How Our Tarot Readings Work

This page outlines Tarotoo’s reading methodology and explains how tarot readings are created and personalized using traditional tarot symbolism and artificial intelligence.

At Tarotoo, our tarot interpretations combine the classical symbolism of the Rider-Waite tradition with modern artificial intelligence to support reflection, insight, and personal exploration. The Rider-Waite tarot system, first published in 1909, is one of the most widely recognized and studied tarot traditions. Its imagery and symbolism form the foundation of many contemporary tarot practices. Our symbolic framework is based on these established meanings, drawing from traditional associations of each card, including archetypes, narrative themes, and symbolic patterns.

How Tarotoo Readings Work at a Glance

Tarotoo readings are created through a simple interactive process: you choose a spread, ask your question, select your cards, and receive an AI-generated interpretation based on traditional tarot symbolism, card positions, and the context of your reading. You select cards directly from the interactive deck. The AI does not choose cards for you or use your question to determine which cards you select.

Key Terms Used on This Page

• OpenAI: the technology provider that operates the AI language model used by Tarotoo to generate written interpretations.
• AI language model: a system that generates text from the information and instructions it receives. Tarotoo uses the model to produce the written part of a reading.
• API: an Application Programming Interface that allows Tarotoo to securely send reading information and instructions to the AI model and receive generated text in response.
• AI prompts and logic: the structured information and instructions sent to the AI model, together with the rules Tarotoo uses to organize and guide the interpretation. These may include the user’s question, selected spread, cards, card positions, traditional meanings, symbolic relationships, tone, and safety instructions.
• Symbolic framework: the traditional card meanings, themes, archetypes, and interpretive principles on which Tarotoo’s readings are based.
• Tarot reading process: the sequence of steps used to create a reading, from choosing a spread, entering a question, and selecting cards to generating and displaying the final interpretation.
• Reading methodology: Tarotoo’s overall approach to creating a reading. It includes the tarot reading process, symbolic framework, AI prompts and logic, expert review, and safety instructions.

About Our AI Approach

Tarotoo combines traditional tarot symbolism with modern artificial intelligence to generate personalized interpretations.

To produce the written interpretation, Tarotoo uses an AI language model provided by OpenAI. Tarotoo communicates with the model through an encrypted API connection.

When a reading is requested, Tarotoo sends a structured prompt containing the relevant reading information and tarot-specific instructions. This may include information you submit, the selected spread, the cards you choose, their positions, traditional card meanings, and symbolic relationships.

These instructions guide the AI in generating a reading in accordance with Tarotoo’s reading methodology.

The Expert Review Process

The tarot reading process, symbolic framework, and AI prompts and logic used on the Tarotoo website were developed in collaboration with and reviewed by Inbaal, a professional tarot reader and astrologer with over 25 years of experience.

Inbaal helped shape the symbolic and interpretive foundations used in our readings. She reviewed how traditional card meanings, card combinations, spread positions, and thematic patterns are reflected in the interpretations generated by our AI system.

She tested the spreads directly on the Tarotoo website and checked whether their structures, card positions, and interpretations followed established tarot practice. She also submitted different types of questions and reviewed the generated responses for relevance, clarity, consistency with traditional tarot symbolism, tone, and safety.

Inbaal reviewed Tarotoo’s AI prompts and logic, including how they guide the AI to interpret card meanings, card combinations, spread positions, and the context of the user’s question. Examples from her own professional tarot practice were used as reference material to help shape the style, structure, and depth of Tarotoo’s generated interpretations.

Her feedback was used to improve Tarotoo’s reading methodology. She periodically reviews it when new spreads, prompts, or features are introduced.

Roles at a Glance

• Tarotoo develops and operates the website, reading interface, AI prompts and logic, and technical system used to create each reading.
• Inbaal contributes professional tarot expertise and reviews Tarotoo’s reading methodology, including traditional card meanings, spread positions, card combinations, and the symbolic framework used to guide the AI.
• OpenAI provides the language model that generates written interpretations for each reading based on the structured information and instructions sent by Tarotoo.

AI Readings Disclaimer

AI-generated readings may sometimes be inaccurate, incomplete, overly general, or not fully relevant to your personal situation. They should not be interpreted as predictions, guarantees, or factual statements. Our readings are not a substitute for medical, legal, financial, or mental health advice.

Individual readings are generated automatically and are not manually written, approved, or reviewed by Inbaal or another human before they are shown to users. Inbaal’s expert review applies to Tarotoo’s overall reading methodology rather than to each individual reading.

