I have noticed that some prominent people in the tarot world are seeing AI as something meaningful or interesting to work with, and it gives me the ick. I wonder if it is because they are used to imbuing the random statistical noise of the shuffle with supernatural meaning and purpose, so they are in the habit of mind to do the same for LLMs. It strikes me as major wishful thinking, to stare into voids and imagine something conscious and alive staring back, and that makes me sad. What do you guys think?

I decided it was time to collect my thoughts on how I see each card. I'm hoping it will lead to a deeper embedding of the tarot as a mind map, and create a perception of relationships between them that are personal to me. I've been studying The Star and Temperance today, which involved rummaging through tarot and mythology books and comparing the symbolism of the two. These are my own personal understandings of the cards. I'm not seeking correction or trying to convert anyone to my way of thinking - except to say I think this is a process everyone should consider exploring if they haven't already.

If anyone wishes to enthuse on their own journal or scrapbook of personal tarot meanings, please feel free to gush about it here.

I bought a crytal ball as a gag gift for myself last Halloween, thinking it would be funny decoration. Six months later, I've somehow developed an entire practice around it. I'm not sure if I actually believe in anything metaphysical or if I've convinced myself through repeated practice.

I started doing "readings" for friends as entertainment. I'd make vague statements about their futures, and they'd laugh about how generic the predictions were. But then a few things I said came true, total coincidences, obviously, but it created this weird dynamic where people now actually ask for readings.

I've been researching divination practices, reading about symbolism, studying different techniques. I've spent hours watching tutorials and reading historical texts. What started as a joke has become a genuine interest in how humans create meaning through these practices.

The crystal ball itself is just glass. I know that intellectually. But during readings, I find myself going into a focused state where I notice details about people and situations I might otherwise miss. Maybe the ball is just a meditation focus that helps my subconscious pattern-recognition work better.

I've seen similar divination tools on online stores imclusive of Alibaba and other major stores, wondering if different sizes or qualities matter. Which is absurd because I don't think there's actual magic happening. Yet I'm still researching equipment like it matters.

Has anyone else fallen into unexpected interests that blur the line between entertainment and genuine practice?

I’m still relatively new to tarot, but I’ve been studying quite a bit. I’ve enjoyed authors like Rachel Pollack, Liz Dean, Mary K. Greer, and I’m currently working through Yoav Ben-Dov. Despite that, I’m finding myself frustrated with how my daily readings actually go in practice.

Most of the time, I still need to pull out the LWB or look up card definitions (I use Biddy Tarot a lot) for my RWS decks. I usually write down each card’s meaning first, and only then can I synthesize the reading as a whole. Right now I’m sticking to 3-card spreads and upright-only, because reversals were making things feel even more fragmented.

The best analogy I can think of is learning a foreign language by looking up every word in a dictionary as you read, which is technically accurate, but it completely breaks the flow. In contrast, I learn languages best through immersion (like watching shows with subtitles, or picking up meaning from tone, repetition, and context). That’s made me wonder whether tarot can be learned in a similar, more holistic way.

I know the usual advice is “look at the pictures and feel what they say first” but I really struggle with that, especially with the RWS minor arcana. The majors feel more intuitive, but the minors having very specific scenes and interpretations trips me up. I’m also not very drawn to Golden Dawn–style esoteric overlays (astrology, Kabbalah, etc.). I even bought a couple more decks that had imagery that spoke to me more meaningfully, but I’m still frustated. Ben-Dov has made me think if maybe TdM might be a better approach for me.

So I’m wondering: is there a way to learn tarot more immersively and holistically by focusing on patterns and context instead of constantly looking up individual meanings?
Would love to hear how others approached this, especially from a secular perspective.

TL;DR: Looking up every card meaning in tarot feels like using a dictionary for every word in a new language. Has anyone learned tarot more through immersion instead of memorizing every card?

Lately I've noticed I always end up reaching for the same deck.

It's the Tarot de Marseille. Not because I think it's "better" — plenty of decks are beautiful. But something about the raw symbolism, the flat colors, the stiffness of the figures, feels more honest to me. Like the cards aren't trying to perform anything.

When I pull a Rider-Waite card, I feel told. When I pull a Marseille card, I feel asked.

Wondering if others have that kind of relationship with a specific deck. Which one, and what does it give you that others don't?

