Why do many people find Tarot cards mysterious?

Hey, that's a great question. Many people feel this way, and when I first encountered it, I also found it incredibly mysterious. Let me share my thoughts; there are several main reasons:

1. Its appearance is inherently "mysterious."

Just pick up any Tarot card and look at it—doesn't it feel packed with information? It's adorned with all sorts of strange figures, symbols, and scenes. Take "The Hanged Man," for example: a person is suspended upside down, yet their expression is calm. Or "The Tower," with a lightning bolt striking it and people falling. These aren't things we see in our daily lives; they're full of symbolic meaning. Just looking at the images makes you feel there must be profound knowledge behind them, giving a sense of "I don't understand it, but I'm deeply impressed." It's unlike playing cards, where the Ace of Hearts is simply the Ace of Hearts—clear and straightforward.

2. "How does it know about me?" – The moment of "accuracy."

This is the most crucial point. Many people find Tarot mysterious often because of a particular reading experience. Perhaps you're troubled by something, and the cards you draw, once interpreted, perfectly align with your current situation and mindset, as if you've been completely seen through.

This feeling of being "told something accurate" is incredibly impactful. Our brains find it difficult to simply dismiss this as "coincidence." So, we start to wonder: How did these cards do it? Do they possess some supernatural power? This quest for an "unknown principle" naturally shrouds Tarot in a veil of mystery. Many call this phenomenon "synchronicity," meaning "meaningful coincidences," but even that term sounds rather esoteric, doesn't it?

3. It discusses "invisible" things.

Tarot cards typically don't address concrete questions like "What should I have for dinner tonight?" Instead, they delve into your subconscious, inner fears, future possibilities, life lessons... these are all intangible, unseen things that nonetheless exist within our thoughts and emotions.

It acts like a translator, taking your jumbled, inexpressible feelings and "translating" and "presenting" them through specific images (the card faces). When a tool helps you see into your deepest self, you naturally find it magical, even a little awe-inspiring.

4. Ritual enhances the mysterious atmosphere.

A proper Tarot reading isn't just about casually drawing a card. There's usually a process: quieting the mind through meditation, carefully shuffling and cutting the deck, and then laying out the cards according to a specific "spread." This entire sequence quickly puts you into a focused, serious state. This ritual itself creates an atmosphere of "connecting with some mysterious force," similar to the feeling of visiting a temple to pray or attending church.

5. Exaggeration in films and legends.

Let's not forget that in various movies and novels, Tarot cards are always associated with Gypsy women, crystal balls, dimly lit rooms, and fated prophecies. This cultural image is so deeply ingrained that whenever we think of Tarot, those mysterious scenes automatically pop into our minds, and the label sticks.

So, in summary, the mystery of Tarot is the result of a combination of its complex symbolic system + the personal experience of "accuracy" + the depth of exploring the inner world + its unique ritualistic nature + the pervasive influence of popular culture.

For me, now, I see it more as an old friend who is good at listening and guiding, or perhaps a mirror that reflects my inner self. It communicates with you in an image-based language, helping you clarify your thoughts. The initial mystery might draw you in, but what truly makes you stay are the insights and reflections it provides.

Here's the English translation:

"Hi, that's a great question. Many people find Tarot cards mysterious, and I think it's mainly due to a combination of the following reasons:

First, it looks like a 'heavenly book.' Each card is adorned with various figures, symbols, and scenes—like swords, cups, stars, the moon, and characters such as the Emperor and the High Priestess. Many of these patterns originate from ancient myths, astrology, or alchemy. When an ordinary person sees them, they might think, "What on earth is all this?" They can't understand it at all, feeling like it hides many secrets, and naturally, it feels very mysterious.

Second, the sense of ritual is very strong. You see in movies or when a fortune teller reads cards for someone, it's not just a casual draw. There's usually a specific environment—perhaps incense burning, soft music playing—then you're asked to concentrate on a question, and you personally shuffle and cut the cards. Finally, they are laid out in a fixed pattern called a "spread." This entire process makes you feel like you're participating in something very solemn and sacred, and the mystery immediately intensifies.

Third, the interpretation process is quite 'mystical.' Tarot cards don't mean that if you draw the "Death" card, you're doomed. The reader will tell you a "story" based on your question, the card's upright or reversed position, its relationship with neighboring cards, and the symbols on its face. This interpretation is very flexible and often resonates deeply with you, making you feel, "Wow, that's so accurate! How could it know what I'm thinking?" This feeling is like the cards are communicating with you in a mysterious way, peering into your inner self or future, which of course makes people find it magical and mysterious.

Fourth, the portrayal in cultural works. In many novels, movies, and games, Tarot cards are always associated with witches, prophecies, and destiny, serving as a key to the unknown world. Over time, people subconsciously label them as "mysterious."

In essence, you can understand it as a "picture-telling" psychological tool. Those mysterious patterns are triggers that stimulate your subconscious, and the reader is like a dream interpreter, helping you organize your jumbled thoughts and offering you a new perspective on your problems. But it's precisely this unique "language system," full of symbols and rituals, that shrouds it in a charming and mysterious veil."