The Most Common Tarot Questions: Answered by Experts

Are you curious about tarot but not sure where to start—or maybe even a little wary of what it’s all about? In the latest episode of How the Wise One Grows, Kelly Eberle and I dive into the heart of tarot with Juliet Sharman Burke, a psychotherapist and tarot expert with over 40 years of experience. Whether you’re new to tarot or have been working with the cards for years, this episode will change how you think about tarot. Rather than predicting the future, tarot serves as a powerful tool for personal growth, self-reflection, and navigating life’s challenges. Juliet shares her insights into how tarot works, how it can help you explore your inner world, and why even the “scary” cards offer valuable lessons.

If this resonates with you and you want to explore tarot in a deeper, more personal way, listen to the full episode of How the Wise One Grows. Listen now✨

1. What Is Tarot, and How Does It Work?

Many people view tarot as mystical and intimidating, but as tarot expert Juliet Sharman Burke explains, it’s far from being about predicting the future. Tarot began in 15th-century Italy as a game and has evolved into a meaningful tool for meditation, self-reflection, and personal growth.

Tarot offers insights that help you better understand yourself and your journey. Tarot is often misunderstood as fortune-telling, but as Juliet explains, it is better viewed as a tool for self-reflection and guidance. Tarot isn’t a crystal ball—it’s a mirror.

The tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two sections:

• The Major Arcana: Represents key life themes (e.g., The Fool, The Star, The Death card).
• The Minor Arcana: Covers everyday experiences, divided into four suits (similar to playing cards).

Rather than predicting fixed outcomes, tarot reflects your current circumstances and offers insight into how you can move forward. Juliet describes it as a weather forecast, helping you prepare for what’s ahead without determining your destiny.

2. Can I Read Tarot for Myself?

Yes, and self-readings can be a powerful tool for personal growth. While reading for yourself can offer valuable insight, it requires honesty and openness to ensure you interpret the cards objectively rather than seeing what you want to see. Getting a reading from someone versed in Tarot is worthwhile, especially in the beginning.

3. Do I Need to Be Psychic to Use Tarot?

The answer is no—you don’t need to be psychic to read tarot. As Juliet emphasizes, tarot relies on symbolism that anyone can learn. While intuition can enhance readings over time, the power lies in understanding the meanings of the cards and using them to reflect on your life circumstances. Whether approached spiritually or psychologically, tarot is accessible to everyone willing to engage with it.

4. What Is the Best Tarot Deck to Start With?

Juliet suggests choosing a deck with artwork that resonates with you personally. A meaningful connection to the deck will enhance your reading experience, making it easier to develop a relationship with the cards over time. The Rider-Waite deck is a popular choice for beginners because it is widely referenced in books and resources, making it easier to learn. Juliet also created the Mythic Tarot Deck , which relates to Greek Mythology through the Tarot.

5. How Do I Ask Good Questions During a Tarot Reading?

Juliet does not recommend coming to the Tarot with "yes or no questions" to find answers. Effective tarot readings begin with open-ended questions that invite exploration and reflection. Instead of asking, “Will I get the job?” try asking, “What can I learn from this job opportunity?” This shift in questioning allows the cards to provide guidance and insights rather than delivering rigid answers. Thoughtful questions ensure that the reading offers meaningful, actionable advice.

Learn how tarot guides personal growth and self-reflection. Listen to the full episode 

6. Why Are People Afraid of Tarot?

Fear around tarot often arises from misconceptions and stereotypes, with cards like Death, The Devil, and The Tower being perceived as symbols of doom or disaster. In reality, these cards represent transformation, inner challenges, and necessary change. For example, the Death card marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, while the Devil points to internal obstacles like fear or limiting beliefs—not external evil.

As Juliet Sharman Burke explains, tarot encourages us to explore the shadow parts of ourselves, those hidden thoughts or behaviors we might avoid. Engaging with these cards isn’t about predicting misfortune but about facing our fears and using them as catalysts for self-awareness and personal growth.

Fear of tarot has also been historically shaped by the church’s rejection of esoteric practices. When Christianity became dominant, many pagan symbols and gods were demonized, turning them into representations of the devil in Christian theology. Juliet mentions that the god Pan, a pagan deity associated with nature and sensuality, became an archetype for the Christian devil. This cultural shift framed practices like tarot and astrology as dangerous or forbidden, fostering fear around tarot that persists in some circles today.

Ultimately, tarot offers a path toward self-acceptance and reflection, helping us understand both our light and shadow sides. Rather than something to fear, tarot invites curiosity, allowing us to confront and integrate our challenges with compassion.

7. Do Tarot Cards Predict the Future?

Tarot offers insights into potential outcomes and patterns, but it does not predict a fixed future. As Juliet describes it, tarot provides a forecast that helps you make thoughtful decisions based on current circumstances. The cards encourage reflection, helping you align your actions with your intentions rather than dictating what will happen next.

8. How Can Tarot Support Personal Growth and Shadow Work?

Tarot is a powerful tool for shadow work, a practice that involves exploring the hidden or suppressed parts of yourself—such as fears, insecurities, or unhealed emotions. Cards like The Moon or The Devil invite you to confront these shadow aspects, leading to greater self-awareness and emotional healing. By integrating your light and shadow, tarot helps you move toward wholeness and self-acceptance.

Takeaway: Tarot as a Tool for Reflection and Growth

Far from being a mystical fortune-telling device, tarot is a tool for self-reflection, personal growth, and decision-making. Whether you are navigating life transitions or seeking greater self-awareness, tarot offers valuable insights to support your journey. With practice and openness, tarot can become a trusted tool for understanding yourself and making sense of the world around you.

Ready to see tarot in a new light? Listen to the full episode of How the Wise One Grows and explore how tarot fosters personal growth

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