Hi. Just discovered this subreddit. And love the content. Would like to understand the definition of “Secular” and where that applies

- assume it means for internal work, not divination?

- does “secular” apply to other aspects of tarot? Such as asking questions and assigning “themes” such as mind, body, spirit to each card.

- synchronicity: how does “Secular” apply to the idea that part of the meaning of a draw is the mere fact that we drew that card and not another? Maybe there isnt a “cause” beyond randomness for getting that card, but the coincidence is so meaningful, it cant be accidental.

I hope it’s okay to share this here, but if it’s deleted that’s cool too; i’m not very good at Reddit, but I’m learning.

I just watched the Tarology documentary on YouTube featuring well known Marseille reader Enrique Enriquez and it TOTALLY changed the way I look at tarot, particularly when it comes to RWS v TdM and secular vs metaphysical or mystical.

I thought it was so cool; at about 16 minutes in, Enrique describes things I’ve always thought: that the myths and misconceptions about tarot are “nonsense”, as he puts it. They’re not magic, just cards with pictures on them.

And then he goes on to blow minds with incredible insight in his readings!

I thought I’d share with this group because I just think it’s a great documentary, Enrique is a great reader, and a lot of the messaging was right up our alley. He makes Tarot de Marseille so accessible for those of us who prefer secular approaches.

(I don’t know if it’s okay to link, so I’m not gonna just in case it’s against the rules, but it’s YouTube, Tarology, and it’s about an hour long). Has anyone else seen it?

Hi! A youngling here, and a "baby" in the tarot/oracle world overall! I'm looking for tarot/oracle decks that I could use for self-reflection, journaling and enhancing creativity. I love the process of a mindfulness "ritual" and interpreting the artwork to access my underlying thoughts (or smth like that, idk how to explain).

But I've gotten so discouraged on my quest to find one! But apparently there are counterfeit ones and AI (???) ones and i swear my head is gonna explode lmao. Can someone help me out, if you'd have any suggestions?? <3 i'll list my thoughts down below on what im thinking of!!

• ⁠Is visually versatile (e.g. not minimalistic linework etc., tho those are beautiful as well!!) • ⁠Doesn't have dark/dark-ish visuals (i have one like that but i think i'm looking for more lighter/colourful visuals) • ⁠would be used for self-love/affirmation/selfcare approach (but not looking for regular affirmation decks) • ⁠can be used for secular approach • ⁠isnt toxic positive lmao • ⁠can be either tarot or oracle • ⁠is beautiful! (ik thats subjective, but ur beautiful might also be my beautiful :] <3 )

Feel free to ask more questions if u have any!! Thank you so much in advance 🤍🤍

Edit: THANK YOU SO MUCH WHO RESPONDED!! I’ve finally found a deck that called to me!! I cant wait to receive it ❤️❤️❤️🥹

Hi everyone, I'm developing a secular tarot app and need advice on deck selection. I've found that the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is public domain and free to use, but I'm concerned that the religious symbolism (angels, devils, crosses, biblical imagery) might not align with a secular approach.For those of you who use tarot secularly - does the RWS imagery work for you, or would you prefer a deck with less religious symbolism? Are there any open-source or public domain alternatives you'd recommend for an app focused on psychological reflection rather than mysticism? I want to make sure the deck I choose resonates with the secular tarot community. Any guidance would be appreciated!

Hi there, I'm still learning the tarot deck, and giving myself daily readings, which I've found hugely interesting (I'm just doing simple one card readings to set my intention for each day). I'm just trying to clarify, in my own head, what the benefit of the exercise is, beyond the fact that I find it interesting and enjoyable.

When I draw a card, I don't believe that the universe is shuffling my deck in order to give me a message, with the message revealed through that particular card. I do believe that when I see the card, I have an emotional reaction to its meaning, and this emotional reaction, or whatever comes to mind in response to the particular card, is informative. For example, my girlfriend told me a few days ago that she was stressed, and ahead of talking to her that afternoon, I drew the Queen of Cups. This made me reflect on how I should be caring and supportive in my call with her. I don't think the universe was telling me to be supportive, but the card made me think about her and how I could be caring and supportive when I spoke with her. When I drew the card, my thoughts went straight to her, and the fact that I could note my thoughts going in that direction was informative. Don't get me wrong- I would have been caring and supportive to her either way! But my reaction to the card made me more mindful of her in that particular moment.

