bright sunflowers on the card.  I instantly thought of the sunflowers in Andalusia, Spain, and I knew that's where we needed to go. Now, I have a pretty good feeling that you won't find “Andalusia” in any Tarot guide books – it was 100% my intuition that guided me there. (The holiday was wonderful, by the way.)

The good news is that if you're reading intuitively, you'll see so many new aspects to the cards that can't be found anywhere else.  Don't think of it as being “wrong”.  Instead, consider that you're in tune with your inner wisdom, which is  a beautiful thing.

7. You Don't Have to Wear Crushed Velvet to Read Tarot

When most people imagine a Tarot reader, they see a gypsy woman peering into a crystal ball, wearing a flowing robe of crushed velvet and burning patchouli in the background.  I'm very happy to tell you that none of that is essential to be a Tarot reader (although totally optional if that's your style).

The truth is, anyone can read Tarot!  Whether you're a mum (like me), dad, teacher, librarian, or run a company (also like me), you can do it.  Tarot is also great for all ages. No matter who you are, Tarot doesn't require you to dress up or play a part.  Just be you.

8. You Don't Have to Be into the Occult to Love Tarot

Some people think that Tarot readers need to be into the Occult or dark arts.  I'm living proof that this is not the case.  Sure, Tarot is a free tool that can be used however someone wants.  But I promise you that the overwhelming majority of Tarot readers do it with goodness in mind.

Besides, with its growing popularity, Tarot is becoming more modern than ever.  There are even Hello Kitty decks!  You'll have a hard time convincing me that Hello Kitty is an avid member of the Occult.

If you want further proof of how progressive Tarot has become, check out my list of the Top 5 Modern Tarot Decks for 2018.

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