Date

11-11-2026

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)

Chair

Timothy Christian

Keywords

Occult, Demons, Tarot, Witchcraft, Christianity, Religion, Jesus Christ, Bible, Protestants, Catholics, Horror

Disciplines

Creative Writing

Abstract

House of Tarot Cards is an investigation of demonic influences in horror movies and the occult. The thesis title is based on how fragile a house of cards is. The slightest breeze or movement may topple one’s house of cards. Traditionally, a house of cards is made out of a deck of playing cards leaning two against each other to make two sides of a triangle. The use of Tarot cards in the title to describe the house is a wordplay using the origins of Tarot cards as playing cards. Eventually, this deck of cards is twisted into something sinister and mystic, using the cards to seek spiritual guidance or foresee the future, rather than its original intention, which connects the supernatural twist to the title. Using the house in the title also connects to Scripture. The house of cards should be a reminder to Christians to build on the strong foundation, the Rock (Matthew 7:24). It is also a reminder of Jesus’s authority over demons when He is accused by the Pharisees of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub: “a house divided cannot stand” (Matthew 12:22-28). And finally, the title exposes how demons are toppled, much like a house of cards, when exposed to the Light. The slightest presence of Jesus Christ will send the demons running. Continuing the theme in the title, you will notice each chapter, with the exception of the final chapter, is named based on a tarot card that is associated with the contents of that chapter. I want to note that I am not condoning the use of tarot; this thesis will explore how they have been twisted and are used by demons to give a false sense of hope and lead people astray. The significance of using tarot cards will serve as a reminder of the purpose of this book, as well as expose the truth, or the reverse side, as occultists refer to the ‘bad side’ of tarot. What the investigation will find is that occult practices like Tarot, Ouija, Palm Reading, Fortune Telling, witchcraft, and other occult practices are not only run by demons but often trap victims in these practices by using a counterfeit version of the gospel.

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