Fact-Checking Tarot: What the Horror Movie Gets Wrong About Astrology and Tarot Readings, According to an Astrologer

This year, Sony Pictures released Tarot, 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 about astrology and Tarot.

It’s no secret that astrology and Tarot have experienced a major resurgence in today’s world, frequently trending on social media and intertwined with pop culture memes, but hyper-advertising has led to a distorted understanding of what these divination tools truly entail.

When intentionally studied and practiced, astrology and Tarot can 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, astrology and Tarot are 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 into Tarot, 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

Netflix’s Tarot movie portrays Tarot reading and horoscope interpretation as interchangeable practices, but this is far from accurate.

A Tarot reading involves a deck of 78 cards, each with its own imagery, symbolism and story. Originating from the mid-15th century in various parts of Europe, Tarot cards were initially used for playing games. It wasn’t until the 18th century that they began to be used for divination and spiritual insights. Each card in the deck represents different aspects of life, archetypal themes and personal journeys, allowing for a nuanced exploration of one’s inner world and circumstances.

Horoscopes, on the other hand, are based on planetary positioning at the time of a person’s birth and are used to predict general trends and patterns in a person’s life based on the movements of the planets. The movie suggests these practices serve the same purpose, which can be misleading to viewers about their unique methodologies and uses.

If you’re already familiar with astrology and Tarot, you can pull 13 cards (12 representing each astrological house) and one in the middle for the overall energy. This can ultimately provide deeper insight by combining both astrological and spiritual perspectives. This method allows for a more complex reading that reflects different areas of one’s life, from personal identity to relationships and more.

However, the way the main character Haley (Harriet Slater) refers to pull cards as “Let’s read your horoscope” is completely inaccurate.

The characteristics of various zodiac signs are inaccurate

Tarot inaccurately portrays the characteristics of zodiac signs several times throughout the film. For example, the movie suggests that Capricorns are “rule-breakers” when in reality, there’s nothing this Saturn-ruled sign prefers more than following rules and abiding by traditions. In fact, this Earth sign is often celebrated for its innate discipline and structure.

It also suggests that Libra‘s insatiable curiosity often leads them into the unknown — which is actually more in line with the Fire sign Sagittarius. Despite being known for their love of balance, harmony and socializing, Libras are more likely to people-please and connect with those around them than to risk it all to venture into the unknown.

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

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 the High Priestess reversed 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

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.