Do Tarot Readings Really Predict the Future?
Many people ask themselves this very question, especially when they’re searching for deeper answers about their lives but don’t know where to turn.
So: are tarot readings legitimate?

Welcome to Cloud Number 9 Art, where we explore what it means to enjoy slow spirituality in a practical and simple way… and we’re also tarot readers.
Let’s begin.

 

What Are Tarot Cards and Oracles?

So, tarot cards: on one side, there are those who firmly believe in their divinatory potential and on the other, those who see them as just a pastime.
Question is: what can we really expect from a reading?

First of all, when we talk about tarot readings, we also include oracle cards, another similar divinatory tool. We can refer to both simply as "cards."

Tarot cards are a deck of 78 cards, an ancient tool that helps reflect on emotions, decisions and uncertainties, but the question remains: can they really predict the future?
Well… no, but like a compass, they can show us the right direction. Think of this: when you're in a storm, it’s not the wind that guides you, but your ability to read the waves. Originating in the 14th century, tarot cards were initially used for games and only later associated with divination.

Oracles are more free and intuitive, often focused on specific themes. Imagine using a deck that speaks to you about animals, crystals or moon phases: each card doesn’t just tell you what to do, but prompts you to reflect on how your spirit connects with the universe. Their origins are less defined, but we know they date back to ancient spiritual traditions.
Both are tools to explore your emotions and find guidance. What does that mean? Let’s look at a metaphor.

 

How Do They Work?

Imagine being on a boat journeying into the unknown (life): your destination isn’t defined, but you still want to make conscious choices along the way. That’s where the cards come to your aid: they’re like a map that highlights risky areas, helping you avoid the rocks and face the storms more confidently.

These are not predictions, they don’t tell you exactly what will happen, but they help you interpret the energy of the moment and navigate decision-making despite the turbulence. The Tower, for example, signals the collapse of what you believed to be true; Death marks a new beginning; while the Sun is a positive omen of good fortune.

 

The Most Common Doubts

Have you ever had that knot in your stomach before a reading, wondering: “what if the answers aren’t what I hoped for? What if I’ve put my trust in the wrong person?”. The fear of being deceived is normal, but remember this: tarot cards aren’t judgments; they’re mirrors reflecting your fears and hopes.

Are you afraid the reading will confront you with realities you don’t want to see? That inner conflict between the desire to know and the fear of facing the unknown? In the end, the beauty of tarot is that it helps us take control of fear and transform it into clarity.

There’s also the fear of judgment: “What will others think of me if they find out I use tarot to seek answers?” or the worry that someone might criticize your questions or dismiss them as trivial, perhaps even the person you’ve asked for the reading. These anxieties are entirely normal and many people experience them before a reading, but it’s important to understand that the cards are not meant to pass judgment or predict doom.

Even the cards that seem “negative,” like Death, the Devil or the Ten of Swords, aren’t verdicts but invitations to look at challenges from a new perspective… except for the Tower, that one’s a real pain.

Life’s storms happen to everyone, without exception. Unfortunately, they don’t disappear by magic, but the more in touch you are with yourself and the more you work on yourself, the easier it becomes to handle difficult moments. The more tools you have at your disposal, the less likely you are to need a lifeboat or risk a shipwreck.

 

What to Expect and What Not to Expect

WHAT NOT TO EXPECT

When consulting tarot cards, don’t expect easy or definitive answers. Have you ever faced a question so big it seemed impossible to resolve? Well, tarot isn’t the magic solution, again, it’s the compass that helps you find your way.

The cards offer answers that are more suggestive and symbolic, rather than concrete. Each card can be interpreted differently, depending on the situation you’re in. That’s where the skill and competence of the tarot reader come into play, in explaining the meaning of the spreads based on your situation. What matters is how we read and interpret the answers the cards offer.

Sometimes, the answer we’re looking for is right in front of us, but we need to be ready to see it. Tarot cards, therefore, are not so much a tool for knowing what will happen but a tool for better understanding the meaning of things that are already within us.

WHAT TO EXPECT

From a tarot reading, you can expect a deeper understanding of your feelings, emotions, hidden desires or the challenges you might face. The tarot reader, in turn, is an interpreter of the cards’ symbolism who brings empathy, skill and clarity to the reading.

• A good tarot reader won’t give you dogmatic or easy answers but will help you explore the meaning of the cards and translate it based on your situation.
• They’ll never judge you and will work to make you feel at ease, creating a safe environment where you can explore even the most delicate parts of yourself.
• They won’t tell you what you want to hear but will communicate honestly what the cards reveal, even if it might be hard to accept. However, they’ll always do so with kindness and respect, prioritizing your personal growth above all.
• Be also aware that, in some cases, a tarot reader may choose not to work with a client if their behavior is disrespectful or if their questions go against the reader’s professional ethics.

Tarot reading is a tool for growth and a serious reader is always committed to maintaining integrity and mutual respect.

Are There Better Times for a Tarot Reading?

Actually, yes! Tarot readings can be done at any time, but the beginning of the year and your birthday are two great energetic moments for a reading. They represent new beginnings, times of transition when we’re more inclined to reflect, take stock and open ourselves to new possibilities.

Here are our tips for approaching any card reading to get the most out of it:

• Be open and receive the messages of the cards without judgment.
• Reflect on how the information connects to your life.
• Ask yourself what you really want and apply the advice that emerges during the reading.
• Trust yourself and remember that you have all the resources you need to face any challenge.

 

The Choice Is Yours

Every reading gives you an opportunity: a path you can take, a direction you can choose. You might not like this, but it’s important to remember that while a card reading is indeed a tool for introspection, it should be seen as entertainment.

It doesn’t replace professional advice of any kind: medical, legal, financial, or psychological, including psychotherapy. I will say it again: tarot readings are not a cheaper alternative to psychotherapy. That said, at Cloud Number 9 Art, we always offer this service with seriousness, empathy and sensitivity to ensure a respectful and meaningful experience.

 

What do you think? Do you believe tarot cards are a powerful tool for introspection, or do you see them as a baseless pastime? Can the cards really reveal the future, or are they just a mirror reflecting our deepest thoughts?

 

Cloud Number 9 Art

Whether you're navigating a transition or simply pausing for reflection, seeking guidance through spiritual support can be both enjoyable and thought-provoking, even when approached as entertainment.

At cloudnumber9art.com, you’ll find personalized spiritual consultations, including tarot readings and guided meditations, designed to help you embrace a slower, more mindful spirituality.

Thank you for spending time with us and remember to be kind to yourself, as you’re the most important relationship ever in your life.