Why People Fear Tarot and What It Really Means

What Is Tarot and How Does It Work?

Tarot is a system of 78 symbolic cards used for insight and guidance. It works by combining intuitive interpretation with archetypal imagery, helping you explore subconscious patterns, gain clarity on situations, and consider possible outcomes based on your current path.

Tarot Terror: Fear Tarot – Psychic Newsletter

Sometimes when I tell people that I’m a Tarot reader – and they understand what that is – they take a surreptitious yet distinctive step backwards. Their body language closes down and I can feel them edging to run like the dickens in the opposite direction. What is going through their minds? Do they imbue the Tarot with a magical energy?

I don’t consider the Tarot deck in itself magical. It is a compilation of 78 picture cards that depict dream-like scenes with bizarre people, animals and make believe characters. If you didn’t know what they meant, you might think they’re an interesting art project – in some cases magnificent, in others almost childish.

Power Charged Objects

People assign magical powers to objects. Objects may hold sentimental, and emotional power by representing a link to relationships (such as rings, clothing and photos). Talismans of luck are things people carry around especially to games of chance. Sacred objects, such as, icons, chalices, and garments, represent spiritual aspirations and faith. Certain books and tea cups may offer special comfort in times of grief and stress. These objects don’t possess magical power but our psychic relationship to them does imbue them with a vibration that can often make the object interesting to others too.

Psychometry is a practice whereby a psychic holds an object which been worn, used and valued by someone: They perform a “reading” on that person, drawing upon the energy they have imprinted into the object. These readings can be eerily accurate in the hands of a psychic gifted in psychometry.

This was an exercise we enjoyed exploring in our psychic development class. Everyone was encouraged to put an object (hiding it from their classmate’s view) into the centre of the room and then take turns picking an object they didn’t recognize to read. It was fascinating to listen to how many life experiences they determined by simply feeling the energy of an object especially for people who had never ventured into this territory before!

Some Tarotists may have a deck they always use and feel an affinity towards. The Tarot, although in its form does not possess magical energy, what it does possess is a rare and extraordinary power to open our minds and to encourage us to think laterally as opposed to linearly. A tarot reading suggests new perspectives and options to explore in a manner new to us. Tarot cards are the best psychology course you’ll ever take and have triggered extraordinary insight in the mind of clients who are happier and more fulfilled today as a consequence for having consulted them. The magic constellated in a Tarot reading is not done by the cards as such, but rather by the dance of psychic insight stimulated by the client, the reader and the Tarot cards.

Triggers for Tarot Terror

People undoubtedly fear the Tarot for a myriad of reasons. For example, some religions are steadfast in their rejection of the cards. At worst they represent a work of evil and at best a dilettante pastime. Some people fear the Tarot for its ability to suggest courses of action which may threaten to usurp the client’s sense of personal agency and control. Some people shun it because it’s simply so irrational they wouldn’t want to consider it possible for something so random to have value. Those who have secrets, fear it for its synchronistic ability to bring to light things they would much rather stay hidden.

Most ofthese fears are as irrational as consulting a picture deck of cards for an alternative perspective and opinion! Consulting the Tarot is irrational but therein lies its enticement. We need irrationality in our lives to be individual, creative and aware.

If we don’t consciously welcome irrationality into our lives, it will be found through unconscious means, such as, through addictions and obsessions. Everything in the universe must achieve balance; the more rational our waking, day to day lives are, the more irrationality will be attracted to us to bring things to balance. When we embrace irrationality in our daily lives it needn’t sneak up on us with such a vengeance!

Studying the Tarot is Magical

Studying the Tarot however is a completely different affair. It is magical. Studying the Tarot will open your mind to your own and other’s unconscious processes. It will carry you through the learnings of the Fool in the Tarot story and attract a deeper understanding of who you are and how you’ve come to be in a place you find yourself.

