Tarot Unraveled: What It Is, Why It’s Everywhere, and How to Try It Yourself

If you’ve scrolled TikTok lately, flipped through a celebrity interview, or overheard a friend say, “The cards told me to dump him,” you’ve probably noticed: tarot is everywhere. Once the domain of crystal-laden mystics in dimly lit rooms, tarot cards have gone mainstream—popping up in music videos, self-help books, and even your cousin’s Instagram Stories. But what exactly is tarot? Why has it taken over our feeds? And—most importantly—can you shuffle a deck and figure out your own life without a PhD in the occult? Spoiler: Yes, you can. Let’s unravel the mystery.

What Is Tarot, Anyway?

Tarot isn’t a crystal ball or a Ouija board (no spirits required). It’s a deck of 78 cards, each with its own funky artwork and meaning, split into two parts: the Major Arcana (22 big-deal cards like The Fool or Death) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards covering everyday stuff like love, work, and petty drama). Think of it like a cosmic storybook—except you’re the main character, and the plot twists depend on how you shuffle.

Born in 15th-century Italy as a card game (yes, a game), tarot didn’t get its mystical glow-up until the 1700s, when fortune-tellers and secret societies latched onto its vibes. Today, it’s less about predicting doom and more about reflecting on your life—whether you’re a hardcore believer or just here for the aesthetic.

So, no, it’s not “witchcraft” (unless you want it to be), and it’s not a religion. It’s a tool—part mirror, part Rorschach test—that people use for everything from soul-searching to party tricks.

Why Is It Everywhere Now?

Tarot’s 2025 glow-up isn’t random. Blame the internet. TikTok’s #TarotTok has racked up billions of views, with creators pulling cards for “What’s your week like?” or “Will Taylor Swift drop an album soon?” Instagram’s flooded with pastel decks, and X is buzzing with daily draws like, “The Tower today—guess my Wi-Fi’s crashing again.” Even celebs like Halsey and Harry Styles have name-dropped tarot, cementing its cool factor.

But it’s not just hype. We’re living in chaotic times—global uncertainty, endless decisions, and a craving for meaning. Tarot offers a low-stakes way to pause and ponder: “What’s next?” Plus, it’s customizable—pair it with astrology, journaling, or a glass of wine, and it’s whatever you want it to be. No wonder it’s gone from niche to Netflix-ready.

Skeptical? You’re not alone. Half the fun on X is the snarky takes: “Tarot said I’d be rich, but my bank says otherwise.” Yet even the cynics keep watching. Why? Because it’s intriguing—and honestly, who doesn’t want a little magic in their scroll?

How to Try It Yourself (No Cape Required)

Ready to dip your toes in? You don’t need a velvet robe or a third eye—just a deck and a vibe. Here’s your crash course:

1. Pick a Deck: There’s the classic Rider-Waite (think old-school art with lots of swords and cups) or trendy modern ones with cats, crystals, or minimalist designs. Online shops or your local bookstore have options for $15–$30. Don’t overthink it—go with what feels you.
2. Start Simple: Shuffle the deck while mulling over a question. Something open-ended works best: “What should I focus on today?” or “What’s blocking my vibe?” Pull one card. That’s it—no three-hour rituals needed.
3. Decode It: Each card has a meaning (Google “tarot card meanings” for a cheat sheet). The Sun? Good vibes ahead. The Tower? Buckle up for chaos. Trust your gut—tarot’s less about rules and more about what clicks for you.
4. Have Fun: Try it solo, with friends, or even as a drinking game (Ten of Cups = cheers!). No pressure to “believe”—treat it like a quirky experiment.

Pro tip: If Death pops up, don’t freak out. It’s not literal—it’s about endings and fresh starts. (Your Wi-Fi might still crash, though.)

Why Bother?

Here’s the kicker: tarot’s whatever you make it. For some, it’s a spiritual lifeline—clarity in a messy world. For others, it’s a creative spark or just a cool way to kill ten minutes. The cards don’t know your future—they reflect what’s already bouncing around in your head. And in 2025, with everyone from Gen Z to your yoga teacher shuffling decks, it’s clear: tarot’s not just a trend—it’s a vibe we can’t quit.

So, grab a deck, shuffle up, and see what happens. Worst case? You’ve got a new party trick. Best case? You might just unravel a little piece of yourself.