Pick a Card: The Temptation of Tarot
When scrolling through the endlessness of social media live streams, you will inevitably see a witchy “divine feminine” reading fortunes at an ungodly rate. With so many spiritual influencers on social media platforms, it leaves many wondering: can anyone be a tarot card reader?
It’s easy to feed into the idea that the sixth sense of an influencer can bring good fortune and predict the path of our lives. Tarot readers claim to predict the future, near and far, regarding money, relationships, and even fertility. But is it ethical to trust mediums with our deepest afflictions?
Any skeptic would be inclined to question the authenticity of the content that psychics divulge and their means of retrieving answers. By using expertly shuffled cards, candles, and coins, most outcomes are in fate’s hands rather than the interpreter's.
Nowadays, fortunes are read for the low price of $4 on Etsy. It’s hard to ignore these psychic’s monetary demands as Cashapp and Venmo usernames are on full display. Not to mention the profitable industry of celestial shops that has made many of us into crystal connoisseurs who are in touch with our chakras.
Some tarot card readers have managed to curate an image of authenticity by interpreting the deeper meanings and wisdom of pulled cards, rather than dealing out get-rich-quick delusions. Jessica Dore, a licensed social worker, and storyteller has written, “Tarot for Change,” a book about the symbols and stories of tarot. Dore sources expert texts and impactful quotes from the world around her in a weekly newsletter called “Offerings.”
The existence of tarot cards dates back to 1400s Europe, with possible inspiration from Turkey and Egypt, when it was merely a game of cards. It wasn’t until 400 years later that the mystique of tarot changed to fortune-telling. Since then, magic, witches, and spirituality have become a highly saturated industry on social media platforms, but this saturation has been a catalyst for much-needed diversity and inclusion.
Black women from, Jamaica, Haiti, and many African countries have been practicing Vodou—a religion of spells, enchantments, and manifestations—for thousands of years. The highly regarded traditions amongst many who practice Vodou are protected and sacred as compared to modern witchcraft.
Metaphysicality also has stereotypes rooted in Romani culture. It’s what we think of when we hear “fortune teller” and picture a woman hovering over a crystal ball. The Roma culture has deep ties to fortune telling and the women who perform these skills are called Drabardi. Their methods include palm reading and the use of tarot cards.
Tarot card decks have evolved to represent different cultures and aesthetics and can be created by anyone. Tarot isn't only about predicting the future, but rather understanding the present to make inferences about what’s to come.
As tempting as it may be to pass judgment onto these spiritual readers, the art form has come a long way from its rich beginnings and now welcomes any and everyone. Happy interpreting.
Strike Out,
Matilda Pollard
Boca Raton
Matilda Pollard is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. She is a proud Pisces who loves all things creative. Her hobbies include trying new foods and watching classic rom-coms. You can reach her at