Is There Any Validity To TikTok Tarot Readers? (Spoiler Alert: Probably Not)

If you happen to be a fan of TikTok's occult communities like #witchtok, you've likely stumbled upon your fair share of self-proclaimed psychics, mediums, and tarot readers on the app. Many of these readers offer generalized readings for tips during live videos while they advise the crowd to ignore anything that doesn't resonate. Encouragement to engage with the video in order to "claim" each tidbit of "fate" is common, which works to put more similar tarot reading videos in front of the viewer via the infamous TikTok algorithm.

If you've ever been tempted to tune into a live mass tarot reading or have already taken a reader's advice about where to find your "twin flame", you may be wondering whether there is any validity to these online readings. In most cases, the answer is a clear no. However, it isn't quite that simple. Here's everything you need to know about what to look for in a TikTok tarot reader. 

When you set out to find a tarot reader on any platform — or even in person — it's important that you first assess what is driving your interest in preparing for a tarot card reading. Predatory readers take advantage of those who are desperate for otherworldly answers. If you recently experienced a traumatic event, like the death of a loved one or the abrupt ending of a long-term relationship, and are still reeling from the loss, you are at high risk of falling victim to a reader who is willing to tell you whatever you want to hear for money or clout.

Fraudulent tarot readers rely heavily on the belief that you aren't in control of your own destiny. Their readings will focus of predicting the future and revealing your "fate." Since romantic love is a major pain point for so many people, many of these readers specialize in love or relationship readings. Rather than focusing on what you can do to make yourself open and ready for a relationship, they will claim to be able to give you hints at the identity of your "soulmate" or "twin flame." A reader who presents tarot as a magical way to predict the future is one you should avoid. 

If you're approaching tarot as a way to seek guidance on how to approach a challenging situation with a mindset that fosters growth and acceptance, you're more likely to be drawn to an ethical reader. This is as true on TikTok as it is in person or anywhere else online. A reputable online tarot reader will typically offer personal one-on-one readings through an official website in addition to the generalized readings they offer their community on social media. Madam Adam, for example, offers a variety of different types of personal readings on his website in addition to multiple weekly live events on both TikTok and Instagram, plus tarot reading classes.

Another sign that a tarot reader is offering their readings in good faith is encouraging you to learn to interpret the cards yourself. The only person who can truly know how the meaning of a card applies to your life is you. A genuine reader is invested in your success and won't feel threatened by your interest in learning to read for yourself. Look for readers who use the cards as tools for getting in touch with own your intuition rather than for mystical fortune-telling and you'll find those who seek to guide rather than to abuse.