When We Review and Update Our Methodology

Tarotoo’s reading methodology may be reviewed and updated when:

• a new tarot spread, reading type, or feature is introduced;
• significant changes are made to the AI prompts or logic;
• the underlying AI model or technical system is changed;
• user feedback reveals a recurring issue, such as irrelevant, repetitive, unclear, or inappropriate responses;
• expert review identifies an inconsistency in card meanings, spread positions, card combinations, tone, or safety.

Minor technical changes may not require a complete methodology review. However, significant changes that affect how readings are created or interpreted may trigger additional testing and expert review.

Latest Update

The latest update to Tarotoo’s AI prompts and logic was implemented and reviewed by Inbaal on April 20, 2026. The update covered how the prompts guide the AI to interpret card positions and use the context of the user’s question.

What Influences Each Reading

Each Tarotoo reading is shaped by several elements:

• Your question: gives the reading its context and focus.
• The spread: defines the structure of the interpretation, such as past, present, future, or yes/no.
• The cards selected: provide the symbolic foundation of the reading.
• Card positions: help explain how each card relates to the question.
• Card combinations: show how different symbols interact together.

Your Question

Your question helps set the direction of the reading. In our Daily Tarot reading, you can also submit your name and date of birth to receive a more in-depth interpretation. Your question and any additional information you provide help determine what the symbols relate to and give the reading a more specific context. Even a small change in your wording, information, or intention may affect how the same cards are interpreted.

Spreads

You can choose from popular spreads like One-Card, Yes/No or Past-Present-Future for quick answers. Tarotoo also includes two original five-card spreads for more detailed readings. Our daily tarot spread is unique to the platform, combining tarot with astrology and numerology using the current date, your name, and your date of birth. This creates a daily message that feels personal and connected to the moment.

The Cards

On Tarotoo, readings on the website use the Major Arcana, a set of 22 cards that represent core life themes, transitions, and archetypal experiences. Because these cards focus on broader patterns and key moments, they are well suited for clear and meaningful interpretations.

Note: The full 78-card deck, including the Minor Arcana, is available in the optional mobile app, which you can download separately from the App Store.

Card Positions

In structured spreads, each position has a specific role, such as past, present, future. This helps define how each card should be interpreted in relation to your question. The same card can have a different meaning depending on where it appears. For example, a card in the “past” position may describe a previous influence, while in the “Future” position it may point to a possible direction of a situation.

Card Combinations

Tarot readings are not based only on individual card meanings. The relationship between cards can change the tone and direction of the interpretation. For example, one card may represent tension, while another may suggest resolution, movement, or emotional clarity.
Tarotoo analyzes how cards work together within the spread, helping create a more complete interpretation than a simple list of separate card meanings.

Example of Context in a Reading

If you ask about a relationship and draw The Lovers, the interpretation may focus on emotional connection, choices, harmony, or alignment. If the same card appears in a different spread, the focus may shift toward values, commitment, and choosing what feels right. This is why context matters. Tarotoo does not interpret cards as fixed answers, but as symbols shaped by the question, spread, and surrounding cards.

How Your Intuition Shapes the Reading

Your intuition can influence the reading in two important ways. First, it may guide your attention when you select your cards. You may feel drawn to a particular card without immediately knowing why, and that personal choice becomes part of the reading.

Tarotoo then interprets the cards using your question, selected spread, card positions, traditional tarot meanings, and symbolic relationships between the cards. However, the AI cannot know your complete situation, thoughts, or emotions. It generates a structured symbolic interpretation based only on the information provided during the reading.

As you read the interpretation, consider which ideas connect with your experiences, emotions, and current circumstances. The same tarot symbol may feel relevant in different ways to different people, so your own reflection and judgment remain essential.

In this sense, the reading is interactive: your intuition may influence the cards you choose, the AI generates an interpretation based on their traditional symbolism, and you decide how the reading relates to your own life.

Animated Cards

All card images and their animations are created by a talented designer and animator, adding movement while keeping the classic tarot look. The animations are not just for show. They help create atmosphere, build emotion, and make each reading feel special. We use them to make the experience more engaging and meaningful.

Step-by-Step Guide

The following example shows how to complete a tarot reading on the Tarotoo website.

