Clearing the Fog: Why Alcohol and Tarot Don’t Mix

Delving into the Depths of Divination with a Sober Mind and Open Heart

I was leisurely strolling through a charming coastal town in Texas. The old-world charm of the “downtown” area was a wonderful mixture of old-timey candy and ice cream shops, kitschy tourist stores, and (my favorite) metaphysical stores.

I found myself wandering into a charming little rock store, where the air was filled with the scent of creativity and incense. The friendly artisan meticulously polished his latest creation, while enchanting displays of wire-wrapped necklaces, crafted from rocks and crystals he had personally collected on his travels, adorned the cozy space. His plump store cat was purring and staring back at me, telepathically begging for ear scritches which I happily obliged.

Walking around the store, admiring the quirky artisan’s creations, I noticed a small table tucked away in the back corner. Adorned with a sign that read “Tarot Readings Offered,” my interest was piqued.

I inquired about the tarot reader and to my surprise, it was none other than the rock-selling, crystal-loving artisan himself.

Given the choice between a 3-card pull and a full-life 12-card pull, I couldn’t resist the allure of exploring my past, present, and future. As a tarot dabbler myself, I’ve always found joy in unraveling the interpretations of the cards from different perspectives. Little did I know, however, that this particular reading would leave me a tad baffled.

As he prepared for our session, the familiar rituals unfolded. Incense was lit, a cloth was laid out, and then, out came the unexpected prop — a bottle of wine.

In his charmingly nonchalant manner, he declared,

“A glass of wine is part of my Tarot reading ritual. No matter what time it is!”

Now, it’s worth mentioning that the clock struck a mere 10:30 A.M. But hey, who am I to judge someone’s rituals?

I politely declined the wine without an explanation (something I’ve learned to do with practice during the past 3 years of sobriety). This sparked a conversation about sobriety, as it turned out that my new tarot-reading friend had a history with alcohol.

He shared his journey through A.A., his decades of sobriety, and his subsequent belief that he had conquered the grip of alcohol. But life’s twists and turns led him to a new city, where he found himself living above a bar. And with that, his casual relationship with alcohol began again.

With attentive ears, I leaned in, recognizing that our encounters with strangers often hold hidden purposes. It’s a familiar occurrence in my life — strangers divulging their life stories to me, often with minimal prompting.

A mystical connection seems to draw them near, seeking solace within the sanctuary I unknowingly provide. It’s a double-edged gift, blessing me with profound connections yet burdening me with the weight of their stories. Nonetheless, I’ve learned to embrace this dance of serendipity, creating a safe space where narratives can unfurl and souls can find solace.

However, as I absorbed his story, I couldn’t help but be perplexed by the notion of alcohol and intuition intertwining. After all, alcohol’s reputation for hindering sound decision-making hardly seemed conducive to tapping into one’s intuition.

I’ve experienced firsthand the disconnection from intuition that accompanies inebriation. It’s as if intuition takes a backseat and questionable adventures become all too appealing.

Participating in sketchy and dangerous things was just a typical drunk night out for me during my heavy drinking days (which, if we’re being honest was almost 2 decades).

While I may not judge his ritual, I am left pondering the historical wisdom and spiritual teachings that caution against mixing alcohol and divination. Perhaps the sages of the past recognized the importance of a clear and focused mind when delving into the mystical realms.

On the other hand, some people claim to use a drink as a way of dropping their ‘logical’ brain and leaning into a more subconscious level of perception that an unaltered state wouldn’t allow them to fully get to.

There are other ways to achieve an altered state that don’t involve alcohol like meditation, breathwork, and music to name a few. Becoming dependent on a substance for your tarot practice can be a slippery slope.

Let’s delve into how drinking alcohol can affect your tarot reading from both a mystical and a psychological viewpoint.

