Don't Be Fooled: The Truth About Free Online Tarot Readings

Have you ever been tempted to save your hard-earned cash and get a free tarot card reading online?  I totally get the appeal.  Who wouldn't want an easy way to peek into their future or get quick advice?  But as a tarot reading professional, I'm here to give you the inside scoop on why you should think twice before using free online tarot readings or generators.

Let's start with the basics.  Tarot cards have been used for centuries as a tool for guidance, introspection, and divination.  They work by tapping into our subconscious and intuition.  But, like any practice, tarot requires skill, experience, and care to be done well.  That's where free online tarot and generators often fall short.

The Problem with Automated Tarot Card Readings

Many free online tarot readings and generators rely on automation and algorithms.  A computer program randomly generates the cards without any human insight or interpretation.  Reading tarot requires an expert understanding of the cards' complex symbolism and archetypal themes, which technology can't reproduce.  Without that element of human skill, the readings can feel generic, inaccurate, or just plain nonsensical!

Online Tarot Readings Offer No Personalization or Nuance

With a talented reader guiding the way, a tarot reading is tailored precisely for you and your situation.  They draw on their knowledge, intuition, and conversational skills to interpret the cards in a meaningful way.  Free online tarot is a one-size-fits-all computer output and can't pick up on the subtle details a real person can.  So you miss out on those "a-ha" moments and helpful interpretations that come from personalization and real-life experience.

Not Based on Tarot's True Purpose

At its core, tarot is meant to be an introspective, therapeutic tool for gaining self-awareness.  Unfortunately, most free tarot readings online are more about quick entertainment and predictions.  They put the focus on foretelling the future and leave behind the rich insight provided by the past and present clues that are important for gaining meaningful spiritual growth.  You must understand where you have been to see where you are going. The future insight provided is often vague or completely inaccurate without a knowledgeable reader drawing out the nuances of the cards.

No Context or Ability to Ask Questions

With an in-person reading or online Zoom session, your tarot reader can converse with you to better understand your situation before interpreting the cards.  This helps to clarify anything that's unclear after laying out the cards.  But with online tarot, you get the reading, and that's it.  If it doesn't resonate with you, which it likely won't, then you're out of luck and left with more questions than you started with.

Free Online Readings Do Not Protect Your Privacy

Free online tarot reading sites often require you to enter personal info and create an account. So you're handing over your data for those automated readings because nothing is free.  Some tarot websites may share or sell that info for ads or profit.  Plus, you never know who's really behind that "expert tarot reader" profile.  At least with an in-person reading or scheduled video reading over Zoom, you can vet your tarot pro ahead of time.

How to Find a Legit Tarot Reader

Now you know why free online tarot readings and generators often miss the mark.  But don't give up on tarot altogether!  There are talented readers out there providing meaningful sessions in person or virtually.  Here are some tips for finding one:

• Ask friends for referrals to great tarot readers they've worked with.  Word-of-mouth is often the best recommendation.

• Check out reviews on Google and Yelp, where you can read real experiences from clients and see examples of a reader's skills before booking.

• Find readers who are upfront about their approach, experience level, and ethical practices.  Avoid sites that charge by the minute because they will keep you on the phone as long as possible to make more money. 

• Decide how much time you want and the amount you want to spend upfront.  Ethical readers will offer blocks like 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or an hour with established prices so you know exactly how much your session will be.

Make sure the reader connects with you!  A good tarot practitioner will make you feel heard, provide thoughtful interpretation and empower you with steps on how to best move forward after the reading. Giving tarot a try with the right reader can be a fantastic experience.  While free online tarot may sound tempting, it often leaves much to be desired.  Do your homework to find a talented pro who can truly tap into tarot's potential for guidance.  With an authentic tarot reading, you'll walk away feeling inspired, motivated, and like your eyes have been opened.  And isn't that what we're all searching for?  Let me know if you have any other tarot questions!  Feel free to contact me anytime.