10 Common Tarot Reading Mistakes

Reading tarot is part art, part intuition, part spiritual practice—and like anything meaningful, there are learning curves. Whether you're a new reader or someone who’s been at it for years, it’s easy to slip into habits that block clarity and connection.

The good news? Most tarot mistakes are totally fixable. And often, simply becoming aware of them can unlock deeper, more confident readings.

Let’s walk through 10 of the most common tarot reading mistakes—and how to avoid them with grace and insight.

1. Over-Relying on Guidebooks

Mistake: Flipping open your guidebook the second you pull a card.

While tarot books are helpful, becoming too dependent on them blocks your intuition. When you're constantly seeking someone else’s interpretation, you're tuning out your own inner wisdom.

Fix: Look at the card and write down three intuitive impressions before you consult any book. You’ll be amazed at what you already know.

2. Asking Vague or Confusing Questions

Mistake: “What’s going to happen in my life?”

Vague questions get vague answers. The tarot is nuanced, but it still needs a little direction to work with. Overly broad or unclear questions often result in cards that feel random or confusing.

Fix: Reframe. Get specific. Ask, “What can I focus on this month to grow in my career?” or “What’s blocking me from moving forward in this relationship?”

3. Shuffling with Stress or Expectation

Mistake: Shuffling anxiously, hoping for a certain card or outcome.

Energy matters. If you're in a frantic or overly attached state, it can cloud the reading. The cards reflect your energy back to you—so if you’re ungrounded, the message might be too.

Fix: Breathe. Center yourself before pulling cards. One minute of stillness can shift everything.

4. Reading Too Often on the Same Question

Mistake: Asking the same thing over and over (even in slightly different ways).

This creates confusion and waters down the clarity of the original message. It’s like asking your spirit team the same question ten times—they already answered!

Fix: Give space. When you get a reading, sit with it. Reflect. Act. Let the cards guide you through the experience, not just around it.

5. Ignoring the Imagery

Mistake: Skipping past the artwork to find the meaning.

Tarot is a visual language. The colors, symbols, and expressions on the cards carry intuitive clues. Ignoring them is like skipping over half the message.

Fix: Study the imagery like a painting. What do you see, feel, and sense from it? Let that be your starting point.

6. Forcing a “Positive” Spin on Everything

Mistake: Interpreting every card as good news—even when it’s clearly not.

Tarot isn’t just about affirmation—it’s about truth. Forcing positivity can dilute the power of a message that’s meant to wake you up, not pat you on the back.

Fix: Honor the full emotional spectrum. Every card has shadow and light. Embrace both.

7. Reading When You're Emotionally Overwhelmed

Mistake: Pulling cards in the middle of a meltdown or crisis.

When emotions are running high, it's hard to be objective. You might project your fears into the cards or misread neutral messages as doom.

Fix: Wait until you feel calmer. Or, if you must read, frame it like this: “What do I need to ground myself right now?” instead of “Is everything falling apart?”

8. Skipping the Reflection Process

Mistake: Pulling cards, glancing at them, and then moving on.

You miss the magic when you don’t take time to reflect on what the cards are actually saying. Tarot is an invitation—not just information.

Fix: After a reading, journal or voice note your insights. This helps deepen understanding and track patterns over time.

9. Trying to Be “Right” Instead of Real

Mistake: Stressing about whether your interpretation is correct.

Tarot isn’t a trivia game. You’re not being tested. Your intuitive hits matter more than textbook perfection.

Fix: Focus on being present and honest. Let your reading come from a place of curiosity and care—not performance.

10. Keeping Your Practice Isolated

Mistake: Never sharing or reading with others because you're “not ready.”

Staying in your own bubble can slow your growth. Community offers reflection, feedback, and inspiration. Tarot is a living, breathing art—and sharing it brings it to life.

Fix: Join a community (like mine on Patreon 😊) where you can learn, share, and grow with like-hearted readers.

Final Thoughts

Making mistakes in tarot doesn’t mean you’re a bad reader—it means you’re learning, evolving, and doing the work. And that’s the real magic.

Next time you pull your cards, take a breath. Come back to your center. And trust that everything you need is already within you.