Are Tarot Cards Evil? Real Experiences and Warnings from Users

The idea that tarot cards are evil often stems from fear, religious upbringing, or unfamiliarity with the practice. Tarot has long been tied to mystery, symbolism, and introspection, yet it’s also been accused of being dangerous, cursed, or spiritually risky. This article presents personal experiences and discussions from those who’ve felt both uplifted and disturbed by tarot.

A Mixed Bag of Experience: What People Really Say

Tarot cards aren’t inherently evil. They’re printed images on cardstock. Yet, the experiences tied to them can feel intense, even unsettling.

Here’s what some tarot users report:

Spiritual confusion after repeated readings.
Obsession with outcomes, leading to anxiety and impulsive decisions.
Sudden bad luck blamed on “opening a portal” or drawing negative energy.
Feeling watched or followed after reading, especially alone at night.

These stories may sound dramatic, but they reflect real emotional responses.

Personal Accounts of “Negative” Encounters with Tarot

Amy, 27, Colorado
“I drew the Death card three days in a row before my dad’s heart attack. I’d been reading casually, but after that, I couldn’t touch the deck again. It felt like I’d called something in.”
Jason, 41, New York
“I used to read for friends every weekend. Then I started hearing knocking sounds during my readings. I thought it was in my head, until my wife heard it too.”
Marissa, 35, Ontario
“After a rough breakup, I started pulling cards daily. I became addicted. I wouldn’t leave the house without asking the deck about every choice. I spiraled fast.”
Carmen, 22, London
“My grandmother warned me it would attract dark energy. I laughed. Then the nightmares began. Every night after reading. I stopped, and they went away.”

These aren’t warnings against tarot, but insights into what can happen when emotional vulnerability meets symbolic tools.

Why Some View Tarot as Evil

Religious Beliefs: Some faiths label divination as sinful or dangerous. This leads to the association of tarot with demons or dark forces.
Misunderstanding Symbolism: Cards like the Devil, Death, or The Tower can seem frightening to those unfamiliar with their meanings.
Hollywood Influence: Movies often show tarot in horror contexts—flashing candles, blood-red cards, ominous music. That imagery sticks.
Spiritual Baggage: Some users feel tarot can draw unwanted attention from spiritual entities—especially when done without protection or intention.

Tips for Safe Tarot Practice

To avoid unwanted emotional or energetic effects, consider the following:

Set clear intentions before every reading.
Avoid reading during emotionally intense periods where clarity is compromised.
Cleanse your deck periodically with incense, sound, or salt.
Never rely on the cards to make major life decisions without rational input.
Use grounding techniques after reading—like journaling or meditating.

The Psychology Behind Tarot Fear

Tarot can act like a mirror. For some, it shows patterns they aren’t ready to face. That discomfort can be misread as evil. In truth, the fear often lies within the user, not the tool. When people feel watched, cursed, or spooked, it’s usually anxiety amplified by symbolism and expectation.

Conclusion from Experience

Tarot isn’t evil. But how it’s used—and what the user believes about it—can shape the experience. Those who feel disturbed by tarot often dive in without preparation or boundaries. Some exit quickly. Others stay and grow.

Tarot cards reflect the inner world. For better or worse, that world can be messy. Whether the cards feel enlightening or frightening depends more on the person holding them than any force behind the scenes.

By Althea