Understanding the Risks of Reading Tarot Cards
Tarot cards can provide insight, guidance and messages from our higher selves. However, reading tarot cards can also have risks. It is important to understand these risks to make sure you are protect yourself and stay safe.
What Is Tarot?
Tarot are cards consisting of twenty-two Major Arcana, or archetypes, and 56 Minor Arcana, which are four suits with 14 cards each. Tarot can be used to find clues to past, present and future events, to discover hidden meanings, and to gain insight and understanding.
When Not to Read Tarot Cards
While tarot can provide us with valuable insights, there are certain times when reading tarot is not recommended.
- When You Are Feeling Fragile
If you are feeling particularly vulnerable, it is best to avoid reading the cards. This is because the interpretation of the cards can be influenced by your emotions and state of mind, which can lead to a distorted reading.
- When You Are Confused
If you are uncertain about your path or facing a problem that you do not understand, it is not wise to read tarot cards. This is because the cards can add further confusion, rather than clarity. It is best to wait until you have your bearings to avoid being overwhelmed by the reading.
- When You Are Looking for Specific Answers
The tarot is not a crystal ball, and no matter how hard you try, you will not be able to get specific answers from tarot cards. It is best to stay open-minded and focus on the signs and symbols available to gain a better understanding of the situation rather than pinpointing a definitive outcome.
- When You Are Relying on It As a Decision-Making Tool
Tarot should not be used as a crutch to make decisions. Instead, it should be used to give you clarity and understanding of the situation so you can make better informed choices. Avoid relying on tarot to make decisions for you as it can become too easy to over-rely on tarot readings.
Staying Safe While Reading Tarot
It is important to be aware of the pitfalls of reading tarot and to take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Here are some tips to stay safe during tarot readings:
- Take some time to meditate before you begin.
- Focus on your intention while shuffling the cards. Visualize your question in your mind.
- Be aware of your limits and when to stop if need be.
- Be mindful of your interpretations and how they can be influenced by your emotions.
- Take your time to understand the messages in each card.
- Keep a record of your readings and any insights you have.
- Take time to absorb the reading and be wary of over-interpreting the cards.
Reading tarot cards can be a wonderful way to find insight and gain understanding. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and take the necessary steps to keep yourself safe. Being mindful of the cards, taking care with your interpretations and knowing when not to read are all important. With the right approach, tarot can be a powerful tool to help you on your journey.
What are the circumstances in which it should be avoided to read tarot cards?
Tarot should not be used to make life-altering decisions such as determining when to start a family, quitting a job, or moving to a new city. It is unwise to use Tarot as a primary source of information when making decisions that could significantly affect your life. Furthermore, Tarot cards should not be used to predict the future. It is important not to confuse the Tarot for a form of spiritual guidance or a tool for foretelling the future. The cards are simply cards and should not be interpreted as an oracle or consulted when making decisions.
Lastly, Tarot reading should not be done on someone against their will. It is not appropriate to use someone as an unwilling Guinea pig. Respect their wishes and don’t pressurise them into having a tarot reading. Furthermore, tarot readings should not be given to people who are in a fragile emotional state. If a person is feeling vulnerable or is suffering from depression, tarot shouldn’t be used in an effort to cheer them up.
What risks are associated with reading tarot cards?
When it comes to any form of divination, there are both spiritual and psychological risks associated with its use. Tarot cards can be potentially dangerous depending on how they are used and interpreted. Tarot readers must use their intuition and insight to interpret the cards, and not all readers will view the cards in the same way, leading to differing outcomes. If someone is emotionally or spiritually unprepared, the cards can become a source of confusion, fear, and even panic. If a person is trying to find answers to difficult questions, the off-putting and abstract images on the cards can sometimes be overwhelming. Additionally, some people might take the cards too seriously, putting too much weight on their meaning and creating unrealistic expectations that cannot be fulfilled. Lastly, some could get too wrapped up in the readings and become overly reliant on them for guidance, neglecting their own insights and natural instinct.
What guidance should people follow if they choose to read tarot cards?
People who choose to read tarot cards should take time to learn and understand the symbolism and traditional meanings of the cards, practice reading with a trusted mentor, and use their intuition and psychic/intuitive connections when interpreting the cards. It is important to also set an intention for each reading, be open to the messages from the cards, and remain attentive and attuned to the energy of the cards and the person for whom the reading is intended. Finally, tarot reading should be done with the utmost respect and reverence for the symbols and messages the cards hold.
How does one go about assessing whether it is appropriate/safe to read tarot cards in a given situation?
It is important to assess whether it is appropriate and safe to read tarot cards in a given situation. It is important to ascertain the expectations and desire of the person seeking a reading. Additionally, it is important to be attentive to the energy in the room, and be aware of any potential power dynamics. It is always important to keep the purpose of the reading in mind and maintain a safe space, creating a boundary between you and the person you are reading for. It is important to practice ethical responsibility as a tarot reader and always make sure to ask permission before any kind of reading. Lastly, it is important to be honest and transparent regarding your skills and areas of expertise as a tarot reader.