Tarot cards are often associated with divination and seeking knowledge about the future. But how does the Bible view practices like tarot reading? Does Scripture have any specific warnings or guidance for those who are curious about such spiritual practices? Let’s explore what the Bible says about seeking wisdom from sources like tarot cards.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About ancestors
What Does The Bible Say About tarot
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 warns against the practice of divination and consulting supernatural sources for guidance. Tarot, as a form of divination, falls into this category. The Bible condemns such practices and emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and direction from God alone.
As a Christian, I believe that our trust and reliance should be placed in God rather than seeking answers from occult practices. It is important to remember that God is the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance, and seeking His will through prayer and study of His Word is the best way to navigate our lives.
Isaiah 47:12-13
“Keep on, then, with your magic spells and with your many sorceries, which you have labored at since childhood. Perhaps you will succeed, perhaps you will cause terror. All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month.”
This passage speaks to the futility and deception of relying on magic spells and sorceries. It challenges the effectiveness of seeking guidance from astrologers and stargazers who claim to have the ability to predict the future.
As Christians, we are called to put our trust in God and not in the fleeting and uncertain predictions of astrology or other occult practices. Instead, we are encouraged to seek God’s guidance through prayer and to trust in His divine plans for our lives.
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 tells the story of a slave girl who had a spirit of divination, enabling her to predict the future. However, Paul recognized the source of her power and commanded the spirit to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ.
As followers of Christ, we are reminded that our power and authority come from God alone. We should be cautious about engaging with or seeking guidance from practices like tarot that claim to have supernatural knowledge or power. Instead, we should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and rely on the teachings of the Bible for direction in our lives.
Leviticus 19:26
“Do not practice divination or seek omens.”
This verse is a direct command from God to the Israelites, instructing them not to engage in divination or seek omens. Divination, which includes practices like tarot, involves seeking supernatural knowledge or guidance through forbidden means.
As Christians, we are called to obey God’s commands and not to dabble in practices that are contrary to His will. This includes avoiding any form of divination or seeking omens for guidance or insight into the future.
2 Kings 21:6
“He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger.”
This verse describes the evil practices of King Manasseh, who not only sacrificed his own son but also engaged in divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. These actions are considered detestable in the eyes of the Lord and provoke His anger.
As Christians, we are called to reject and abstain from any form of divination or seeking guidance from occult practices. Our focus should be on seeking God’s will through prayer, studying His Word, and trusting in His faithfulness.
1 Samuel 28:7-20
“Then Saul said to his attendants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.’ ‘There is one in Endor,’ they said. So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. ‘Consult a spirit for me,’ he said, ‘and bring up for me the one I name.’ But the woman said to him, ‘Surely you know what Saul has done. He has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why have you set a trap for my life to bring about my death?’ Saul swore to her by the LORD, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, you will not be punished for this.’ Then the woman asked, ‘Whom shall I bring up for you?’ ‘Bring up Samuel,’ he said. When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, ‘Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!’ The king said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid. What do you see?’ The woman said, ‘I see a ghostly figure coming up out of the earth.’ ‘What does he look like?’ he asked. ‘An old man wearing a robe is coming up,’ she said. Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?’ ‘I am in great distress,’ Saul said. ‘The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has departed from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.’ Samuel said, ‘Why do you consult me, now that the LORD has departed from you and become your enemy?’ “
This passage recounts the story of King Saul seeking guidance from a medium to communicate with the deceased prophet Samuel. Saul’s actions were in direct disobedience to God’s command to avoid mediums and spiritists. Samuel’s response highlights the consequences of Saul’s disobedience and his separation from God.
As Christians, we are called to obey God’s commands and not to seek guidance through forbidden practices like mediumship. Instead, we are to turn to God, who is the source of all wisdom and guidance, and trust in His plans for our lives.
Exodus 22:18
“Do not allow a sorceress to live.”
This verse is a severe prohibition against sorcery, which encompasses divination and practices like tarot. The severity of the command reflects God’s absolute rejection of such practices and underscores their spiritual danger.
As Christians, we should heed this command and regard sorcery as a serious offense against God. We are called to distance ourselves from any involvement in occult practices and instead seek our guidance, wisdom, and understanding from God alone.
Jeremiah 29:8-9
“Yes, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them,’ declares the LORD.”
In this passage, God warns His people against being deceived by false prophets and diviners who claim to have messages from Him. God makes it clear that these individuals are prophesying lies and that He has not sent them.
As Christians, we must be discerning and cautious, ensuring that the sources from which we seek guidance align with God’s Word. It is vital to rely on the Bible, prayer, and the leading of the Holy Spirit to discern truth from deception and to avoid being led astray by false teachings or practices like tarot.
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 emphasizes God’s strong disapproval of those who turn to mediums and spiritists for guidance and direction. It conveys the severe consequences of engaging in such practices and warns of being cut off from the community of God’s people.
As Christians, we should take this warning seriously and avoid any involvement in spiritual practices that stand in opposition to God’s Word. We are called to be set apart and seek guidance from God alone, knowing that He desires to lead us in His truth and wisdom.
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.”
This verse reveals the severe consequences in the Old Testament for those who engaged in the practices of mediumship or spiritism. It illustrates the seriousness with which God views these actions.
As Christians living under the New Covenant, we are not called to enforce physical punishments for those who engage in occult practices. However, we should recognize the seriousness of these actions in God’s eyes and avoid any involvement in practices like tarot that are associated with divination.
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.”
This passage lists witchcraft among the acts of the flesh that are contrary to the Spirit of God. It warns that those who persist in these behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God.
