Question:
What does the Bible say about psychics and tarot cards?
Answer:
A psychic is “one who delves into that which lies outside the realm of physical knowledge; one who delves into the immaterial or spiritual realm; one who is apparently sensitive to supernatural forces and influences; a medium” (Merriam Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary).
The Bible says that it is wrong to seek knowledge about the future, apart from God and His Word. Isaiah 8:19,20 says, “And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”
Deuteronomy 18:10-14 warns us about seeking knowledge of the future from sources who claim to have that power. “There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.”
The Bible forbids a Christian to seek the spirit realm for answers to questions about the future, as is also seen in the case with King Saul. I Samuel 28:5-7 says, “And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her.” This action on King Saul’s part was the final straw in his life. I Samuel 28:15-19 says, “And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David: Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day. Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”
It is just as wrong to seek information from spirit guides or angels. This is a part of what is modernly called The New Age movement, but is actually the ancient art of spiritism. It is all forbidden to delve into by the Christian. God has left us His Word to lead and to guide us. Romans 12:2 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” II Timothy 3:16,17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
Angels protect us, but they are not to be sought out as guides. Psalm 91:11,12 says, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” God has them all around to protect us, but we are to ask God for things — not angels. If we need wisdom about a decision that is going to affect our future, then we need to take that matter to God. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”