Tarot readings promise insight, but the Bible warns against seeking guidance from such sources. Instead, God calls us to rely on Him for wisdom. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture teaches about avoiding occult practices and trusting God’s plan.
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What Does The Bible Say About Tarot Readings
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”
This verse in Deuteronomy clearly addresses the practice of divination, including tarot readings, and warns against engaging in these activities. It emphasizes that God considers such practices detestable, as they involve seeking guidance or insight from sources other than Him.
As Christians, we are called to put our trust and faith in God alone, seeking His wisdom and guidance through prayer and the study of His Word. Engaging in tarot readings or other forms of divination goes against this principle, as it places trust in occult practices and opens doors to spiritual deception.
Leviticus 20:6
“I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people.”
This verse in Leviticus highlights God’s strong disapproval of seeking guidance from mediums and spiritists. It warns that those who engage in such practices are essentially prostituting themselves spiritually, placing their faith in sources other than God.
As believers, we are called to be set apart and devoted to God alone. Seeking guidance through tarot readings or consulting mediums and spiritists goes against this command, as it involves looking to false sources for answers instead of trusting in the One who is all-knowing and all-wise.
Isaiah 8:19
“When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?”
In this verse, Isaiah questions the wisdom of seeking guidance from mediums and spiritists, asking why people would turn to the dead instead of inquiring of their living God. It highlights the folly of relying on occult practices for insight, rather than seeking guidance from the ultimate source of wisdom and truth.
As Christians, we are called to seek God’s counsel and listen to His voice. Turning to tarot readings or other forms of divination detracts from our reliance on God and His guidance, instead placing our faith in unreliable and potentially deceptive sources.
Acts 16:16-18
“Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.’ She kept this up for many days. Finally, 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!’ At that moment the spirit left her.”
This passage from Acts vividly portrays the encounter between Paul and a slave girl who practiced fortune-telling. Although she spoke the truth about Paul and his companions, her power came from an evil spirit. Paul, recognizing the source, commanded the spirit to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ.
This story reveals the inherent danger in relying on occult practices like tarot readings. Even if accurate information is conveyed, it may come from demonic sources seeking to deceive and lead astray. As Christians, we must remain vigilant and discerning, placing our faith in God alone.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
In his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul lists witchcraft among the acts of the flesh, warning believers that those who engage in such behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God. This includes any involvement with divination or occult practices such as tarot readings.
As Christians, we are called to live in accordance with the Spirit, not in the ways of the flesh. Engaging in tarot readings or relying on occult practices contradicts the path of righteousness and can lead us away from God’s kingdom.
1 Chronicles 10:13-14
“Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.”
The story of Saul’s downfall in 1 Chronicles serves as a cautionary tale against seeking guidance from mediums and failing to inquire of the Lord. Saul’s disobedience and reliance on a medium ultimately led to tragic consequences, as the Lord put him to death and transferred the kingdom to David.
This account reinforces the importance of trusting in God alone and seeking His guidance through prayer and His written Word. Choosing to participate in tarot readings or other occult practices can lead to spiritual destruction and separation from God’s intended blessings.
Acts 19:18-19
“Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.”
In this passage from Acts, those who had previously practiced sorcery and engaged in occult activities repented and renounced their former ways. They demonstrated their commitment to following Christ by publicly burning their scrolls and getting rid of any objects related to their previous involvement in the occult.
This account reinforces the need for believers to turn away from occult practices, including tarot readings, and make a clean break from anything that hinders their relationship with God. It serves as a powerful example of true repentance and a wholehearted commitment to following Christ.
Isaiah 44:25
“I foiled the signs of false prophets and made fools of diviners, I overthrew the learning of the wise and turned it into nonsense.”
Isaiah’s words in this verse illustrate God’s power over and dismissal of the signs and predictions of false prophets and diviners. He declares that He can overthrow the wisdom and knowledge of the wise, reducing it to meaningless foolishness.
Engaging in tarot readings or seeking guidance from diviners neglects the truth that God is the ultimate source of wisdom and knowledge. By relying on these practices, we risk turning away from God and embracing empty and deceptive teachings.
Leviticus 19:26
“‘Do not practice divination or seek omens.”
In this straightforward command from Leviticus, God instructs His people to abstain from practicing divination and seeking omens. He emphasizes His desire for His people to rely solely on Him for guidance and direction in their lives.
Turning to tarot readings or other forms of divination violates this command by seeking insight from other sources rather than seeking God’s will. As Christians, we are called to live in obedience to God’s commands and place our trust fully in Him.
Exodus 22:18
“Do not allow a sorceress to live.”
In this verse from Exodus, God gives a severe warning against sorcery and sorceresses. He commands His people not to tolerate the presence of those who engage in such practices.
The inclusion of tarot readings or any form of divination under the umbrella of sorcery aligns with this biblical prohibition. It is a stark reminder that engaging in occult practices is not only contrary to God’s will but carries serious consequences.
Deuteronomy 13:1-3
“If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, ‘Let us follow other gods’ (gods you have not known) ‘and let us worship them,’ you must not listen to the words of that prophet.”
This passage in Deuteronomy urges discernment when it comes to prophetic signs and wonders. It warns against listening to prophets who lead people away from the true God and prompt them to follow other gods.
Engaging in tarot readings or seeking guidance from diviners can fall into this category, as they can lead individuals to put their trust in false spiritual sources rather than in the one true God. We are called to be discerning and to align ourselves solely with the teachings of God’s Word.
Isaiah 47:13-14
“All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame.”
Isaiah’s words here mock the futility of relying on astrologers and stargazers for guidance. He points out that their predictions cannot save them from the consequences of their own fate, let alone protect others.
