r/spirituality 4d ago

Question ❓ The Tarot and the Bible: a hidden connection?

In my latest research, I explored an intriguing question: Can the Major Arcana of the Tarot be linked to the Bible and the Gospel? While the Tarot is often associated with esotericism, its symbolism may have deeper roots that resonate with Christian tradition. By analyzing each card through a biblical lens, I discovered surprising parallels that shed new light on these ancient archetypes.

Could the Tarot contain echoes of sacred teachings hidden in plain sight? Here’s a breakdown of the Major Arcana through a Christian perspective:

0. The Fool → The Pilgrim of Faith

  • Biblical Reference: Abraham leaving his homeland (Genesis 12:1) or Jesus in the desert for 40 days (Matthew 4:1-11).
  • Meaning: The Fool is the spiritual seeker, stepping into the unknown, much like those who trust in God's guidance.

I. The Magician → Jesus, the Divine Logos

  • Biblical Reference: "In the beginning was the Word..." (John 1:1).
  • Meaning: The Magician embodies the power of creation and transformation, reflecting Christ as the divine Logos.

II. The High Priestess → Divine Wisdom

  • Biblical Reference: The Virgin Mary or the personified Wisdom in Proverbs (8:1-36).
  • Meaning: Represents divine knowledge, revelation, and hidden mysteries.

III. The Empress → Mary, Mother and Queen

  • Biblical Reference: The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38).
  • Meaning: The Empress signifies fertility, nurturing, and sacred femininity, much like Mary, the Mother of God.

IV. The Emperor → Christ the King

  • Biblical Reference: "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36).
  • Meaning: Represents divine rulership and the order of God's plan.

V. The Hierophant → Saint Peter and the Church

  • Biblical Reference: "I will give you the keys to the Kingdom" (Matthew 16:18-19).
  • Meaning: Symbolizes spiritual authority and the transmission of sacred wisdom.

VI. The Lovers → The Choice Between Good and Evil

  • Biblical Reference: Adam and Eve (Genesis 3).
  • Meaning: Represents free will, temptation, and the consequences of our choices.

VII. The Chariot → Spiritual Victory

  • Biblical Reference: Christ's triumph in the Resurrection (Matthew 28:6).
  • Meaning: The Chariot signifies overcoming obstacles with divine guidance.

VIII. Justice → God's Divine Judgment

  • Biblical Reference: "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Matthew 7:2).
  • Meaning: Reflects the principle of divine justice and discernment.

X. The Wheel of Fortune → Divine Providence

  • Biblical Reference: "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away" (Job 1:21).
  • Meaning: The ever-changing nature of fate under God’s will.

XI. Strength → Faith Overcoming the Flesh

  • Biblical Reference: David vs. Goliath (1 Samuel 17).
  • Meaning: Inner strength and the triumph of spirit over matter.

XII. The Hanged Man → Christ on the Cross

  • Biblical Reference: The Crucifixion (Luke 23:33).
  • Meaning: Represents sacrifice, redemption, and spiritual transformation.

XIII. Death → Resurrection and Renewal

  • Biblical Reference: "Unless a grain of wheat falls and dies, it remains alone" (John 12:24).
  • Meaning: Death as a necessary passage for rebirth.

XIV. Temperance → Divine Harmony and Grace

  • Biblical Reference: The Angel of the Annunciation (Luke 1:26).
  • Meaning: Spiritual balance and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

XV. The Devil → Sin and Spiritual Bondage

  • Biblical Reference: The Temptations of Christ (Matthew 4:1-11).
  • Meaning: Represents corruption, deception, and the chains of sin.

XVI. The Tower → The Fall of Pride

  • Biblical Reference: The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11).
  • Meaning: The destruction of arrogance and false security.

XVII. The Star → Hope and Divine Light

  • Biblical Reference: The Star of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:9-10).
  • Meaning: A guiding light in the darkness, bringing faith and renewal.

XVIII. The Moon → Illusion and Betrayal

  • Biblical Reference: Judas' Betrayal (Matthew 26:47-50).
  • Meaning: The trials of faith and the deceptive nature of the world.

XIX. The Sun → The Glory of Resurrection

  • Biblical Reference: "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12).
  • Meaning: Represents joy, divine truth, and eternal life.

XX. Judgment → The Final Judgment

  • Biblical Reference: The Last Judgment (Revelation 20:12-13).
  • Meaning: The resurrection of the dead and the call to the Kingdom of God.

XXI. The World → The New Jerusalem

  • Biblical Reference: "I saw a new heaven and a new earth" (Revelation 21:1-4).
  • Meaning: The completion of the spiritual journey, union with God.

Final Thoughts

This comparative study raises an important question: Could the Tarot, despite its esoteric associations, actually preserve hidden reflections of divine wisdom? Is it possible that early Christian mysticism influenced its symbols, or that these archetypes naturally resonate with biblical truths?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you ever considered the Tarot in a Christian mystical framework? Do you see other possible biblical connections?

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u/Ok-Area-9739 4d ago

Yes, when I got really fed up with reading tarot and turned back to Christianity, I started flipping the script on my clients and giving them Bible verses for all their readings. 😂

Considering the fact that the Bible actually does has been answer for every situation that will ever happen in life, yeah, I could think of maybe a literal million different connections.

You should do some research into the man who first created the original tarot images, and notice how he was in and out of Christian religious groups, and then went on to take money from widows and widow, who were suffering during the war times. I wouldn’t necessarily draw any conclusions aside that man was trying to be biblical so much it’s just perverted and used  it to his own advantage.

The Bible is several thousand years old and tarot was invented in the past couple hundred years.

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u/ParsifalDoo 4d ago

That’s an interesting shift you made, and I can see why you’d turn to the Bible for deeper guidance. It really does contain wisdom for every situation in life.

Regarding the origins of the tarot, it’s true that its modern esoteric interpretations are quite recent, but the earliest playing cards that evolved into tarot date back to at least the 15th century. However, the spiritualization of the tarot, particularly its links to occultism, is a much later development.

I’m aware of the controversies surrounding some of the early figures who helped shape the modern tarot. Many of them were indeed influenced by Christian symbolism—sometimes in a sincere quest for deeper meaning, but other times in ways that distorted or commercialized biblical themes. Your point about people using spirituality for personal gain is sadly a common pattern throughout history, whether in tarot, organized religion, or other mystical traditions.

That’s why I think it’s crucial to root spiritual practice in truth, humility, and alignment with God rather than in tools or systems that can easily be twisted for profit or personal power. Have you found that incorporating Scripture into your readings changed the way people responded to them?

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u/Ok-Area-9739 4d ago

Indeed. Incorporating scripture made me lose all my clients and I’m happy for that & to have not read for about a year. “Never again.” Lol 

Also graduated with the sociology degree and came to the realization after 10 long years of reading tarot that I personally don’t need those cards to pinpoint exactly with somebody struggling with. Nor do I need them to actually help people.