Frequently Asked Questions

Is tarot real?

That depends on what you mean by real. The cards do not have supernatural power. They are images on a screen, shuffled by a random number generator. What they offer is a structured way to externalize your situation and examine it from outside your usual frame. Whether that is valuable depends entirely on what you bring to the reading.

Why Plato?

Because the cave is still the right metaphor. We are all, in various ways, watching shadows on a wall and mistaking them for reality. The cave myth is 2,400 years old and has lost none of its accuracy. It seemed like the right frame for a divination deck.

What does a reversed card mean?

A reversed card indicates that the energy of that card is blocked, internalized, or in process rather than fully expressed. It is not the opposite of the upright meaning — it is a dimmer or more complicated version of the same energy. See the How to Read page for more detail.

Are the readings saved?

Readings are saved temporarily in your browser's local storage, so you can navigate to a card meaning and return to find your reading intact. They are not saved to any server and are not associated with any account. Your readings are private.

Can I do multiple readings in a row?

Yes. Click Draw Again on any reading page to clear the current reading and draw fresh cards.

Is this free?

Yes. All readings on this site are free. There is no premium tier, no account required, and no payment of any kind.

How many cards are in the Cave Tarot?

78 cards — the standard tarot structure. 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana across four suits: Torches (Fire), Cups (Water), Swords (Air), and Coins (Earth).

Who made this?

The Cave Tarot was designed as a philosophical tarot deck. See the About page for more detail.