Similarly, placing trust in tarot readings or other forms of divination ultimately proves empty. True salvation and protection are found only in God, and seeking guidance from these sources is a fruitless endeavor.
Jeremiah 27:9-10
“So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums or your sorcerers who tell you, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’ They prophesy lies to you that will only serve to remove you far from your lands; I will banish you and you will perish.”
In this passage, Jeremiah tells the people not to listen to the false prophets and diviners who predict that they will not serve the king of Babylon. He warns them that these supposed prophets only aim to deceive them, leading to their exile and destruction.
Just as the people were warned to disregard false prophets and diviners in Jeremiah’s time, we are called to be discerning and avoid seeking guidance from tarot readings or any form of divination. Trusting in God alone is the path to truth and security.
1 Samuel 15:23
“For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king.”
In this verse, Samuel admonishes King Saul for his disobedience and rebellion against God’s command. He draws a parallel between rebellion and the sin of divination, equating arrogance with idolatry.
Engaging in tarot readings can reflect rebellion against God’s authority and a rejection of His Word. By seeking guidance from these false sources, we open ourselves up to the potential influence of idols and false gods rather than remaining obedient to the one true God.
Isaiah 19:3
“The Egyptians will lose heart, and I will bring their plans to nothing; they will consult the idols and the spirits of the dead, the mediums and the spiritists.”
In this verse, Isaiah reveals that even the Egyptians, renowned for their wisdom and power, would turn to idols, mediums, and spiritists for guidance. However, God declares that He will bring their plans to nothing, demonstrating the futility of relying on such sources.
This passage serves as a reminder that seeking guidance through tarot readings or any form of divination is ultimately fruitless. The power and wisdom of God far exceed any guidance or insight we could hope to obtain through these practices.
Leviticus 20:27
“‘A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads.'”
Leviticus makes it clear that those who engage in mediumship or spiritism are to be put to death. This uncompromising command underscores God’s strong stance against these practices and the serious consequences they carry.
As Christians, we are no longer under the Old Testament law, but this verse demonstrates the seriousness with which God views involvement in occult practices such as tarot readings. It should serve as a powerful deterrent, causing believers to reevaluate any participation in such activities.
1 Timothy 4:1
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
In this warning, Paul informs Timothy that in the last days, some will turn away from the truth and be drawn towards teachings that are inspired by deceitful spirits and demons.
This verse should prompt believers to exercise caution and discernment when it comes to seeking guidance through tarot readings or any occult practices. It serves as a reminder that we must remain steadfast in our faith and rely solely on God’s Word for truth and direction.
Ezekiel 13:6-9
“‘They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, “This is what the Lord says,” when the Lord has not sent them; yet they expect their words to be fulfilled. Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divinations when you say, “The Lord declares,” though I have not spoken? ‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Because of your false words and lying visions, I am against you, declares the Sovereign Lord. My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.’”
In this passage, Ezekiel condemns the false prophets who claim to speak on behalf of the Lord but are actually delivering false visions and lying divinations. God declares that He is against these prophets, and they will not be part of His people nor receive His blessings.
This verse underscores the danger of relying on tarot readings or divination, as they can lead to false prophecies and deception. It warns of the consequences of misrepresenting God’s Word and emphasizes the need for discernment and adherence to His truth.
Acts 13:6-11
“They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, ‘You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.’ Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.”
In this account from the book of Acts, Paul encounters a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, also known as Elymas. Elymas opposes the preaching of Paul and Barnabas, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
This story once again emphasizes the dangers and deceptions associated with engaging in tarot readings or consulting false prophets. It demonstrates God’s power over such false practitioners, as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, pronounces judgment on Elymas, resulting in his temporary blindness. We should take heed of this example and be cautious in our spiritual pursuits.
Matthew 7:15
“‘Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.’”
In this warning, Jesus cautions His followers to be on guard against false prophets who masquerade as harmless sheep but are actually dangerous wolves that seek to deceive and lead astray.
Engaging in tarot readings or seeking guidance from diviners can expose us to the influence of false prophets, as they often claim to possess hidden knowledge or insight. By remaining vigilant and discerning, we can protect ourselves from falling prey to their deceitful tactics.
Matthew 7:21-23
“‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”’”
In this sobering passage, Jesus warns that not everyone who claims to be a follower of Him will enter the kingdom of heaven. He emphasizes the importance of doing the will of the Father rather than merely performing impressive actions or claiming spiritual powers.
This verse challenges the mindset of relying on tarot readings or any form of divination as evidence of spiritual insight or connection to God. True relationship with Him is founded on genuine obedience and devotion, rather than relying on external signs or practices.
1 Corinthians 10:20-21
“‘Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.’”
In this passage, Paul addresses the issue of food sacrificed to idols and challenges the Corinthians not to participate in the rituals associated with idol worship. He warns that these sacrifices are ultimately offered to demons, not to God, and that believers should not be partners with demons.
Similarly, engaging in tarot readings or any form of divination effectively aligns with practices associated with pagan worship. As Christians, we are called to wholeheartedly serve and worship God alone, avoiding any involvement with practices that can potentially lead us away from Him.
Isaiah 8:19-20
“When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.”
In this verse, Isaiah questions the wisdom of seeking guidance from mediums and spiritists, reminding the people to inquire of their God instead. He emphasizes the importance of consulting God’s instruction and warnings rather than relying on communication with the dead.
As Christians, we possess the Word of God, which serves as our ultimate source of truth and guidance. Tarot readings and other forms of divination pale in comparison to the light and wisdom found in God’s Word. It is through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance that we can navigate life’s challenges and seek God’s will.