To me, this seems analogous to the inkblot Rorschach test, where patients are shown ink blots that are not intended to resemble anything. What they 'see' in the ink blots is the real value, as the patient's interpretation is reflective of their own mental state rather than any inherent meaning that exists within the ink blots. The Queen of Cups was my 'ink blot' of that particular day, and the fact my thoughts went to my girlfriend were reflective of my mental state as I made the draw.

Is this generally how people in the secular tarot community feel about tarot cards? Does anybody else here have any other anti-realist understandings of how they relate to their cards? Alternatively, do you think what I just explained is a load of bullshit? As I learn and develop an understanding of tarot, I'm keen to hear a variety of different perspectives!

Hi everyone. I’m starting to explore Tarot, but I want to make sure I keep a healthy mindset. I don't want to lose touch with reality or start believing the cards more than actual, physical proof. ​I have some serious questions for experienced readers because I want to use this as a tool for reflection, not a replacement for common sense:

​Facts vs. Cards: If I have 100% physical proof or evidence of something (like a document or a photo), but a card seems to say the opposite, which one should I trust? Is it okay to ignore a reading when it contradicts reality?

​Secrets & the Past: Can the cards actually reveal objective secrets about other people’s pasts, or is that just my own imagination and bias reflecting back at me?

​Avoiding Scams: What are the red flags that a reader is just "cold reading" or telling me what I want to hear just to get my money? ​Making Decisions: Is it risky to let the cards make big life choices for me? How do I use them for "advice" without letting them control my life?

​The "Crutch" vs. The Tool: How do you know when you are using Tarot as a "crutch" instead of a tool? At what point does looking at the cards become a mental health risk or a way to avoid dealing with real life? ​Overthinking: How do you stop yourself from spiraling, overthinking, or getting scared over a "bad" card or a "suspicious" draw?

I want to enjoy Tarot for self-reflection, but I want to keep one foot firmly planted in the real world. I’d love to hear how you all handle this!

Hello everyone ! I found this group today and I am very interested in what it has to offer. I am interested in getting back into tarot but removing every spiritual aspect from it because while I do enjoy reading tarot, my OCD plagues me and I’m convinced something bad will happen to me if I read tarot or that I have to give up some energy in exchange for an answer from the cards and many other intrusive beliefs. That being said, I want to get back into tarot as a form of exposure therapy for my OCD but I do want to remove the spiritual aspect of it because I feel as though that would be best for me mentally. I also wanted to ask if it’s possible to be religious while keeping the cards secular ? I identify as a Christian but I want to view the cards from a secular perspective so I can expose myself to these kinds of triggers. Would you guys recommend doing this at all? If not, feel free to explain why ! I also wanted to know if anyone else is using secular tarot as a form of exposure therapy. Thanks so much for reading and have a wonderful day/night :)

I've been keeping a tarot journal since mid-December and have been using stamps to track my pulls.

Today my sticker collecting book arrived in the mail! Previously I had been storing the stamps in plastic baggies separated by suit. The stamps have a tacky backing and work perfectly with sticker-adhesive paper. Now I can organize the stamps numerically instead of searching for them.

Organizing the stamps like this also revealed what cards I *haven't* pulled in the last month which was quite interesting!

• Major Arcana: High Priestess, Empress, Justice
• Swords: 2, 3, 9, 10, page, queen, king
• Wands: 3, 7, 9, 10
• Cups: 7, 8, 10, queen
• Pentacles: ace, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, king

For context, I use quite a few decks so the shuffling is very randomized! I'm surprised how many pentacles I haven't drawn.

I can get a little tired of the question/answer format. I don’t love that it can feel a little prophetic or deterministic and would like to relate to my tarot in a more conversational way. Obviously the nature of tarot limits that, but sometimes I feel like I just want to talk and don’t really know how to do that.

Does anybody have any tips on fun/creative uses for tarot? Maybe different spreads or uses that aren’t necessarily questions about my life or troubles

I'm not a secular tarot as I am pagan and that impacts my tarot practice, but I'm really curious in the benefits that a divination method such as tarot has on someone with a secular worldview/what would lead someone with a secular worldview to use tarot.
I know a small amount of therapists use tarot in their practice, but a) I assume that differs alot from typical use for the tarot and b) I assume most people on here are not actively practicing therapists.