Choose a Spread

Type Your Question

Pick Your Cards

Flip the Cards

Get Your Reading

Privacy, Security and Safety

Tarotoo prioritizes your privacy and security. We use encryption to help protect your experience. You do not need to create an account to use the website.

To generate a reading, your submitted information and reading selections are transmitted securely to OpenAI for real-time processing.

Tarotoo does not provide a server-based reading history or save completed website readings to a personal account. Therefore, you will need to copy and save a reading yourself if you want to keep it.

OpenAI does not use API inputs and outputs to train its models by default, and Tarotoo keeps optional API data sharing disabled. OpenAI may retain limited data for abuse monitoring or service operation in accordance with its data-retention policies. More information about how submitted data is processed is available in our Privacy Policy.

Note: In the mobile app, a reading history feature is available, but it is stored locally on your phone and will be deleted if you remove the app.

If a reading feels inaccurate, inappropriate, or concerning, you can contact us at [email protected].

Tips on How to Use Tarotoo Effectively

Tarotoo can be used in different ways depending on your needs. Many people use it to think through decisions, understand relationship dynamics, reflect on their situation, or explore their thoughts in a more structured way. It can also be used for journaling or simply as a form of entertainment.

Preparing for a Tarot Reading

Before starting a reading, try to choose a quiet place and keep a calm, open mindset. Minimize distractions and focus on your question. A clear intention helps create a more relevant and meaningful interpretation.

Asking the Right Questions

Clear and specific questions lead to more useful insights. Avoid vague or overly broad wording. The more focused your question is, the more relevant and practical the interpretation will be.

Repeating the Same Question

It’s not recommended to repeat readings on the same question within a short period of time unless your situation has changed. Each reading reflects the present moment, and repeating it too often may lead to confusion rather than clarity.

Understanding Tarot Results

Tarot readings should be viewed as a tool for reflection, not absolute truth. They highlight patterns, emotions, and possible directions, but interpretation always depends on your real-life context and judgment.

Additional Options

Optionally, on the pages with readings, you can shuffle the deck or enable sound effects.

What Tarotoo Does Not Do

Tarotoo does not claim to predict future events, guarantee outcomes, diagnose problems, or replace professional advice. It does not provide medical, legal, financial, or mental health advice.

Our readings are symbolic interpretations intended for personal reflection, inspiration, and entertainment.

They should not be interpreted as factual statements, guarantees, or definitive answers. By combining traditional tarot symbolism with modern technology, Tarotoo aims to provide a thoughtful, respectful, and engaging tarot experience.

Advertising and Affiliate Independence

Tarotoo may display advertisements, sponsored offers, or links to independent third-party services, including optional psychic consultation services.

These commercial relationships do not influence which cards you select, how the tarot spread is interpreted, or the AI-generated reading you receive. Advertisers, sponsors, and affiliate partners do not review, approve, or control Tarotoo’s reading methodology, AI prompts and logic, or individual reading results.

Sponsored and affiliate content is presented separately from the tarot reading process. Tarotoo may receive compensation if you click certain links or purchase a service through them, but this does not affect the content of your reading.

For more information, please read our Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure.

Free Online Tarot Readings

All tarot readings on the Tarotoo website are completely free to use. No account is required to start a reading.

Psychic Chat

Tarotoo also offers Psychic Chat, a separate AI-powered conversational feature for exploring tarot, astrology, numerology, spirituality, and related topics. Like Tarotoo’s structured interactive tarot readings, it uses an AI language model provided by OpenAI through an encrypted API connection. Tarotoo sends the messages you submit, relevant conversation context, and topic-specific prompts and instructions to generate a response.

Unlike structured tarot readings, Psychic Chat does not rely on selected cards, spread positions, or a fixed reading format. It works as an ongoing text-based conversation. You can learn more about how it works on the Psychic Chat page.

Feedback, Corrections and Support

If a reading feels inaccurate, inappropriate, or concerning, you can contact us at [email protected].

When possible, please include the type of reading, the question you asked, the cards selected, and a brief explanation of the issue. Do not include sensitive personal information that is not necessary for us to understand the problem.

We may review submitted reports to identify technical errors, recurring interpretation problems, unclear wording, inappropriate responses, or possible inconsistencies in our AI prompts and logic or symbolic framework. This feedback may be used to improve Tarotoo’s reading methodology, safety instructions, or reading features.

However, we cannot guarantee that every report or individual reading will receive a manual expert review, and we may not be able to correct or reproduce every AI-generated response.

For general questions about Tarotoo, please visit our FAQ.