5 Things the Horror MovieTarotGets Wrong About Astrology and Tarot Readings, According to an Astrologer

Mar. 15, 2025

Horoscope, Tarot Film.Photo:Sony Pictures

Sony Pictures

This year, Sony Pictures releasedTarot, a film that is just as terrifying as it is relevant to a generation perpetually in search of a deeper meaning. Although the movie, which recently became available to stream on Netflix, successfully delivers spine-chilling moments and unnerving thrills, it propagates a number of misconceptions aboutastrologyandTarot.It’s no secret that astrology and Tarot have experienced a major resurgence in today’s world, frequently trending on social media andintertwined with pop culturememes, but hyper-advertising has led to a distorted understanding of what these divination tools truly entail.When intentionally studied and practiced, astrology andTarotcan offer profound insights, as they are deeply rooted in self-reflection, personal growth and self-discovery. Yet, the commercialization of these divination practices has created a warped caricature of their true purpose and sacred history. Today,astrologyandTarotare portrayed as deterministic tools that can map out every detail of the future, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.Despite the twisted thrill that comes from seeing characters from the Tarot’s Major Arcana out for blood, there are several inaccurate portrayals of astrology and Tarot featured in the movie.

As you tune intoTarot, know that not everything is as it seems. Read ahead for the biggest misconceptions about astrology and Tarot featured in the horror movie.

Reading Tarot is completely different from reading your horoscope

Avantika Vandanapu in ‘Tarot’.Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment

Netflix’sTarotmovie portrays Tarot reading andhoroscopeinterpretation as interchangeable practices, but this is far from accurate.

The characteristics of various zodiac signs are inaccurate

It isn’t bad luck to use someone else’s Tarot deck

Wolfgang Novogratz in ‘Tarot’.Sony Pictures Entertainment

Contrary to the movie’s portrayal, using someone else’s Tarot deck is not inherently bad luck. Although cleansing a Tarot deck with Sage or Palo Santo to clear any lingering energies is always a good idea, it’s not a cause for supernatural panic.Then again, to each their own — it depends on how picky you are with your deck. However, the idea that using another person’s deck could result in the High Priestess climbing out of your attic to haunt you is pure fiction.

Some of the Tarot card meanings are inaccurate

The movie misinterprets the meanings of several Tarot cards. For instance, it claims that theHigh Priestessreversed means you should “slow down to avoid a crushing blow,” whereas the High Priestess reversed actually suggests a need to listen to your inner voice and confront hidden feelings or agendas. This is because when in the upright, the High Priestess represents intuition, mystery and the subconscious mind.Similarly, it mentions that The Hermit’s “light can lead you down the wrong track,” but in Tarot, The Hermit upright means introspection, solitude and guidance from within. It’s actually one of the most enlightening cards in the deck. Reversed, however, it can indicate isolation, loneliness or a refusal to seek the inner guidance that is needed.

Astrology and Tarot do not predict specific events with certainty

Adain Bradley and Jacob Batalon in Screen Gems TAROT.Slobodan Pikula/Sony Pictures

Slobodan Pikula/Sony Pictures

The film suggests that both astrology and Tarot can predict specific future events with absolute certainty, which is very misleading.Tarot and astrology offer a framework for understanding energies and influences, helping individuals make informed decisions rather than predicting exact details of future events. This misconception can lead to unrealistic expectations and misunderstandings about the nature of these divination practices. Again, while both are meant to provide guidance, they do not guarantee specific outcomes.Astrologers and intuitive Tarot readers are meant to provide insight into the different paths available to who they’re reading for, but it’s up to them to decide which path to take.In the end, each card pulled in a Tarot reading is no different from a planet transiting an area of your birth chart. It is merely a tool for reflection and self-awareness, not a definitive script for one’s future.

source: people.com