Are tarot cards witchcraft? Christianity and Tarot

A common question when someone is getting into Tarot is if it’s Witchcraft. This article will look at how different religions view Tarot and if it is or isn’t Witchcraft.

Are Tarot Cards Witchcraft?

Using Tarot cards does not mean you practice Witchcraft. Tarot is a collection of symbols that are open for interpretation. Tarot is a tool you can use in Witchcraft, but they are not only used in Witchcraft. Tarot has many uses, just as a hammer can be used to build or break things.

Tarot cards are a set of symbols that can be used in many ways and are open to interpretation.

Some people use the cards for psychoanalysis and personal reflection. Others use Tarot for ritual work, Divination, and Witchcraft. 

The cards can be used in many ways. 

In the rest of this article, we will be exploring the different ways you can use the Tarot and how Christians and other religions have used (and influenced) Tarot. 

Two Ways of Using Tarot: Psychology (Active Imagination) and Divination

Whenever I introduce someone to Tarot, I always start by explaining the two ways you can use them. I call them Psychology (Active Imagination) and Divination.

Divination

Divination is a common practice of Witchcraft. The practice involves seeking knowledge of the future through supernatural means. 

I often think of Divination as opening up a phone conversation with divinity.

The symbolism of the Tarot becomes the language you use to speak to the divine. The belief is that the cards are shuffled and placed in (what seems like) a random order, but the cards are actually picked by the reader’s divine intuition – thus giving them insight.

Witchipedia has put it another way:

When Tarot Cards are used in this fashion, I would consider it to be Witchcraft. 

Psychology (Active Imagination)

When your mind sees a set of symbols, it tries to give them meaning. When you have two sets (like two cards), your mind will try to find parallels and commonalities. If you are an active observer, you can watch how your mind interprets them when you pull cards. You can begin to examine new connections and associations you might not ever have thought of before. 

Famous Psychologist Carl Jung often spoke on how Tarot can connect you to the subconscious and bring it to the conscious mind. 

Using Tarot is a powerful way to explore your subconscious and an excellent tool for self-reflection.

In some ways, the Tarot becomes a Rochester inkblot test. It’s a mirror in which your mind begins to place its meaning. In recognizing that, you can unlock new understandings of your psyche and thought patterns. 

When Tarot Cards are used for active imagination, I would not consider it to be Witchcraft. 

Open to interpretation

You can use Tarot Cards as a tool of Active Imagination (Psychology) or Divination (Witchcraft). The choice is up to you and what fits your personal beliefs. 

Are Tarot Cards Sinful? Witchcraft and Christianity

When people talk about Tarot and Witchcraft, they are often concerned if it is evil or sinful in the eyes of Christianity. 

The first thing to point out is the Tarot cards are inanimate objects. They have no inherent good or evil within them. Tarot is a tool, and it’s how you use choose to use them that will make them good or evil. 

There are many Christians that would say using Tarot is a sinful act. Many pointing out quotes, such as Leviticus 19:26: “Do not practice divination or seek omens.”

If we were to go by the letter of the law, then if you use the Tarot for fortune-telling or Divination, it would be considered sinful.  

However, if you use the cards as a series of symbols that help your imagination, they can be used alongside your Christian values. 

As an example, Jada Jones shared her experience as a Christian Tarot Reader. 

I began to set my intention before doing readings and praying to God and my angels for clarity, understanding, and guidance. I did this so I could make the best possible decisions and understand things that were causing confusion.

With the assistance of God and my angels, as well as universal energies, I am now better equipped to handle difficult challenges and situations. And to receive the most important messages clearly, straightforward, and in color.

Many Christians beleive that if you use Tarot to connect to God Almighty in prayer and reflection, then they are a good and valuable tool. If Tarot is used to try and gain an unnatural ability, then they would be considered sinful. 

LEARN MORE: Can Tarot Cause Bad Luck?

Christianity And Tarot: Angels and Allegory of Christ

There has been a long history of Christianity’s influence on the Tarot. 

Many of the cards featured in the Rider Waite Smith deck (the most famous deck) have Christian symbolism. There are Archangels, Seraphim, and many other Christian iconographies.

Here is a list of Christian Symbols in Tarot:

There were also many decks created during the Rennesunce that were used to walk people through the Allegory of christ. One of the most influential Tarot decks of that time was I Trionfi (The Triumphs) by Francesco Petrarch in the 13th century. 

This illustrates how Tarot not only can be used by Christians but has been a tool used in the Renesaunse and other time periods to inspire other Christians.

In Conclusion: Personal Interpretation of Tarot

In writing this article, I did a lot of research around Witchcraft and Christianity. I found a lot of instances in the bible where Divination was used as a tool to connect to Christ. Such as Levites’ use of the Urim and Thummim in Deuteronomy 33:8-10. Or Joseph using a silver chalice in Egypt for scrying. 

I equally found instanced where Divination was called sinful.

Tarot is a tool that can be used for Witchcraft or for personal reflection through active imagination. Some Christians would call it sinful, and some would not. 

What it comes down to is the intention one has in using the Tarot.