Why Did Tarot Become Popular During the Thick of the Pandemic?
The reason is not hard to figure out! But is a fascinating to see how the interest in tarot exploded.
The world of tarot and psychics has always fascinated people. Many have tried their hand at tarot to gain self-awareness and enhance their psychic abilities. Those drawn to divination tend to be introspective and reflective individuals who enjoy delving deep into their inner selves.
In the latter part of 2019, people became more introspective due to a mysterious virus that originated in Wuhan, China, and spread globally in early 2020.
The virus, named COVID-19 by medical and scientific professionals in March of that year, led to widespread lockdowns as no vaccines or therapeutic drugs were available then. However, there are now ways to control the pandemic.
Due to the COVID-19 lockdowns, many individuals had to engage in introspection.
As of March 2020, the government advised individuals to remain at home unless it was necessary to purchase groceries or medicine.
Socializing with friends, hanging out at coffee shops, eating out at restaurants, going to malls and stores, and attending school was no longer possible.
Unless someone was considered an essential worker, they must work from home. This meant spending a significant amount of time alone with one’s thoughts.
As a result, many people discovered spirituality during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when they could not leave their homes except for essential purposes like purchasing takeout.
The pandemic has caused upheaval, and people have turned to their spiritual or religious beliefs for comfort.
Some naturally spiritual individuals have found solace in exploring tools like tarot cards. TMRW reports that many people have sought tarot and psychic readings during this time.
Many people are curious about what’s happening in the world, especially with the events of 2020. They want to gain knowledge and insight into the current situation despite their age or background.
During 2020 and 2021, many individuals sought answers through psychic readings. Additionally, many people bought tarot cards, specifically those looking for answers.
Tarot Card Manufacturers Flourished During The Pandemic
I wanted to try out some new tarot decks, and I came across a report by Proficient Market Insights from 2022 that showed a significant increase in tarot sales in recent years.
This growth was particularly notable in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It’s no coincidence that these regions all experienced lengthy and restrictive lockdowns, which likely contributed to the surge in tarot sales.
When social distancing measures were in place, people could not socialize in person and had to communicate through social media, video, or text.
Unsurprisingly, many turned to learning tarot or expanding their knowledge in the craft while isolated. Some individuals also picked up new hobbies, like cooking or gardening.
Many people enjoy hobbies such as cooking, gardening, and creating TikTok dance videos. However, these activities may provide a different level of self-reflection than tarot reading.
According to Lynn Araujo, an editor at U.S. Game Systems, tarot can offer comfort to those seeking solace.
According to CT Insider, there has been a rise in the demand for tarot readings. This increase was observed during the pandemic due to people seeking insight and guidance.
This trend is common, as a similar surge occurred during the 2008 recession. Many therapists also use tarot cards as they overlap with Jungian psychology, making them an excellent tool for mental health purposes.
A Great Tool For Mental Health Purposes Is the Tarot
According to Healthline, experts like Cindi Sansone-Braff, a New York-based author and tarot reader, suggest that practicing tarot can aid individuals in gaining a better understanding of themselves.
Tarot has been known to be a helpful tool for mental health, even before the pandemic.
Based on the same source, it’s important to note that tarot is not a replacement for therapy but rather a complementary tool. In addition to therapy sessions, tarot can be used to gain insight into emotions and their underlying causes.
It’s a great way to reflect on oneself and can even be helpful for journaling. Additionally, the tarot has many benefits.
Tarot has numerous benefits, particularly in opening up a dialogue when expressing your emotions or understanding why you feel a certain way is difficult. Pulling and placing cards allows you to start talking and sharing your thoughts more easily.
During client sessions, some practitioners may not feel comfortable using tarot cards to assist with mental health challenges. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of tarot in aiding these struggles is evident in its growing popularity, particularly during the pandemic in 2020.
Some therapists may use tarot cards during client sessions, while others may not.
Yet, as you can see, tarot is a significant help to those struggling with mental health challenges. A substantial rise in popularity occurred during the worst pandemic in 2020, 2021, and 2022. In 2023, that is still the case.
I had not heard tarot took off during the pandemic! Thank you for this - it all makes perfect sense! When we are in such limbo, we must find some way to make ourselves feel better. Great points.
I love using tarot as journaling prompt, and I bring those journals into therapy. I think the versatility of tarot is fascinating.