Question 93 – Divination and tarot cards. Do they reveal God's will?
Do you wish to know your future? Are you interested in what lies ahead in a few years? Or perhaps you're curious about hidden aspects of the past? Since time immemorial, many have sought answers to these questions from individuals claiming to have clairvoyant abilities. These people, either for a fee or out of goodwill, attempt to unveil hidden truths from the past, present, or future. Like other spheres of the occult, the world of clairvoyance is becoming increasingly popular. Perhaps this popularity explains why divination has become a lucrative business, teeming with charlatans and fraudsters who exploit people's gullibility. However, not all of them are deceivers. Some indeed have supernatural abilities that allow them to pull aside the curtain of everyday reality.
There are more than two hundred different forms of divination. People try to predict the future using crystal balls, personal objects, pendulums, palm reading, the flight of birds, animal entrails, the iris of the eye, cloud shapes, tarot cards, and many other techniques, including astrology and numerology. To accurately address this question, we would need to examine each method individually and delve into the principles that characterize them. We might also explore world-renowned occult seers like Nostradamus or the Sibyl. However, I do not believe this is necessary. It will not surprise you to learn that these methods and seers, too, are deemed occult and condemned by God. They all share the pursuit of information from unknown sources. Whether it's information about past events, advice for current challenges, or the prediction of future events, many clairvoyants do not truly understand where these insights originate. They simply see, feel, perceive, or have these insights "dictated" to them by "someone." From a Christian perspective, it is apparent that these are demonic entities. As one clairvoyant noted:
"It is as though my subconscious, some kind of entity within me, whispers words to me, as if I've split into two, and one part of me is dictating to the other. I don't know why I say these things." [9]
We have already cited several biblical passages where God directly condemns divination. Let us look at a New Testament story where a fortune-teller seemingly plays a pious role by pointing out the apostles as divine servants:
"As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation." And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour." (Acts 16:16–18)
This young woman vividly illustrates that not everyone who speaks of God and claims their abilities come from Him is truthful. Even today, there are many self-styled Christians practicing fortune-telling. In many instances, they sincerely believe they are doing good and that their abilities are a gift from God. They might begin their divination with prayers or even Scripture reading! Yet, this does not alter the demonic origin of their abilities — they are deceived and open themselves to demonic influence, as do those who place themselves in their hands.
Prophecy and God
Among God's people, there have always been prophets who brought various prophecies about the future or revealed hidden present realities. Even now, God has many servants through whom He reveals hidden truths to His children. These gifts and abilities are different. They require no occult tools and have a completely different nature and purpose than the practices discussed in the context of divination. Why do so many people seek fortune-telling? Today's world is full of uncertainty and challenges. When people do not know God and lack a close personal relationship with Him, it stands to reason they will try to fill this void and seek hope elsewhere. Sometimes they visit fortune-tellers out of curiosity; other times, they may be grappling with life issues. Regardless of the motive, God advises us all — do not seek out diviners or defile yourselves with them! Surrender your lives into His hands, and He will guide your steps. Jesus Himself reassures us:
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28–30)
Only He can provide peace in our hearts in this uncertain world and give us the strength to face whatever life brings. There is no need to consult the cards for guidance; inquire of the One who gave you life. Only He holds the power and right to be the steadfast anchor you can rely on.
Summation
Divination is a means of obtaining information from the spiritual realm about our past, present, or future. Numerous techniques are employed to 'connect' to this source of information. However, the Bible unequivocally identifies this source as demonic and prohibits any divinatory practices. By engaging with this area, or even merely visiting a clairvoyant, we invite troubles stemming from demonic oppression upon ourselves.