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If I had a quid for every time someone assumed I was an expert on witchcraft just because I read tarot, I’d have more decks than I could shuffle in a lifetime. Spoiler: I’ve dabbled in witchy things—who hasn’t been curious about spell jars or moon rituals?—but it’s not part of my tarot practice. Yet, the question ‘that tarot equals ‘is tarot witchcraft’ persists.
Even my mum, when I first mentioned I was getting into tarot, worried I’d turn into some “evil witch.” She grew up with all those old stereotypes—witches cackling over cauldrons and summoning demons—and couldn’t quite wrap her head around what tarot really is. At first, it was almost funny seeing her genuine concern, but it also made me realise just how much misunderstanding there is about tarot and witchcraft. Spoiler again: I didn’t become an “evil witch”—I just found a tool that helps people navigate life’s messier moments.
So, let’s get into it. Is tarot witchcraft? Short answer: no. Long answer? It’s complicated—and fascinating. Let’s untangle the myths, the history, and why this misconception exists.
What Is Witchcraft?
Witchcraft, at its core, is a practice. It’s diverse, spanning everything from nature-based rituals to spellwork to spiritual practices that connect with deities or energies. It’s not inherently good or evil, despite what Hollywood might have you believe.
Witchcraft in Pop Culture
Pop culture has painted a very specific picture of witchcraft. Shows like Charmed and Practical Magic present it as spell-casting, potion-brewing, and often dramatic battles of light versus dark. These portrayals, while entertaining, shape real-life misconceptions by framing witchcraft as inherently mystical or otherworldly. They perpetuate the idea that witchcraft is solely about supernatural powers, often ignoring its roots in nature-based practices and personal spirituality. This can lead to misunderstandings, where people assume that all forms of witchcraft—or even adjacent practices like tarot—are inherently magical or tied to the occult.
J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and Harmful Stereotypes
J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter has played a role in shaping misconceptions about witchcraft by reinforcing outdated stereotypes and harmful tropes. The series presents witches as women and wizards as men, overlooking the fact that “witch” is a gender-neutral term. Beyond this, the series leans on anti-Semitic caricatures in its portrayal of goblins and magical figures as secretive or manipulative, which perpetuates damaging stereotypes.
While Harry Potter introduced many to the concept of magic, its influence has been overshadowed by J.K. Rowling’s public transphobia and racist rhetoric. These issues highlight the need for a more inclusive and thoughtful representation of witchcraft and magic, rather than one rooted in harmful biases. Such portrayals shape public perceptions, often to the detriment of a more nuanced understanding of these traditions.
The Reality of Witchcraft
In reality, witchcraft is neither the stuff of children’s books nor the sinister thing some fear. It’s a practice with historical roots in healing, nature, and even resistance against oppressive systems. And while the word “witch” is often used to describe women, it’s actually a gender-neutral term—witches can be any gender.
What Is Tarot?
Tarot, on the other hand, is a tool. It’s a deck of cards with symbolic imagery, originally created in the 15th century as a card game. It wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries that tarot took on its esoteric, mystical associations, thanks to groups like the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and figures like Aleister Crowley.
Tarot as a Reflective Tool
In my practice, tarot isn’t about predicting the future or conjuring spirits. It’s a way to explore the here and now, helping people understand themselves, navigate challenges, and make empowered decisions. For instance, I once worked with a client at a crossroads in their relationship. Using the cards, we reflected on their emotions and patterns, guiding them toward a clearer understanding of their true desires. They left the session with clarity and confidence to take their next step. Think of it as a reflective tool, like journaling or meditation—but with pictures and archetypes that tap into your intuition.
The Evolution of Tarot
While tarot is now associated with spirituality, it began as a simple card game. Its transformation into a tool for self-discovery and reflection is thanks to its adoption by mystical and esoteric traditions. Over time, it’s become something much broader than its historical roots.
Where the Confusion Comes From
The overlap between tarot and witchcraft exists, but it’s not as intertwined as many think. Historically, tarot became associated with witchcraft through its use in esoteric traditions. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, for example, was a secret society founded in the late 19th century that studied the occult, mysticism, and ceremonial magic. Their involvement elevated tarot from a card game to a spiritual tool, integrating it into rituals and teachings. This blending of tarot with mystical practices contributed significantly to its esoteric reputation and cemented its association with hidden knowledge and self-discovery.
Tarot in Pop Culture
Pop culture hasn’t helped. Tarot often appears alongside spellcasting and rituals in TV and movies. Shows like Supernatural and American Horror Story portray tarot as mysterious and ominous, reinforcing its association with the occult. These portrayals often overlook tarot’s practical and reflective uses, focusing instead on its dramatic and mystical aspects to serve the plot.
Remember Agatha All Along? That show featured tarot prominently, particularly in Episode 7, where the “Safe Passage” spread played a central role. The spread was a fictional creation but drew on traditional tarot structures, offering a layered and thoughtful depiction of how tarot can guide reflection and decision-making. Unlike many portrayals, it balanced the mystical and practical elements of tarot, showing it as a tool for personal insight rather than just a prop for supernatural drama.
While the show leaned into its witchy themes, it also gave a nuanced view of tarot as something more than a mystical gimmick. By incorporating tarot into the narrative with care, Agatha All Along offered a refreshing alternative to the usual tropes, demonstrating how tarot can facilitate self-awareness and personal growth—even in a fictional context.
Tarot’s Flexibility
And while some witches use tarot as part of their practice, not all do. Similarly, plenty of tarot readers, like me, don’t identify as witches. Tarot is flexible—it can be spiritual, practical, or both, depending on how you approach it. This adaptability makes it appealing to people from all walks of life, allowing them to use it in ways that resonate with their unique beliefs, challenges, and goals.
So, Is Tarot Witchcraft?
The Short Answer
Here’s the deal: No, tarot isn’t inherently witchcraft. Tarot is a tool—a deck of cards—and what you do with it depends on you. While it’s true that some witches incorporate tarot into their practices, tarot doesn’t require spells, rituals, or a belief in the supernatural to be effective.
A Universal Tool
I’ve worked with people from all walks of life—Christians, Muslims, Hindus—who’ve found tarot helpful without it clashing with their faith. I’ve also met people who identify as witches within their religion, like Christian witches or Muslim witches. Tarot is for anyone, regardless of their spiritual path.
Tarot’s Roots
It’s worth noting that tarot’s roots aren’t in witchcraft. While esoteric traditions have shaped aspects of modern tarot, its origins lie in a simple card game. Over centuries, it’s evolved into a tool for introspection and storytelling—something much broader than its occasional use in witchcraft.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, tarot and witchcraft can overlap, but they’re not the same thing. Tarot is a highly adaptable and empowering tool, offering anyone the opportunity to gain clarity and insight in a way that aligns with their unique beliefs and needs. While tarot and witchcraft may sometimes complement each other, tarot’s true beauty lies in its ability to stand alone, adapting to the unique needs and intentions of the person using it.
So, no, you’re not a witch just because you pick up a tarot deck. Unless you want to be, of course. And if you do, more power to you. Tarot is what you make it—whether that’s a sacred ritual, a practical tool, or something in between.
Curious about other tarot myths? Check out Busting Tarot Myths: The Top 10 Misconceptions Explained to explore more surprising insights, or book a reading to discover how tarot can illuminate your personal path. The cards are waiting.
