Tarot Origins

It is frustrating to explain to people that being a tarot reader does not mean you worship the devil.  It seems like every Christian (I am not pointing fingers or saying they are the only religion that is capable of making wrong assumptions.) I talk to seems to automatically label the tarot as a major sin.  How is it a sin?  No where in the commandments does it say that tarot cards are a sin.  They do not worship a god or a devil.  They can be used in magick but are not always, so I can understand people labeling magick as wrong.  People always associate tarot with having bad "juju" or something completely outragous.  Tarot cards were invented sometime in the mid to late 1400’s, relatively shortly after regular playing cards were introduced to Europe in the 14th Century. It is suggested that Tarot cards were made as a game to amuse members of the Visconti, d’Este and other royal houses of Northern Italy. The oldest Tarot cards in existence, from the hand-painted Visconti and d’Este Tarot decks, date from this period.  Some readers can even read cards using a deck of playing cards.  The origin does not deal with satan worship; it was just a form of entertainment for royals. 

People also consider Wiccans to be witches of satan.  What people do not realize is that the Wicca and Pagan traditions are similar to some Christian practices.  However, Wicca does involve magick and witchcraft.  Some chose not to believe in the matter, and some realize that not all witchcraft is black.  Many people use the terms Wicca and witchcraft interchangeably. Paganism is an umbrella term used to apply to a number of different earth-based faiths. Wicca falls under that heading, although not all Pagans are Wiccan.  Wiccans have commandments and guidelines for morals like Christianity.  Being a good person and not causing harm to others is a major part of the Wiccan tradition.  Also, celebrating the earth and being grateful are strong morals as well. 

People just assume that every person who titles themselves a Wiccan or who reads tarot cards is a witch who worships the devil.  WRONG.  Wiccan's worship the earth!  Reading tarot cards is a spiritual experience, and it can be a complete selfless act.