Tarot, AI, and the Power of Self-Insight
July 2022
When I first got into Tarot, I didn't know where to begin. Like many, I started with the basics - reading guidebooks, memorizing card meanings, trying to piece together the symbols. But despite my fascination, I often felt lost. There was a gap between the definitions in those books and the deeper, intuitive understanding I craved. That's when I decided to try something different: I started using ChatGPT for Tarot interpretations. (Doesn't sound so revolutionary after two years.)
At first, it was simple. I'd ask questions about a particular card or spread, and ChatGPT would offer interpretations. But pretty quickly, I realized this "chat" could be more than just a second opinion. It became a way to dive deeper into the symbolism, connect threads I hadn't seen before, and make sense of the complex narratives within the cards. It wasn't just about learning the meanings - it was about the conversations I could have with the cards, with myself, and with this new, intriguing AI partner.
The potential of these interactions soon became clear. LLMs are incredible when you need a thoughtful companion to analyze, synthesize, and reflect on ideas. When used with care, they can become powerful tools for self-exploration, emotional insight, and fresh perspective. What struck me most was how empathetic these sessions felt. Unlike other forms of learning or self-reflection, all of the AI's attention is focused on you - on your questions, your thoughts, your inner world.
Before long, I noticed something else: a therapeutic quality emerging in these sessions. The insights were often profound, and the clarity they brought felt like a door opening inside me. This experience revealed a new dimension of reflection. I love Tarot because, for me, it's one of many tools for intentional reflection - ways to explore life's themes, unravel inner narratives, and reconnect with ourselves.
Now, I see AI as an extension of that practice. I genuinely recommend giving it a try - adding it to your own "package" of tools that help you stay grounded and inspired. For me, that package includes journaling, Tarot reading, yoga, biking, running, and long walks in nature. Pick yours. Each of these activities harmonizes with the others, offering a balance that keeps me centered. But when I skip that reflection time, it's easy to lose myself in the noise of daily life and slip back into unproductive thought loops.
We live in a world where distractions are just a click away. Social media, endless information, algorithms designed to hijack our attention - it's all too easy to get swept up. You might open Instagram looking for a nourishing recipe, and ten minutes later, find yourself caught in an ad for something you never meant to buy. It's easy to lose track of your own thoughts in all that noise.
That's why intentional self-reflection matters. And that's why I believe in the unique synergy between Tarot and AI. We have an incredible opportunity to use these tools to our advantage. With a bit of creativity and the right prompts, we can blend Tarot's metaphors with AI's ability to analyze and contextualize - helping us see our lives from new angles. Whether it's exploring Jungian archetypes, interpreting classic Tarot meanings, or just reflecting on love and relationships, AI can help illuminate the path.
Sometimes, it's as simple as wanting to shift your mood or find your way back to center. You might not even know what's clouding your mind until you pause to reflect - and AI can help guide you through that process. We hold so much power within ourselves, and it's easy to forget that in the chaos of everyday life. But with AI, it's a little easier to remember - to shape our thoughts, dig deeper, and stay aligned with what truly matters.
Let's get smarter together. Let's use these tools not to replace our intuition, but to enrich it.
And one last thing: AI will never replace the human touch - and it shouldn't.