There are plenty of myths about the tarot. Perhaps you’ve heard a few. Let’s talk about the most common misconceptions.

HERE ARE A FEW OF THE MOST COMMON MYTHS. HAVE YOU HEARD OF THESE?

You need to be gifted your first tarot deck.

This is nonsense. If you want to get a deck, there is no reason to wait around. Plus, you’re more likely to find one that suits your tastes if you’re making the purchase.

The death card means you’ll die.

NOPE. We can thank popular culture for this one. The death card is associated with endings and change, not physical death. If you pull this card, chances are you’re getting ready for a transformation of sorts!

Intuition is a gift for the select few, and you must be psychic to read tarot.

First, everyone is intuitive. Some people trust their sixth sense a little more than others, making them appear to have some unique ability. You have intuition, and good news: tarot can actually help you access it! The images contain universal symbols and archetypes. As you gaze at the cards, your instincts begin to see the story unfolding. The more you practice with tarot, the easier it is for you to start trusting the stories you’re seeing in the cards. Sooner or later, you’ll begin to use that same intuition in your day-to-day life.

Tarot is evil or scary.

Tarot is 78 paper cards. That’s it.

The cards are neutral. What makes anything good or bad depends on the intention of the user. For example, a match can light a fire in your home and provide warmth. However, that same match can be used to burn down a building. Most tarot readers want to help—and you’ll find that tarot works quite well for that goal.

You must read reversed cards (reversals).

This is a matter of preference. Some tarot readers love using reversals, while others can deliver amazing readings without them. It’s up to you. There is no “one way” to do tarot. It’s best to experiment and find a method that works for you.

Tarot is always accurate.

This is not true. While the cards and your intuition can see many possibilities, the future is malleable. Don’t like the outcome? Make different choices. Also, human interpretation isn’t infallible. Interpretation mistakes can be made—especially when you’re first starting out.