Anyone who has worked on the creation of a Tarot deck attests to this phenomena. Tarot creators describe how their lives have rocketed out of control; relationships scatter to the winds, new and surprising relationships are forged; careers are changed; what had meaning before feels paper dry and things you never expected to like, you now adore. It inexplicably turns your life upside down. Rather like intensive psychotherapy, surviving a disaster, or a life-threatening illness. This is not a study or project you should approach lightly or naively.

A Spiritual Path Worth the Risks

I love the Tarot for all those reasons. Studying and working with the Tarot has brought me face to face with my own limitations and gifts; it has made me think and feel more deeply about all aspects of my life. I attribute much of the joy in my life today to my Tarot study. I have valued its advice and ability to lift my spirits in the face of regret and sadness. I love its creative inspiration and intellectual challenge. It has been a special object in my life since 1975 and provided me with opportunities to meet the most stimulating and loving people. So yes, it is worth all the risks I took when I embarked upon its journey and I couldn’t recommend a spiritual path more heartily.

I would definitely recommend her to others
Kathleen is a very intuitive and honest person. I’ve had many readings with Kathleen and it’s obvious she has a very clear and precise understanding of the cards. But she can also SEE beyond that…. I would definitely recommend her to others
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If you feel drawn to explore what the Tarot may reveal for you, now is the perfect time to connect. Book a personal reading with Kathleen or purchase a Tarot gift certificate for someone special. Let this season be the moment you listen more closely to your inner wisdom and step into the year ahead with clarity and confidence.

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Conclusion: The Truth Behind Tarot Fear

Tarot does not hold power over you—it opens a door within you.

What many people fear is not the cards themselves, but the possibility of seeing something true, unexpected, or deeply personal. Tarot invites reflection, not surrender. It does not replace your free will; it expands your awareness of it.

In a world that often prioritizes logic, speed, and control, Tarot offers something rare: a pause. A moment to reflect, to explore possibilities, and to engage with the symbolic language of your inner life. Whether you approach it as a psychological tool, a spiritual practice, or a creative exercise, Tarot has the ability to illuminate patterns and perspectives that might otherwise remain unseen.

The real magic is not in the cards—it is in the interaction between your intuition, your openness, and your willingness to explore.

Tarot Reading FAQs: Answers to Common Questions About Tarot

Tarot works as both a psychological and intuitive tool. While the cards themselves are not inherently magical, they help access subconscious thoughts, patterns, and insights, making readings feel deeply accurate and meaningful.

Tarot does not predict fixed outcomes. It highlights potential paths and influences based on your current energy, decisions, and circumstances, helping you make more informed choices.

Fear often comes from misunderstanding, religious beliefs, or the idea that Tarot reveals hidden truths. In reality, Tarot offers perspective—not control or harm.

No, Tarot cards are not dangerous. They are tools for reflection and insight. Any fear associated with them is based on perception rather than actual risk.

Accuracy depends on the reader’s skill and the openness of the client. Many people find Tarot readings insightful because they reflect emotional truths and real-life patterns.

Psychometry is the ability to read energy from objects. A psychic may hold an item and receive impressions about its owner through the emotional or energetic imprint attached to it.

Tarot cards themselves do not hold power. The “energy” comes from the interaction between the reader, the client, and the symbolic meaning of the cards.

Yes, anyone can learn Tarot. While some people have stronger intuitive abilities, Tarot reading is a skill that improves with study, practice, and self-awareness.

Learning Tarot can improve intuition, self-reflection, emotional awareness, and decision-making. Many people use it as a tool for personal growth and insight.

Start with a basic deck, learn the meanings of the cards, and practice regularly. Studying Tarot as a system—rather than memorizing meanings—leads to deeper understanding.

Ready to Explore Tarot for Yourself?

If something in this article resonated with you, it didn’t happen by chance.

Whether you’re curious, seeking clarity, or ready to deepen your spiritual path, Tarot can offer a powerful new perspective.

✨ Book a personal reading with Kathleen
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Step into your next chapter with greater awareness, confidence, and curiosity.

Your answers may already be waiting, you just need to ask the right questions.