Have you ever found yourself avoiding anything involving Tarot because of scammy predictions of the future? Or maybe it’s the opposite. Are you drawn to Tarot because you want to know the future?
Somewhere along the winding roads of history, fortune-telling came to mean “future-telling”. Whether the future is filled with limitless possibilities or predetermined and set in stone, our fortunes can shift and change at any time. Your “fortune” isn’t the same as your “future”.
I'm not a “fortune-teller" for this very reason. Yes, my readings will show circumstances and reveal patterns that help us to anticipate what may come next. The patterns we see may give us insight into your luck and abilities that help you to navigate life’s challenges. We might see patterns related to your money, health, and relationships. These are all fortunes. But they aren’t futures.
Fortune vs Future
Ever wonder why so many Tarot readers and other professionals are legally required to use disclaimers like, “Readings are for entertainment purposes only”?
In the United States, many states classify Tarot readers as fortune-tellers. There are no exclusions or clarifications built-in for the many uses of Tarot or the (even more varied) styles of the readers. Some states outright ban fortune-telling as a business, whereas others accept it only under the entertainment industry.
These legal distinctions exist even though Tarot is defined as a form of divination and divination is defined as a spiritual practice. Divination through a recognized church is considered religiously protected, while Tarot is specifically excluded from the industry. How did it get this way?
Local, state, and federal laws are often written to address problems running rampant in society. Usually, this happens based on the specific circumstances, events, and attitudes at the time the laws were written. Similar to the snake oil salesmen of the past–who would sell bottles of “snake oil” as a cure for any medical ailment–charlatans would call themselves “fortune-tellers” and use Tarot as their gimmick. They insisted they could tell clients their future, for a price! These con artists of the past led to the passing of laws that inform the business laws of today.
Tarot Isn’t About Predicting the Future
The reality of Tarot is that it has nothing to do with predictions at all. Tarot is a tool of clarity, insight, and reflection. As a form of divination, these cards provide perspective.
Let’s break those two words down:
- “divination, the practice of determining the hidden significance or cause of events, sometimes foretelling the future, by various natural, psychological, and other techniques.” - Britannica
- “predict: to declare or indicate in advance–especially: foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or scientific reason” - Merriam-Webster
While divination methods can be used with the intent to forecast future events, any predictions that take place during a Tarot reading are those of the individual reader based on their knowledge and experiences paired with any information shared by the querent (the person receiving the reading). Some Tarot readers offer predictions. But Tarot itself does not.
So What Does Tarot Do, Then?
Used as a Tool for reflection and insight, Tarot uses imagery and symbols that help to sort through the “noise”. Consider a metaphor from mathematics:
- Person A can do mental math like a pro. You provide them with some numbers and the problem that needs solving, and they can provide you a clear solution without skipping a beat.
- If the issue is more complex or you need to understand for yourself how to solve the problem, Person A has to spend more time with this, but otherwise can cut through any distractions and extraneous information without much effort.
- Person B is also skilled at math but struggles to do this using mental math alone. They may need to write it out by hand to “work” the problem. They may have to use a calculator at times. Or they need to reference resources for help with a formula or other aspect of the necessary problem-solving.
- If they need to show you how they came to the answers, Person B will need to show you the tools and resources they used or find creative ways to demonstrate the problem-solving method and solution.
Tarot reading is like Person B. Even readers who are more like Person A may use Tarot just to “show the math”.
A traditional Tarot deck is split into two sections called "arcanas". The Major Arcana contains 22 cards that cover major moments, such as turning points, crossroads, and transformative experiences. These archetypal concepts speak of deeper truths, and often require us to acknowledge the nature of the moment.
Meanwhile, the Minor Arcana is split into 4 suits of cards–traditionally pentacles, cups, wands, and swords. Although the concepts depicted in each card don’t carry the same weight of the Major Arcana, they provide insight and guidance into day-to-day experiences that prompt much needed reflection.
In the course of these insights and reflection, Tarot readers look at the patterns that emerge. We can see trends in a querent's past and current circumstances. Through these, we can gain clarity about what could happen if those circumstances remain the same. This is not what the future will hold, but what it could hold. It’s these patterns that readers like me use to offer guidance and support for clients to take effective action in their lives.
Finding Clarity is a Good Thing
Whether you avoid Tarot because of the reputations of historical charlatans or scammy readers depicted in media, or seek it out in hopes of knowing what will happen next, you can have a positive relationship with this divination method. It hardly matters that Tarot won’t tell you your future when you can find real answers to real questions through this powerful self-reflection tool.
Try it for yourself! Here’s an easy one-card pull for focus:
- Sit with the Tarot deck and take a few deep breaths to help quiet your mind.
- Ask a question, such as “What do I most need to focus on right now?” or “Where do I need to put my energy today?”
- Shuffle the deck and draw a single card.
- Reflect, don’t predict: What do you notice about the card? Do any symbols stand out? Any feelings rising to the surface? Let go of any need to understand what will be and use what comes to you as a gentle reminder of what is and what needs your attention most today.
This isn't about fortune-telling. It's about using a symbol as a mirror for your own intuition. The clarity comes from you.
At Evylyn Rose LLC, I strive to ensure the best, most professional Tarot services without any gimmicks. Ready to experience a reading that focuses on clarity, not prediction? I offer personalized Embodied Tarot Sessions designed to help you uncover insight and navigate life's questions. Book your session here to discover the difference for yourself.
In Light & Love, Evylyn Rose
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