Predictive Tarot vs. Therapeutic Tarot
One of the most common questions among those exploring cartomancy is the difference between Predictive Tarot and Therapeutic Tarot.
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Predictive Tarot focuses on reading the past, present, and future of a person or situation.
Example: The only person who ever read me the Tarot cards before I learned to was Chelo, a Cuban friend. Her first reading predicted I’d meet an older man—who later became my husband. We’ve been together almost 15 years so far! -
Therapeutic Tarot, however, doesn’t answer specific questions. Instead, it prompts self-reflection: Am I on the right path? Where do I need to change direction?
In my experience, Predictive Tarot can be therapeutic, and vice versa. Most of my readings revolve around love: What’s happening with my ex? Do they truly love me? Will my spouse change? What if I divorce?
But beyond asking what others will do, we should ask: What am I willing to do to improve my life?
The Celtic Cross: A Case Study
The classic Celtic Cross spread (explained in the Rider-Waite manual) highlights this duality:
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Predictive Tarot reveals energies at play and likely outcomes.
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Therapeutic Tarot exposes patterns and behaviors blocking the querent’s progress.
Even Predictive Tarot shouldn’t be dismissed as trivial. Some occultists treat Tarot like a State secret, accessible only to elites who pay for seminars. But truthfully, tarot is for anyone willing to learn.
Of course, some people have greater sensitivity, and certain cultures reject future-telling, believing destiny is self-chosen.
The future isn’t set in stone —we shape it daily through choices. Yet the Tarot cards can warn us of impending disasters, helping us to leave toxic relationships or friendships behind.
Few clients request therapeutic spreads; most people just want to know what’ll happen. They miss the key insight: They hold the power to change their luck.
And if someone ignores the cards’ warnings—like Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez did—well… that’s their choice.