Four Mystical Reasons Alcohol And Tarot Don’t Harmonize

1. Clarity is Key: Alcohol can cloud the mind and hinder the clarity we seek in divination. Tarot readings require a focused and clear state of mind to tap into our intuition and perceive the subtle messages of the cards. Alcohol, on the other hand, can muddle our thoughts and distort our perception, leading to hazy interpretations and unreliable insights.
2. Heightened Awareness: The art of tarot reading calls for heightened awareness and sensitivity to the energies surrounding us. It’s like having our intuitive antennae tuned to the highest frequency. Alcohol, unfortunately, dulls our senses rather than heightening them. It numbs our perception, blunting our ability to connect with the subtle vibrations and messages that the tarot cards convey. To truly embrace the intuitive depths of the tarot, we need to be fully present and alert, free from the influence of intoxicants.
3. Distorted Interpretations: We’ve all experienced those moments when a few drinks down the line, we become convinced that we possess unwavering insight and a direct line to the mysteries of the universe. But alas, the veil of alcohol-induced confidence can deceive us. Tarot readings require careful contemplation, discernment, and unbiased interpretation. Alcohol skews our judgment and impairs our ability to objectively interpret the cards. We may find ourselves attaching undue significance to random details or misinterpreting the true essence of the cards, leading to inaccurate readings and misguided guidance.
4. Energy Exchange: When we engage in tarot readings, we create a sacred space where energies intermingle — our energy, the energy of the reader, and the energy of the cards. Alcohol, as a depressant, can disrupt the delicate balance of these energies. It can lower our vibrational frequency and interfere with the energetic connection necessary for an authentic and insightful reading. By abstaining from alcohol, we maintain a clear channel for the energy to flow and facilitate a more profound exchange between the cards and our intuition.

Between Science and Woo

Not into the spiritual/ ‘woo-woo’ side of Tarot?

I tend to dance in the realm of the in-between — the gray area where science and the woo-woo converge. It’s a magical place where curiosity meets skepticism.

Perhaps you dance here too?

Tarot was initially developed as a game sometime in the 1400s. It wasn’t used for occult and mysticism practices until the 18th century.

Tarot, for me, is less about fortune-telling. It serves as a gateway to introspection, reminding us that the answers we seek lie within ourselves. It’s simply a tool that unveils the hidden wisdom we possess, guiding us on a journey of self-discovery.

Even if we approach Tarot purely from a psychological perspective, there are compelling reasons to leave alcohol out of the equation.

4 Psychological Reasons Alcohol and Tarot Don’t Harmonize

1. Cognitive Impairment: When we engage in tarot readings, we tap into our subconscious mind, exploring our thoughts, emotions, and inner narratives. This process requires mental clarity and sharp cognitive abilities. Alcohol, however, acts as a central nervous system depressant, affecting our brain’s functioning. It impairs our cognitive abilities, including attention, memory, and decision-making. By consuming alcohol, we compromise the very faculties we need to navigate the intricate landscape of our psyche during tarot readings.
2. Impaired Emotional Regulation: The tarot often serves as a tool for self-reflection and emotional exploration. It helps us gain insights into our feelings, patterns, and underlying motivations. Alcohol, on the other hand, disrupts our emotional regulation. It can intensify or dampen our emotions, leading to volatile or erratic states of mind. To fully engage with the emotional depth of tarot, it’s essential to approach it with a stable emotional state, free from the unpredictable effects of alcohol.
3. Distorted Perceptions: In psychological tarot interpretations, the focus lies on the symbols, archetypes, and metaphors present in the cards. These elements serve as catalysts for personal reflection and introspection. Alcohol distorts our perception of reality and alters our interpretation of visual stimuli. It can skew our understanding of symbols, making it challenging to extract meaningful insights from the cards. By refraining from alcohol, we ensure a clear and unclouded perception, allowing for accurate interpretations based on psychological symbolism.
4. Self-Awareness and Reflection: The tarot acts as a mirror, reflecting our innermost thoughts, desires, and fears. It prompts us to explore the depths of our psyche and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. Alcohol can inhibit self-awareness. It can blur our introspective lens, preventing us from accessing profound insights and hindering the therapeutic benefits that tarot can offer. By maintaining a sober state, we enhance our capacity for self-reflection and facilitate a more authentic and meaningful tarot experience.

Ultimately, whether we view tarot as a mystical practice or a psychological tool, the underlying principles remain the same — clarity, self-awareness, and cognitive functioning are crucial for fruitful explorations.

By setting aside alcohol during tarot readings, we create an optimal environment for deep introspection, unbiased analysis, and honest reflection.

And what about the reading I had with the eccentric, friendly, jewelry-making artisan?

His genuine perspective was both welcomed and appreciated. The ambiance of the shop added to the overall experience, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The reading itself was lovely, filled with insightful guidance and heartfelt advice.

I had a great time, despite my thought about having alcohol at the reading. I may have felt differently if he were a bottle of wine in for the day.

At the end of the day, it’s these magical experiences that truly matter, reminding us of the beauty that lies in genuine connections and memorable moments.

How do you feel about imbibing while reading a spread? Share your thoughts in the comments, I’m curious to hear other perspectives.