Tarot cards are one of the most prominent forms of divination, but most people really don't understand what they are for. It is a way of communicating with the subconscious through the only language it understands: symbolism. The intent for a reading plays a role in the accuracy, as well as one's personal energy or merkaba. That word is three parts: mer-ka-ba.
Mer - light
Ka - spirit
Ba - body
Combining intent and merkaba with the cards provides a unique insight into your current situation. The reader provides meaning and asks questions pertaining to the situation, and gives you an overall idea of where you are and what steps you can take to manifest the right course of action. It is NOT meant to give you any absolutes, nor can it tell you you're going to be rich, or in love, etc. It is simply a "metaphysical" form of psychology. If you go for a reading simply for the novelty then you're not going to get much out of it, especially if the reader is a fraud.
There are some forms of divination that are probably a bit far-fetched, but none of them are prophetic. The tarot is an intelligently designed system; not just for giving readings to other people, but also for diving deeper into your own subconscious.
Don't let frauds ruin a perfectly good practice for you. Take the time to really understand it. And if you decide to buy your own deck, do not rely on the book. Learn to interpret the symbolism on your own. The book is just a guideline, not a reference.
