Orphalese Tarot Zone Community Forum

I was just hated on for not using a physical deck. And I was told that I was using AI... I explained what the program was, they didn't care. they said if I wasn't physically handling the cards- my energy wasn't in it. I know that's bs, I put my energy into everything I do. and it has been proven on my readings. I kindly asked them not to bash my craft and my practice and they basically told me to f off and banned me. I am so hurt right now. Trying hard to remember that they don't know me or my craft, just lashed out because of their own pre-determined hatred. sorry to vent. just needed to talk in a space i would be understood.

Sorry that happened to you. I'm glad that you understand you get to do tarot how you want, not how you're told.

yeah, like i didn't even fight to do readings in that group... "you are the admins, i'm fine with not doing them here, just respect my craft too" they did not.

This is a worthwhile topic for discussion, and it’s unfortunate that it was met with such offense. If we step back and look at it objectively, even a digital deck involves intentional interaction—whether through a keyboard, mouse, or touchscreen. But physical contact itself is ultimately a secondary issue. Many readers do not allow clients to touch the cards at all, yet meaningful readings still occur. This raises an important question: where does the “energy” of a reading actually reside?

What follows is a longer personal reflection for those who wish to explore the topic more deeply, offered from my own perspective on intention, practice, and inclusion within the tarot community.

I believe the ‘energy’ of a reading lies in intention and presence at the moment of the reading, not in the cards themselves or in any requirement for physical touch. If physical contact were the determining factor, tarot would resemble a mechanical measurement rather than a spiritual practice. My own view has evolved over time as I’ve worked more with virtual tools—from astrology software to tarot programs to telehealth and online learning. These tools don’t diminish meaning; they expand access and communication.

In-person readings and physical decks are deeply valuable and often joyful experiences. However, the tarot community sometimes places excessive emphasis on ritual details—how cards are shuffled, who may touch them, which decks or spreads are “most powerful,” whether reversals are allowed, or how cards should be stored. These choices are personal, meaningful to different people in different ways, and worthy of discussion—but they are still choices. When any single approach is presented as universally superior, it reflects personal preference more than spiritual authority.

What makes Tarot meaningful to me is the character and intent of the reader and client. That is why readings can be done remotely, with or without physical cards. I even believe a reading can be done without cards at all—simply by asking the question and allowing the cards to arise in the mind.

For example, as I reflect on the question, “What do I need to know to respond to this topic of discrimination?”, the first three cards that come to mind are the Queen of Cups, the Ace of Swords, and The Fool. I use the OSHO Zen Tarot deck, which translates these as: 1) Receptivity, 2) Consciousness, and 3) The Fool.

My 123 Spread (a three-card Present Moment Spread) uses Card 1 to represent the feminine, hidden, or subconscious aspect of the querent (myself, in this case); Card 2 to represent the masculine, outer, or conscious environment; and Card 3 as the Harmony, Advice, or Meditation that helps balance the two energies. In this reading, my inner self is receptive to the issue, while my outer self is consciously processing it through the intellect (the Swords suit). This creates some tension between Water and Air, but the gentleness of the Queen and the openness of the Ace suggest a solid foundation. The Fool indicates that I am approaching the topic without bias—open to what is presented and willing to meet it honestly.

That is my own interpretation of the reading (and I wrote this, not AI). I then put the card layout—my 123 Spread configuration—into AI, adding the information you presented and the intent of my reading. I did the reading first on my own; AI was only used afterward as a reflective writing aid. Here is how AI (ChatGPT) interpreted the same layout for me:

"Three-Paragraph Condensed Interpretation (Copy-Paste Ready)

In this reading, Receptivity (Queen of Water) reflects my inner response to the issue. I am open, empathetic, and willing to feel into the situation rather than react defensively. The emotional sensitivity of Water suggests that I recognize the hurt involved and want to respond with understanding rather than judgment.

Consciousness (Ace of Clouds) represents my outer awareness and how I am processing the issue mentally. This is the realm of clarity, thought, and discernment. The dynamic between Water and Air shows some tension between feeling and thinking, but the maturity of the Queen and the openness of the Ace indicate a healthy balance—compassion informed by clear awareness rather than ideology.

The Fool as the harmonizing card suggests approaching the topic without bias or attachment. It points to openness, curiosity, and a willingness to engage without needing to convince or defend. From this perspective, the response doesn’t come from rigidity, but from trust—allowing insight to arise naturally and meeting the issue with lightness, honesty, and freedom."

I initially got a much longer, more expanded version and asked ChatGPT to condense into 3 paragraphs so I could copy and paste into this thread. One line it added in the expanded version I want to include here:

"Final Zen Reframe

If you want a one-line response (spoken or unspoken):

“A practice that fears different forms of expression has already forgotten its spirit.”

Now that is an appropriate response. And AI is the understanding mind that shared this.

I like ChatGPT and have been using it for some time. I do not do professional readings. But I am using Orphalese Tarot and plan to become a professional Tarot reader. I also plan to use AI along with my own mind/spirit. AI is a tool, in my opinion, that helps me become more confident and helps me write more expressive prose to better communicate my thoughts. I embrace the technology as a tool, NOT a savior.

I am studying the Orphalese Tarot program more diligently and reviewing the new beta version 11. I believe this program has been underrated and underused. From my research of other serious Tarot programs which include Visual Tarot, Obsidian Tarot, and Matrix Tarot for the PC and Tarot & Numerology for mobile application (Android and iOS), Orphalese Tarot stands out as the most comprehensive tarot program offered. I am excited that Richard is working on the new beta version 11. I will be following it closely and hope to incorporate it into my professional reading program as well as a classroom environment.

Keep throwing those cards! Physically or Virtually!

David