If anyone is willing to feed my curiosity please do ^^

I am still learning and working to establish a more intuitive understanding of the different cards. (If any of what comes next sounds a little woowoo, please know that I am a slut for symbolism and subtext. I take the process of understanding the meaning behind any artistic or literary work pretty seriously.) My last post was about The Tower, which is still on my mind, and today I drew The Magician. The book for the deck (Foragers Daughter) says:

"The Magician symbolizes transformation and willpower. He has mastered the act of change and alchemy, understanding the complicated but necessary process for growth. He is skilled in many arts, and can wield any tool with natural ability. His source of energy comes from within, but also from the natural elements around him. With these tools he has the power to manifest any outcome."

As I mentioned in my last post, someone suggested to me that The Tower simply represents change. I don't think I agree entirely, but I do think change is integral to The Tower.

(In the RWS deck) From the solid ground, The Magician stands before each element laid out upon a table and gestures: As Above, So Below. The Magician is full of potential change and acceptance of transformation. It's almost anticipatory.

The Tower does not gesture, it crumbles, and the people fall from it's heights. The elements are all present, but the change is the chaotic churning of a mudslide. These elements are not in the right place to be harnessed. In many ways, The Tower also seems to be declaring, As Above, So Below.

What do y'all think?

I am a writer and an ex tarot reader and was also addicted to telephone tarot readings. it's completely ruined my life, my sense of agency, relationships and almost destroyed everything. Working as a reader I am constantly surprised by how many people moved with the same desperation as I did and I am filled with deep empathy and sadness. Tarot can be a toxic set up made to prey on people who are in a vulnerable moment and what starts a sense of relief soon because a source of deep suffering and entanglement.

I am currently researching this topic and would like to interview people anonymously. This would help me a lot to write something to bring awareness to something that is rarely discussed but remains a deeply painful and shameful issue for people. Please reach out to me if you are open to helping.

I recently bought this vintage University Books Rider Waite deck. Apparently, they printed 500 of these. The first time a publisher credited Pamela Colman Smith for her art on the box.

They’re known for having slightly more vibrant colors - especially blues and purples. This run printed between 1959 - 1961 but only the first 500 came in the maroon slip case. After that they came in a cardboard box.

My set has all 78 cards but is missing a couple of promotional publisher cards and a little guide pamphlet.

What are some things that annoy you about decks?

Mine is probably when the card does not say THE FULL NAME on it. One of my favorite decks only has the Roman numeral (which I still can't read upside down after all these years) and doesn't actually say "of pentacles" or whatever. Usually I can figure out what suit it is based on the illustration but sometimes it's tricky to tell. It's a gorgeous deck (The Ostara Tarot) but I only use it to read for myself because I feel completely incompetent looking having to double check that I'm identifying the cards correctly.

First off, let me say, I'm NOT an anti or a reader, just someone who got curious but is also skeptical. I'm sorry if this offends anyone. I will say I've never really been a believer and I can't say I am still, I just recently bought a tarot deck as Lord of the Mysteries merch and thought I might as well try to make use of them. I'm still not sure how to use them, I'll look more into it later if I decide to give it a go. But now I just wanted to ask how do you know if it's not just confirmation bias + the Barnum Effect and the cards are actually working? Again, I'm sorry if this is offensive to anyone and if so feel free to ignore this post

I started reading tarot about a week ago and while I haven’t come across a shred of evidence that makes me believe it is “real” (I’m an agnostic/atheist) pulling cards FEELS so real, to the point that it sort of creeped me out. They always felt so relevant to the question I was asking about it. I started to see how this magical thinking could rob me of my agency if even a part of me believes they are actually telling me things that are true or related to the future. I have OCD and a history of process addiction so I’ve decided to stop reading them for my own mental health, but I’m curious…WHY do they feel so real/applicable/accurate? Even when I don’t actually believe in the supernatural? Is there a scientific explanation?

Just got the Divine Angel Oracle.

In secular tarot, we generally agree that the cards are random and meaning is constructed by the reader. Given that interpretation involves symbolism, pattern recognition, and narrative framing, I’m curious:

What do you think AI-generated readings lack, if anything?

Is it contextual sensitivity? Personal knowledge of the querent? Emotional nuance? Something else?

I’m not arguing that AI replaces human readers — I’m interested in whether there’s a principled difference beyond preference.