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I don't really think an automated system can perform divination...

Like other magic, it's a matter of nature. It's energy and will. While computers certainly have energy, they don't have their own will, being inanimate.

I have differing thoughts on divination based on the method one talks about.

I don't know much about I-ching but for tarot I believe the information provided are messages divinity needs one to hear or consider. Often times it is what will happen if one continues of the path he or she is on but it could be an angle or concept or aspect of a problem/person/situation one hasn't considered.

Generally speaking I think there needs to be energy and intention from the seeker, the reader, and sometimes the guides/spirits/god(s) to create useful readings. In the case of a person doing a tarot reading or other form of divination for themselves, I think it needs to be a combined energy and intention between the reader and the divine or some form of guide or energy being.

I think that one would get better more detailed readings from actual cards because for most people handling something and having an object be physically present helps him or her to focus and helps that person raise energy. Also I think the process is more mentally and emotionally pleasing. I know when I do readings part of what I like is feeling around the cards for the energetic "pull" it makes me feel more connected and powerful. The process of shuffling, fanning, choosing, arranging, flipping, observing individually and as a whole is very ritualized for me. It's not something I even get with another reader, though there are other benefits to that, let alone an automated system.

I'm also very attached to using certain decks for certain questions and my gods and guides each have differing preferences for deck usage as well. They won't always play nice over something like that.

That said, I don't see why a person couldn't hold an intention, call on their divinity or guides and use an automated system to get equally valid results (assuming their divinity/guides/spirits doesn't have an issue with the system). It wouldn't be my first choice but someone who is really focused and has a strong relationship and connection could probably do the same with an automated system as with cards.

I don't know if you have a lot of interest in the tarot or oracle cards but if so, I'd suggest Aeclectic Tarot for any basic information on decks or on different spreads to try out.

I think they do a great job explaining how different tarot and oracle cards can be good for different kind of readings or for a person in different life phases.




There are many interpretations o the rider-waite deck and this particular varies based on what a thoughtful artist/design team can bring to the cards.

I'm probably just at an early intermediate level now, but I can remember the beginning the tarot was really overwhelming. It took me a long time to get to know my decks. As it is, I purchased two new decks this past October and I'm still learning it's specific personality and messaging style.

There are definitely some decks that speak to me more than others and some decks I wouldn't use. I've run across a few decks that I would consider purely aesthetic and most of the time I've then met people who swear by those decks almost immediately after. Use is in the eye of beholder I guess.



These are called oracle decks. There is a large collection with reviews over at Aeclectic. I've known more artistically inclined people to create both their own tarot and their own oracle deck. If you have a clear set of intention and theme, I'd think that might be a simple way to create a beautiful magical tool.