How do virtual tarots work?

Answer 1

This answer assumes that by "virtual tarots" you mean tarot reading live over the internet, and not tarot reading conducted by computer programs either on your computer or from a web site that does computerized tarot spreads.

Tarot readings conducted live, by someone over the internet work the same way as readings done face-to-face. Often the internet provides for a camera which allows you to watch the cards being laid out and read one by one. You can converse with the reader, ask questions, get more expanded answers, and even ask for follow-up readings as the need arises. Typically this readings are free, until you become comfortable with the reader. After that, the reading can be conducted by internet live, email, or even over the telephone. Once you understand the process and feel you are getting good and helpful information, you may want to consult the reader regularly. Typically, the better readers charge a fee for their services. The price per reading is a better value, rather than a price per minute typical with telephone scams. So be guided by your comfort level rather than all the technology involved.

If, by "virtual tarots" you were referring to computerized tarot programs, then more caution is urged. Typically, computer programs use random number generators to select cards, similar to the selection of cards for online Poker or other gambling games. If there is anything essential in the Tarot reading, that is lost when human hands and minds are not involved in the selection of the cards for your readings, then it is not likely you will notice this at first. But, sooner of later your readings will sound mechanical, and the words will strike you as though they were pulled from an impersonal fortune cookie, rather intended for you specifically.

Some computer programs can seem to be quite specific and detailed -- about your particular issue -- just the way a personal card reader can be. Some programs are written so well, that the answers you get can seem amazing; even from online Tarot sites (like Tarot.com). I love Nancy Garen's website for this. As long as you are willing to do part of the follow-up work, of expanding the computer's reading your cards, you can build a working knowledge of the Tarot.

Many people simply print-out the spread generated by the computer, and then consult other sites, books or card readers for other possible meanings of the cards in the computerized spread.

Nevertheless, as any professional Tarot reader knows, actually holding the cards physically in your hands gives you a unique opportunity that computer programs cannot duplicate-- the chance to sift thru cards unseen, guided only by your own intuition, when selecting the cards you want.

The only computer program that could come close to duplicating this personalized selection process is one where the entire deck is laid out for you on the computer screen and you select the individual cards yourself, sight unseen.

One example of this is the "Thinking Tarot" which came out a few years ago. The cards were laid out face down, and you shuffled the deck as much as you wished. You selected the cards one at a time, and then chose what spread to place them in. You even had the chance to change the interpretations so that they fit your point of view and experience. There are other Tarot programs like this.

Nevertheless, unless you have a animadversion to having a deck of your own, the best approach would be to find a deck that you are comfortable with, and do lots of readings for yourself (keeping a dated journal of your cards, readings, and results). You will find that you are the only card reader you need.

Answer 2

It reads your mind and tells you the answer.