Biblical Tarot Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about the decks, their relationship to Christianity and Scripture, and how Biblical Tarot can be used for reflection.
Understanding Biblical Tarot
What is Biblical Tarot?
Biblical Tarot is a complete Tarot system that pairs traditional Tarot archetypes with biblical figures, events, and spiritual themes. The cards are designed to support contemplation, journaling, biblical exploration, and personal insight.
How does Biblical Tarot connect the Bible with traditional Tarot?
Each card preserves a recognizable Tarot theme while expressing it through a biblical character or story. This allows readers to explore familiar Tarot patterns through narratives such as creation, temptation, exile, courage, sacrifice, forgiveness, and renewal.
Is Biblical Tarot a Christian deck?
Biblical Tarot is rooted in biblical stories and Christian cultural imagery, but it is not an official teaching of any church or denomination. It can be approached by Christians, former Christians, Tarot readers, and spiritually curious people according to their individual beliefs and conscience.
Does the Bible mention Tarot cards?
No. Tarot developed centuries after the biblical texts were written. The Bible does contain warnings about divination and consulting spirits, which Christians interpret and apply to Tarot in different ways. Read the balanced discussion on Christianity and Tarot.
Is Biblical Tarot intended for fortune-telling?
The decks are presented primarily as tools for reflection rather than fixed prediction. A card can help you examine a pattern, emotion, choice, or biblical story, but it should not be treated as an unquestionable command or a guarantee about the future.
Can Christians use Biblical Tarot?
Christians disagree about Tarot. Some avoid it entirely, while others distinguish fortune-telling from using symbolic images for reflection. Each person should consider their beliefs, intentions, and conscience rather than assuming there is one answer that applies to everyone.
About the Decks
How many cards are in the Original Biblical Tarot deck?
The Original Biblical Tarot is a complete 78-card color deck. It includes the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana, a 42-page compact travel guide, and a luxury magnetic-closure box.
How many cards are in Shadows of the Soul?
Biblical Tarot: Shadows of the Soul is a 79-card black-and-white deck. It contains the traditional 78-card structure plus an additional Major Arcana card called The Shadow. It includes a 64-page compact travel guide and a luxury box.
What is the difference between the two decks?
The Original Biblical Tarot uses color imagery and is suited to general reflection, spiritual exploration, and everyday readings. Shadows of the Soul uses black-and-white imagery and was created for deeper shadow work, emotional awareness, and exploring hidden patterns.
Why are the suits called Candles, Chalices, Feathers, and Grains?
The renamed Minor Arcana suits preserve the traditional elemental structure: Candles correspond to Wands and Fire, Chalices to Cups and Water, Feathers to Swords and Air, and Grains to Pentacles and Earth.
Can the cards be read upright and reversed?
Yes. The cards may be interpreted upright or reversed, depending on your reading style. Reversals can indicate an internalized, blocked, delayed, excessive, or alternative expression of a card’s central theme.
Is a guidebook included?
Yes. The Original deck includes a 42-page compact travel guide, while Shadows of the Soul includes a 64-page compact travel guide. The website also provides an Interactive Guidebook for the Original deck.
Using Biblical Tarot
Do I need to know the Bible or Tarot before beginning?
No. Beginners can start with a single card, observe its imagery, read the guidebook entry, and explore the connected biblical passage. Existing knowledge may add context, but it is not required. Follow the step-by-step beginner’s guide.
How should I begin a reading?
Start with an open-ended question about yourself, draw one card, observe the image, explore its biblical story, and consider how its themes relate to your situation. Record any useful insight before deciding whether a practical next step is appropriate.
Can Biblical Tarot be used for Bible study?
It can be used as a visual companion that encourages readers to remember stories, compare themes, begin discussions, and return to the original passages. It does not replace Scripture or the need to consider a passage in context. Learn more in Unlocking Scripture.
Can Biblical Tarot replace religious, medical, psychological, legal, or financial guidance?
No. The cards are reflective tools and should not replace qualified professional advice, emergency support, medical care, mental-health treatment, legal counsel, financial guidance, Scripture, faith, or personal responsibility.
Explore or Purchase the Decks
The Original Biblical Tarot
Explore the complete product details and color card artwork.
Shadows of the Soul
Explore the black-and-white deck and its shadow-work imagery.