computerized readings

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 17 May 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

HOLMES	17 May 2004
ok, i saw in the reading exchange balder was offering computerized readings which he didnt interpate , he just offered. and i have read tarot for two years here(at the end of may),, and been into tarot for about 13 year now. and my jaw just falled as i read the feedback. and then went and read the feedback of solandia on the product. i must of read that feedback a few times as i was looking for a computerized self reading when i want for myself as a lark . is it an case of the computers taking away a tarot reader job ? looking back at the feedback given it was mostly hits , about as much hits as one achieves while reading (no one is hundred percent accurate after all ) 1. does one feel ripped off if one is paying for a pro reading and get a computerized reading ? 2. or would it be feasable as more people are having open minds. why not a computerized astrology reports are done by some professional sites (i am sure they don't do them all personally ) are offered a samples and for the fee price we can get all the informatio such as one own natal chart and forecast (which would be more accurate then a papers). 3. is it ethical,to give a computerized reading to a person as a professional ? kind of like those people who say for entertainment purposes only to cover their own behinds, when it is clear to most that most readings are serious to the clients. what are the pros and cons you see.? such ,, what about inuition, personal interaction,, compassion, THE COMPUTERS WILL TAKE OVER THE WORLD WAAAH :O)

Phoenix Rising	17 May 2004
Hi Holmes Yes I had one of those readings. I personally felt however that we could of interpreted it to fit ourselves. But it did lack, personality and feeling. I wouldn't of taken it as serious. But I would much rather have a reading from a genuine reader. And certainly would not pay for a computor reading. it's interesting as a novelty, but novelties can wear off. As a beginner it may help them learn about the cards.

yve	17 May 2004
The computerized reading takes away from the hands on experience of reading tarot! The shuffling, the handling the cards, the cutting...how can a computer replace that human contact, the transference of personal energy, with the cards that tarot readers seem to value and place so much importance on. I personally would never place too much validity in a computer reading. I believe it is novelty, and may be valuable in exposing people (and possibly preparing them) to be receptive to the more individual, personal live readings...if it gives them the opportunity to be open to eventually getting live readings, then it is a good thing. But I do believe that there will be no client loyalty, or total trust towards a computer, so, I don't believe that you will get repeat paying clients.

firemaiden	17 May 2004
The computer does an excellent of reading with fixed pre-written meanings, numbers and data. If this is the kind of reading we want, the computer can do it better.

yve	17 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by firemaiden The computer does an excellent of reading with fixed pre-written meanings, numbers and data. If this is the kind of reading we want, the computer can do it better. Sure, if intuition, situation/context or querant doesn't matter....

firemaiden	17 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by yve Sure, if intuition, situation/context or querant doesn't matter.... My point exactly. If all we want is readings based on looking up pre-written meanings in a database... the computer is master. So now to define exactly what it is that we can do that the computer can't.

Jewel-ry	17 May 2004
When I was on holiday in Majorca in February, this was the entertainment just outside the bar! 1. I couldn't believe what I was seeing when this old man (and I mean old!) set up his computer and offered tarot readings. My mouth dropped open and my husband and son laughed their socks off. Apparently my face was a picture. 2. Having accepted the fact he was there, I was then gobsmacked when someone came and paid him .. yes .. paid him for a reading. He sold his readings for 6 Euros. They took him about 3/4 minutes. The querant never got to ask a question, they just picked 5 cards from the screen, with a pointer, and the computer threw out a printed reading!! 3. What made it worse was that people were queuing up to have a go! I can't remember how many querents he had that evening but I remember thinking he had made quite a lot of money and didn't really have to do anything. He just had the software! I really wanted to challenge him and ask him if he knew what the cards meant. I reckon this guy was an OAP who was spending his winters int he sun and he found a way to make a few quid. I suppose if someone worked along side the computer, it may not have been so bad, but this chap just took the printout and handed it to them. A really strange experience. :)

kwaw	17 May 2004
[quote][i]Originally posted by HOLMES

hedgecub	22 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Jewel-ry When I was on holiday in Majorca in February, this was the entertainment just outside the bar! You should have whipped out your own deck, set up shop right next to the guy, and charged less ;)

Moongold	22 May 2004
Is it because computerized tarot readings are based on human constructs and meanings which are to some degree formulaic now? These constructs include archetypal meanings, numerology, mythology et al. Some people can put these together beautifully and these are the things that the computer issues. Perhaps the general commonality of human experience is at work here. There is enough commonality in there for someone to identify with but it is so broad that it is difficulty to disagree with as well. The human imagination is such that it can make huge stone castles from pebbles. And even if we did not agree would we perhaps go away thinking What am I missing here? more often than not? What is different for me between a computer generated reading and one coming from another human being is relationship and specific attention to detail. The fact that someone sits down and pays their full attention to my request is an immensely powerful thing. With that attention comes their unique gifts. I may know they are intuitive and trust them more because of that, and what’s more, trust the unique sense they give to their gift to me through their reception of my personal request. I know they will have already picked up information about me from their knowledge of me on the Forums, the way I phrase my question, the other signals I give out about myself in a hundred little ways. But most of all it is that relationship that is the greatest gift, another person caring for me enough to act as a channel. I know sometimes people get paid for this but it is usually not very much and nothing near the time and unique commitment they bring through study, experience and natural gifts.

The computerized readings thread was originally posted on 17 May 2004 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.