Debunking 6 Tarot Card Myths And Beginner Tips For Tapping Into Your Intuition

Tarot cards have been around for centuries, steeped in mystery and often misunderstood. Whether you've come across a deck in a shop, seen tarot readings on TV, or have a friend who swears by it, tarot can feel a bit daunting at first.

 

And unfortunately, it's surrounded by myths that make it seem more intimidating than it really is. Let's pull back the veil and debunk six common tarot card myths, then dive into some beginner-friendly tips for tapping into your own tarot intuition.

 

6 Common Tarot Card Myths

 

Myth 1: Tarot Predicts the Future

 

One of the most persistent myths about tarot is that it predicts the future with pinpoint accuracy, like a mystical crystal ball. While tarot cards can offer insight into the energies surrounding a situation, they don't function as a definitive forecast of what will happen.

 

Tarot is more like a mirror than a map of the future. When you lay out the cards, they reflect your current state of mind, the factors influencing your decisions, and potential outcomes based on the path you're on right now. But free will always plays a huge role. You could draw the "Tower" card, symbolizing upheaval, and it might suggest big changes or disruptions. Yet, how you respond to this energy is up to you. The cards can guide, but they don't dictate.

 

 

Myth 2: You Have to Be Psychic to Read Tarot

 

Many people think you need some kind of magical powers to be able to read tarot, which couldn't be further from the truth. Tarot reading is more about intuition and understanding the symbolism in the cards than possessing supernatural abilities.

 

Each tarot card is packed with imagery, archetypes, and symbols that evoke certain emotions and thoughts. For example, the "Fool" card represents a fresh start, adventure, and taking a leap of faith. Anyone can interpret these symbols with practice. It's a skill that improves over time, not a mystical talent reserved for a few.

 

Myth 3: Tarot Cards Are Evil or Dangerous

 

This myth is rooted in fear and misinformation. Some believe tarot cards invite dark forces or can curse you, but this is a complete misunderstanding of what tarot is. Tarot cards are simply pieces of paper with illustrations on them, like a book or a painting. What makes them powerful is the intention and energy you bring to the reading, not any inherent danger within the cards themselves.

 

In reality, tarot is a tool for self-reflection. It can help you understand your thoughts, feelings, and actions in a more profound way. It's much more akin to journaling or meditation than anything sinister.

 

Myth 4: You Must Follow Complex Rituals to Use Tarot Properly

 

Some people believe tarot readers must perform elaborate rituals to properly "activate" the cards—like cleansing them with crystals, sleeping with them under their pillows, or only handling them with gloved hands. While these practices might be part of some readers' routines, they are absolutely not required.

 

The beauty of tarot is that it's personal. If you feel drawn to cleanse your deck with sage or knock on it three times before a reading, go for it. But if you just want to shuffle and dive into the reading, that works too! There's no one right way to approach tarot. It's about what makes you feel connected to the cards.

 

 

Myth 5: You Have to Memorize the Meaning of All 78 Cards

 

Another intimidating myth is that you need to memorize the meaning of every single tarot card before you can give a reading. With 78 cards in the deck, that's a lot to take in! While learning the traditional meanings of each card is helpful, it's not a prerequisite for using tarot.

 

The key to tarot is tuning into your intuition. You don't have to know that the "Ten of Swords" is traditionally associated with painful endings to interpret its meaning. If the image of someone lying face down with ten swords in their back stirs a strong emotional reaction, trust that. Over time, you'll start to internalize the traditional meanings of the cards, but there's no rush to master them all upfront.

 

Myth 6: You Shouldn't Read Your Own Cards

 

Many tarot readers believe that you shouldn't read your own cards because you might be biased or emotionally attached to the outcome. While it's true that your emotions can color your interpretations, this doesn't mean you shouldn't read your own cards. In fact, personal tarot readings can be incredibly insightful.

 

The key is to approach the cards with honesty and openness. If you find yourself too attached to a specific outcome, take a step back and try to view the cards more objectively. You can even ask a friend to help you interpret them if you feel too close to the situation. Reading your own cards can be an empowering tool for self-reflection and personal growth.

 

Now that we've debunked some common tarot myths, let's dive into some practical advice for beginners who want to start working with tarot.

 

Tips For Tarot Beginners

 

1. Choose a Deck That Speaks to You

 

Your first tarot deck doesn't need to be fancy, but it should be one you feel drawn to. Many beginners start with the classic Rider-Waite deck because it's widely recognized and has clear, detailed imagery that's easy to interpret. However, there are hundreds of different decks out there, from nature-themed to abstract art styles. Choose one that resonates with your personality and interests.

 

2. Start With One-Card Pulls

 

When you're just getting started, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of complex spreads with multiple cards. But you don't need to dive into a full "Celtic Cross" reading on day one. Begin with simple one-card pulls. Ask yourself a question, shuffle the deck, and draw a card. Then take time to reflect on its meaning. This practice can help you get comfortable with your deck and tune into your intuition without feeling overloaded.

 

3. Get a Tarot Journal

 

Journaling your readings is a fantastic way to track your progress and deepen your understanding of the cards. After each reading, jot down the cards you pulled, your initial thoughts, and how the reading relates to your question or situation. Over time, you'll begin to notice patterns and develop a stronger connection to the cards.

 

 

4. Trust Your Intuition

 

One of the most important pieces of advice for tarot beginners is to trust your gut. The cards are a tool for tapping into your inner wisdom, and often, your first instinct or emotional reaction to a card is the most accurate. Don't get caught up in what you “should” think a card means; trust your own impressions and experiences.

 

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

 

Like any skill, tarot reading improves with practice. The more you work with your cards, the more familiar you'll become with their meanings and the easier it will be to interpret them intuitively. Try doing daily or weekly readings for yourself to build confidence, and don't be afraid to experiment with different spreads and techniques.

 

6. Don't Stress About Getting It “Right”

 

Finally, remember that there's no such thing as a perfect tarot reading. Tarot is more about exploring possibilities and gaining insight, than finding definitive answers. So don't stress if a card's meaning doesn't make sense to you right away. Sometimes, a card's relevance will reveal itself later, or you may discover that it has multiple layers of meaning. Stay open to the journey.

 

Tarot Card Myths Summary

 

In conclusion, tarot doesn't need to be shrouded in mystery or burdened by unnecessary rules. It's a powerful tool for self-reflection, creativity, and insight. By debunking these myths and following some simple, beginner-friendly advice, you can start your tarot journey with confidence and curiosity.

 

Whether you're using tarot to navigate life's twists and turns or just to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, it's an adventure well worth exploring. Acelion understands the importance of creating a stunning deck of cards. That's why we provide vibrant colors and a wide range of finishes and cardstock options, ensuring your custom deck stands out and reaches its full potential as the top choice on the shelf.