As Christians, we are called to live in accordance with the Spirit, bearing the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Engaging in practices like tarot, associated with witchcraft and divination, goes against the very nature and character of God that we are called to reflect.
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?”
This verse challenges the concept of seeking guidance from mediums and spiritists. It prompts the reader to question why one would consult the dead on behalf of the living when they have the opportunity to inquire of God.
As Christians, we are encouraged to seek God’s wisdom and direction through prayer, studying His Word, and relying on the Holy Spirit. Engaging in occult practices like tarot undermines our trust in God’s ability to guide and provide for us.
Revelation 21:8
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
This verse warns about the fate of those who practice magic arts, which can be understood as encompassing divination and tarot. It places such practices among a list of behaviors that will result in condemnation to the eternal punishment of the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
As Christians, we should take this warning seriously and align our lives with God’s commands and teachings. Engaging in occult practices can lead us astray from the path of righteousness and jeopardize our eternal salvation.
Acts 19:19
“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.”
This verse describes a powerful act of repentance and renunciation of sorcery by individuals who had been involved in such practices. They publicly burned their scrolls, symbolizing their commitment to turn away from the occult and align themselves with God.
As Christians, it is important for us to renounce any involvement in practices like tarot that fall into the realm of divination and sorcery. We should wholeheartedly embrace a life that reflects our faith in Christ and His teachings, leaving behind any affiliations with the occult.
Colossians 2:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
This verse warns against being deceived by human philosophies and traditions that rely on worldly spiritual forces rather than on Christ. It cautions believers not to be ensnared by false teachings and practices that divert their attention from the truth found in Christ.
As Christians, we need to be discerning and cautious about the influences that impact our beliefs and practices. Divination practices like tarot are grounded in human traditions and offer deceptive philosophies that do not align with the teachings of Christ.
Isaiah 44:25
“who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense.”
This verse highlights God’s power over false prophets and diviners. It emphasizes that God can render their signs and predictions useless, exposing their wisdom as foolishness.
As Christians, we should trust in God’s sovereignty and His ability to reveal His will to us. Instead of seeking guidance from diviners or relying on tarot cards for insight into the future, we should turn to God in prayer and seek His wisdom through the reading and meditation on His Word.
2 Chronicles 33:6
“He sacrificed his children in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination and witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger.”
In this verse, King Manasseh’s involvement in divination, witchcraft, and consulting mediums and spiritists is mentioned alongside his other egregious acts. It underscores the evil nature of these practices in the eyes of the Lord.
As Christians, we are called to pursue righteousness and holiness, rejecting any involvement in occult practices like tarot. We should strive to align our lives with God’s will, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all aspects of our lives.
Leviticus 19:31
“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.”
This verse explicitly commands the Israelites not to turn to mediums or seek out spiritists. It warns that engaging in these practices will result in defilement. The authority of God is emphasized as He declares Himself to be the Lord.
As Christians, we are called to honor and obey God’s commands. We should avoid any involvement in practices that go against His teachings, including seeking guidance from mediums or spiritists. Instead, we should seek truth and guidance from the Scriptures and personal relationship with God.
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.”
This verse reiterates the severe punishment for those who engage in mediumship or spiritism. It emphasizes God’s uncompromising stance against such practices and the consequence of death for those involved.
As Christians, we are not called to carry out physical punishments for those practicing such acts. However, it serves as a stark reminder of God’s holiness and the seriousness of engaging in practices that oppose His commands.
Jeremiah 27:9
“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.’
In this verse, Jeremiah warns against heeding the false teachers, prophets, and diviners who claimed to have insight into the future. He advises the people not to trust the words of mediums and sorcerers who were attempting to sway their allegiance.
As Christians, we should be cautious of false teachings and deceptive practices like tarot that claim to offer guidance and insight into our lives and the future. Our trust should be solely in God and His Word, which provides us with the ultimate truth and direction for our lives.
Acts 13:6-8
“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.”
In this narrative, a sorcerer named Elymas opposes Barnabas and Saul, seeking to hinder the preaching of the word of God to the proconsul. His actions reflect the spiritual deception and opposition that can come from engaging in practices like divination and sorcery.
As Christians, we should be aware of the spiritual battles that surround us and the forces that seek to hinder the spread of the Gospel. Turning to God for guidance and resisting the allure of occult practices is crucial in maintaining our faith in the face of opposition.
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.”
This passage recounts the downfall and demise of King Saul due to his unfaithfulness to God. Saul’s decision to consult a medium for guidance instead of inquiring of the Lord directly was one of the factors that led to his downfall and the eventual transfer of the kingdom to David.
As Christians, we should learn from Saul’s tragic example and recognize the importance of seeking God’s guidance through prayer, studying His Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Engaging in practices like tarot, which bypass God and seek supernatural guidance outside of Him, can lead us away from His will for our lives.
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.”
This verse serves as a warning about the spiritual deception that will arise in later times, describing how some will abandon their faith and follow teachings that are influenced by deceiving spirits and demons.
As Christians, we should be vigilant and discerning, guarding ourselves against false teachings and practices that align with the agenda of deceiving spirits. Avoiding occult practices like tarot is essential to maintaining our faith and standing firm in the truth of God’s Word.
1 John 4:1
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
This verse encourages believers to exercise discernment and not blindly accept every spirit or teaching. It prompts us to test the spirits to determine whether they are aligned with God’s truth or are the work of false prophets.
As Christians, we should exercise caution and discernment when it comes to seeking guidance or insight. Rather than turning to practices like tarot, which can be influenced by false teachings or spiritual deceptions, we should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and rely on God’s Word for truth and direction.