URBAN

TIKTOK EVOLVES PERSPECTIVES ON TAROT READING

Friday, 9 December 2022
By Natalhia Nordin

Tarot reading is a form of cartomancy that provides life insights which encompasses your past, current and future by the cards spread and has been existing approximately around the 1440s in Italy.

According to The Cut, there are 56 cards containing four symbols: pentacles, wands, swords, and cups and each represents facets of life and the individual that the tarot reader is reading about.

For instance, pentacles signify money related and often work situations, swords symbolize intellect and could be a form of communication, wands indicate passion and creativity and cups denote emotions.

Regarding the cards, Sage Goddess shared that tarot cards are designated with a single vertical image unlike other playing cards that usually display two pictures facing upside down and right side up.

The cards can be reversed and interpreted in many meanings once tarot cards are shuffled by the tarot reader and may be picked by the client or falls off from the deck.

Certain views say tarot reading is a spiritual and religious practice while the cards are a medium between tarot reader and the universe. However, others think it can be mastered by learning each meaning of the cards.

As it has been modernized and practiced by a large group of people, it has substantiated that both methods are applicable for everyone, be it spiritual or skill.

The beauty of this culture is appreciated by other ethnic groups too and is gaining popularity in Malaysia for its ubiquitous fortune telling content on TikTok that has drawn many audiences.

On the other hand, TikTok is known for its rapid content sharing and content recommendations that will constantly appear on users for you page when one is spotted to watch a certain type of content.

This has made the tarot reading content on TikTok go viral and engage a wider audience especially youngsters that want to poke their curiosity of their life insights.

The Tarot reader

Sarah May Low, the founder of Sarah May Low Tarot Academy, said that the TikTok algorithm really works at its best. Younger generations are beginning to get exposed more to this cartomancy and being self-aware of their mental health.

Tarot reader, Sarah May Low,

(Source: sarahmaylow.com)

“Tarot reading teaches people about self-healing so when you see all those TikTok videos about this reading activity, it always acknowledges people to do inner healing, or tell how people can achieve their dreams.

“It is very inspirational and motivational so there is no part of tarot reading on TikTok that is actually unhealthy and I believe it is a very good culture,” said Sarah.

When asked, Sarah said that she has seen a huge shift on what a taboo in our society was previously but now is developing into an encouragement for people to open about their emotions and well-being too.

“In presenting these activities online, they are more willing to speak about their own spirituality, childhood trauma and their sexuality.

“Meanwhile, most older generations are still slow to talk about their own mental health or wanting to share things that they are going through.

“These younger generations are willing to push back, talk about their mental health, question their society or patriarchy,” she added.

Meanwhile, TikTok user @yuujichoo, Choo Chang Yan, 23, shared that this cartomancy content on TikTok has helped her remain calm and balanced with its’ positivity message.

Choo Chang Yan

(Source: Choo Chang Yan)

“I really love the culture of tarot reading. It is new in Malaysia and it benefits the active TikTok users like me to come across that kind of content.

“The positivity of these kinds of content share positive energy and a stress reliever for viewers including me when it pops on my for you page,” she said.

Choo Chang Yan also added that she usually uses the social media application for entertainment, especially at night after being occupied for a very long day.

“TikTok is where people my age often watch entertaining videos, be it positive or negative depending on your interest.

“I prefer to use TikTok at night after being busy at work during weekdays so this is when I will watch all this tarot reading content and it promotes peacefulness,” she added.

It is believed that this culture depicts more than just entertaining people but also encourages people to improve their life emotionally, psychologically and realistically.

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