Differences Between Astrology and Tarot Readings

Astrology and tarot are forms of divination used to gain insight into the past, present and future.  Many people may assume these two disciplines are the same.  This article outlines the main differences between astrology and tarot readings. 

What are astrology readings?

What are the differences between astrology and tarot readings? Before I answer this question, I first want to explain the principles behind astrology.

Astrology is based upon the positions of the sun, moon and planets at the time of a persons birth. The sun represents a persons star sign. For example, if you are a Leo, then this means that the sun was in the constellation Leo at the time of your birth (from the point of view on earth). However, in professional astrology there are also interpretations for the moon and planets too. A professional astrologer plots the positions of the sun, moon and planets at the time of a persons birth onto a chart. This chart is then interpreted to provide an in-depth personality reading.

What do astrology readings offer?

Astrology is an ancient form of occult or divination that uses numerical data to interpret or forecast a situation.  The data collected is the very precise positions of celestial bodies, relative to someone on earth. Astrologers follow a strict procedure to help them translate the position of the Sun, Moon and planets into meaning.  However, some intuition is also needed to provide readings with higher accuracy.  The progression of science has improved astrology techniques.  Positions of the sun, moon and planets can now be calculated to the nearest second!  This also includes their positions in the future. If you are interested in a free astrology reading, then you can try out our free natal chart generator tool.

Astrology readings are based on calculations, methodology and statistical data throughout thousands of years.  The more statistical data that is collected, the more accurate astrology becomes.  A good analogy of this is weather forecasts, where more statistical data increases the accuracy of weather forecasts.

What are Tarot readings?

Tarot cards are basically a tool used by psychic’s and spiritual mediums.  The English Cambridge dictionary defines a psychic as “a person who has a special mental ability, for example being able to know what will happen in the future or what people are thinking”.  Psychics have a natural ability to understand human psychology, and able to analyse people’s behavioural traits.  This means a good psychic could accurately judge your character without even speaking to you, they are great at observing and understanding the actions of others.

However, there are also psychics known as mediums.  These types of psychics also acquire information from the spirit world.  They are called mediums because personal messages are passed between the spirit to an individual via the psychic medium.

By this point you’re probably wondering where tarot cards fit into this.  Tarot readings involve the use of a card deck, typically 78 cards.  This is no ordinary card deck though, as each card contains a vivid image.  Tarot card decks come in a variety of themes to suit to suit the tarot reader.  This is because Tarot cards are incredibly symbolic, which helps stimulate a tarot readers imagination and intuition.  Click here to view the meanings of each card.  The images on each card reflect the overall theme of the deck.  The cards are sometimes used by psychics and spiritual mediums as tools to help structure a reading.  It is one of the oldest forms of fortune telling, dating back hundreds of years.  A tarot reader lays the cards out in a methodical way, usually as an answer to a question.  The tarot reader then gains additional insight from the laid-out cards, to answer the question. For example, a question from a customer could be ‘will I find love this year’.    

Differences between them

Tarot readers and psychics in general heavily rely on intuition when it comes to readings.  There main purpose is to provide an individual with evidence or a message from the spirit world.  Receiving a message from a loved one that has passed away is comforting.  Also, the message a person receives can be surprisingly accurate and personal.  Sometimes a message can provide guidance.

Astrology is different as it uses more of a scientific approach, based on statistical data gained over thousands of years.  Astrology readings is similar to forecasting the weather.  You cannot be 100% sure, but you can forecast what will likely happen.  Astrology forecasts rely on the fact there are cycles and patterns in nature and the universe.  Astrology links the cycles and patterns of celestial bodies (such as the Sun, Moon and planets) to human behaviour.  Both of these forms of divination depend upon a person’s skill and experience, which is why astrology and tarot readings are classed as art forms.  I hope you have enjoyed this article, and now know the differences between astrology and tarot readings.