How do tarot card readings work?

Tarot card readings work primarily through a combination of psychologically general statements and the observer's active interpretation, a technique known as cold reading. In an episode of "The Jordan Harbinger Show," Jordan Harbinger and David C. Smalley delve into how tarot readings and similar practices function.

The readings generally use vague and broad statements that could apply to many people. For example, the tarot cards might suggest looking out for future occurrences without providing detailed or specific predictions. This process allows the individual receiving the reading to connect their personal experiences to the general statements made, effectively seeing relevance where it may not explicitly exist.

The cards themselves serve as a sort of prop, adding a mystical element to the reading and distracting the recipient from the cold reading process. This distraction allows the tarot reader to observe the individual's reactions to different statements and adjust their reading accordingly, often leading the individual to believe that the cards hold special power.

Moreover, elements like the artwork of the cards and the ritualistic aspects of shuffling and selecting cards enhance the overall experience, making it appear more legitimate and engaging for the participant. This entire setup facilitates a situation where the individual is not only receiving a reading but is also actively participating in validating the vague statements being presented through their interpretations and reactions [1].

In summary, tarot readings do not rely on supernatural insights but rather on psychological techniques and the interactive nature of the session, which captivate and convince the participants through a mix of suggestion, interpretation, and the theatrical presentation of the reading process.