Tarot cards have captivated human imagination for centuries. Often associated with mystery, divination, and the occult, they are sometimes misunderstood—especially by those unfamiliar with their true purpose. One of the most common questions people ask is: Do tarot cards bring bad luck? This question arises from fear, misinformation, and cultural stereotypes. Some believe tarot cards can invite negative energy or bad luck, while others view them as powerful tools for self-reflection and guidance. This article explores the origins of this belief, what the evidence says, and whether there is any spiritual or psychological truth to the idea that tarot cards are bad luck.
Tarot cards are a set of 78 cards used for symbolic and intuitive exploration. A typical deck is divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards representing major life themes) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards dealing with day-to-day experiences). Each card carries imagery that helps the reader interpret possible energies, influences, or emotional dynamics in a situation. Contrary to popular belief, tarot is not inherently supernatural. While it has roots in spiritual traditions and mysticism, tarot is often used today as a tool for self-reflection, psychological insight, and personal growth.
Why People Associate Tarot Cards with Bad Luck
The idea that tarot cards bring bad luck comes from a mix of cultural, religious, and historical factors.
Religious Concerns
Some religious groups—particularly in conservative branches of Christianity, Islam, or Judaism—warn against tarot cards. They may associate them with divination or fortune-telling, which some scriptures prohibit. These groups may also view tarot as occult practices, seen as spiritually dangerous or demonic. A lack of reliance on God is often cited, which may be seen as placing trust in "false" sources of wisdom. In this view, using tarot might seem like inviting spiritual trouble or misfortune.
Media and Pop Culture
Movies, TV shows, and horror novels often depict tarot cards as spooky or ominous. Cards like Death, The Tower, or The Devil are shown as bad omens or signs of impending doom. This dramatized portrayal reinforces the idea that tarot is dangerous or unlucky. In reality, these cards are symbolic, not literal.
Superstition and Folklore
People often fear what they do not understand. Myths about tarot include beliefs that keeping tarot cards in your home invites bad energy, reading tarot opens portals to evil spirits, or a "bad reading" can curse your future. These ideas persist, even though they lack evidence and often confuse symbolism with supernatural power.
Do Tarot Cards Actually Cause Bad Luck?
Let us examine whether tarot cards can objectively or spiritually bring bad luck.
No Scientific Evidence
There is no scientific proof that tarot cards bring bad luck. They are inanimate objects—printed paper with symbolic art. Any "power" they seem to have comes from the reader's interpretation, the user's mindset, and the psychological impact of the reading. In other words, tarot does not cause events to happen—it helps people interpret experiences or make sense of their lives.
Understanding "Bad Luck" Cards
If you read tarot cards, you already know that to get the most out of the reading, you have to be honest with your clients. This means that whether you pull a card that indicates something positive or one that is negative, you have to tell them about it. There are numerous "bad luck" cards, but some are more obvious than others. Simply put, you should take your time learning these cards because many of them are figurative and not literal. The devil card, for instance, does not mean that the client will be dead soon. Learning the cards takes practice, but it is always worth it in the end.
What Tarot Card Means Bad Luck? Some of the many tarot cards that indicate bad luck include the 10 of swords, 3 of swords, the devil, death, 10 of wands, and the moon. Most of these have more than one meaning but are easy to learn with practice and by developing your intuitive skills. Let us look at these cards in more detail.
The 10 of Swords
When you pull a card that has a man face-down with 10 swords in his back, you know that the news is not going to be good. This is never a "happy" card, but it can mean different things.
Death
This card rarely means literal death. It often signals the end of one phase and the start of another. It can be a sign of growth, letting go, or rebirth.
The Tower
This card symbolizes disruption, but not always in a harmful way. It can mean breaking illusions, clearing false beliefs, or a dramatic breakthrough.
The Devil
This card points to being trapped by fear, addiction, or limiting beliefs. Recognizing these patterns is the first step to reclaiming power.
In short, "scary" cards are opportunities—not punishments. They show you what needs to change so that you can grow stronger.
Real Reasons People Feel Unlucky After Tarot
While tarot itself does not bring bad luck, some people feel worse after a reading. Here is why:
Over-Reliance on Cards
Using tarot for every decision can lead to confusion or dependency. If you are constantly asking the cards for answers, you may lose touch with your own inner wisdom.
Negative Interpretations
An inexperienced or fear-based reader might deliver readings in a way that causes worry. For example, saying "You are going to lose your job" rather than "You may be facing change at work."
Poor Timing or Context
Getting a tarot reading when you are in a mental health crisis, under extreme stress, or experiencing trauma may not be helpful. Consult professionals when needed.
Conclusion: Do Tarot Cards Bring Bad Luck?
The short answer is no—tarot cards do not bring bad luck. They are tools for self-discovery, not magical objects that influence fate. Misunderstandings about tarot come from cultural fear, superstition, and media portrayals—not actual evidence. While it is possible to have an unsettling experience with tarot, that is usually due to interpretation, mindset, or personal fears—not the cards themselves. When used with intention, knowledge, and emotional clarity, tarot can be a powerful ally for growth, reflection, and empowerment.
When you read tarot cards, you already know that in order to get the most out of the reading, you have to be honest with your clients. This means that whether you pull a card that indicates something positive or one that is negative, you have to tell them about it. Stress to the client that they need to assess and confront the parts of their life that lack clarity. Practice being sensitive with your client when these cards are pulled, and make sure that your intuitive skills are honed so there are no misunderstandings when it comes to what the cards mean. Bad luck is never something that a client wants to hear during a tarot card reading, but unfortunately the cards are what they are.