What is the difference between Tarot and astrology readings?

Hi, that's a great question! Many people get confused about the difference between these two, and some even conflate them. In reality, they are two completely distinct systems. Let me use a simple analogy to help you understand:

You can think of astrology as a "life weather forecast," while Tarot reading is more like asking a wise elder for directions when you're lost.

Below, I'll break down their differences in more detail:

1. Completely Different Focus

Astrology: It focuses more on "who you are." Based on your birth date, time, and location, it creates a birth chart. This chart is like your life's "factory settings" or "DNA blueprint." It describes your innate personality traits, talents, potential challenges, major life lessons, and so on. Therefore, astrological analysis is usually macroscopic and generalized, telling you "what kind of person you are likely to be."
- For example: "You're a Scorpio, so you naturally have strong insight into things and deep emotions." This is a description of your essence.
Tarot: It focuses more on "what you're currently facing and what to do about it." Tarot doesn't care about your "factory settings"; it's concerned with the specific problem you're encountering right now. It acts like a mirror, reflecting the current state of your situation, related people and events, and potential future directions, offering you advice.
- For example: If you draw cards asking, "Should I change this job?", the cards might tell you that your current job situation is very oppressive (e.g., drawing the Ten of Swords), but new opportunities are full of unknowns and risks (e.g., drawing The Fool), suggesting you prepare yourself internally before taking action.

2. Different Time Spans

Astrology: Its influence is long-term, even lifelong. Your birth chart is fixed; it's like your life's map. While transits and progressions (current planetary movements) can bring changes, the major framework and landscape are set.
Tarot: Its validity is quite short-term, usually addressing specific issues within a short period (e.g., 3-6 months). It captures the current energy and state. The outcome of a reading for an issue today might be completely different if you consult the cards again next month, because both the situation and you yourself are constantly changing.

3. Different Modes of Operation and Tools

Astrology: Its tool is the birth chart, backed by a complex system of astronomy and astrological theories. It requires precise birth information to interpret the positions of planets and the angles (aspects) between them, much like a systematic "discipline."
Tarot: Its tool is a deck of 78 cards. Its interpretation relies more on the imagery on the cards, symbolism, the reader's intuition, and the energetic connection with the querent. Your (the querent's) involvement is stronger because you personally draw the cards.

4. Different Roles of Free Will

Astrology: Many people feel astrology has a somewhat "fatalistic" vibe because it describes your inherent traits. However, more accurately, it reveals your "potential" and "tendencies," much like telling you "what kind of crop this land is suitable for." But whether to plant it and how to cultivate it is still up to you.
Tarot: Tarot strongly emphasizes "your choices." It doesn't tell you a "predetermined future," but rather "what is most likely to happen if you continue on this path." Its purpose is not to predict the future, but to provide insight by revealing the current situation and potential possibilities, empowering you to make choices that are more beneficial for yourself. Its core message is: "The future is in your hands."

To summarize:

If you want to understand your innate personality, strengths, and general life direction, consult astrology (your birth chart). It's like your personal instruction manual.
If you want to solve a specific current problem, clarify your thoughts, and see what steps to take next, consult Tarot. It's like a portable wise advisor.

Many people combine these two. For example, you might learn through astrology that you inherently lack security in relationships. Then, when facing a specific relationship dilemma, you can use Tarot to see what the current issues are in that relationship and what you can do to improve it. This way, you understand both the "root cause" and find "solutions."

Let's put it this way: these two are like completely different tools, helping you "see" different things.

Astrology is more like an "owner's manual" or a "map" for your life.

It's based on the precise time and location of your birth, charting the positions of celestial bodies (Sun, Moon, various planets) at that exact moment to create a celestial map (your birth chart).
This chart is fixed and unchangeable; it's set from the moment you were born.
It primarily interprets your "innate nature," such as your personality framework, where your talents lie, areas where you naturally face challenges, your thought patterns, your habits in handling relationships, and so on.
Therefore, it looks at a more macroscopic, long-term question about "who you are." It tells you what configurations and performance capabilities your "vehicle" (you) came with from the factory.

Tarot cards, on the other hand, are more like a "navigator" or "consultant" for "specific questions."

They have nothing to do with when you were born; they only care about the "present moment."
You usually draw cards with a specific question in mind, such as "Should I change this job?" "How will things develop between me and them?" or "Will this project go smoothly?"
The cards drawn are like a "snapshot" of the current situation, reflecting your present mindset, environmental conditions, the progression of the issue, and potential outcomes.
Therefore, it looks at a specific, short-term question about "what you should do." It doesn't tell you what your destiny is, but rather shows you what the scenery looks like if you go left at this "crossroads in the present moment," and what it looks like if you go right, then lets you choose for yourself.

In summary:

Astrology looks at the "roots" – your relatively stable personality and general life direction. It answers "Who am I?"
Tarot looks at "situations" – the ins and outs and trends of specific issues. It answers "What should I do?"

For example: If you want to understand why you always have trouble getting along with your boss, you can look at your birth chart (astrology), which might reveal an innate tendency to challenge authority. Then, if you want to know "How should I interact with the new boss this month?", you can use Tarot cards, which will give you specific advice and reminders.