Copyright: CyberTarot  (c)1994 AxisMundi


Welcome to CyberTarot
Welcome to CyberTarot!

The topics listed below will help you get started...

How does Tarot work?

Why CyberTarot?

Setting Up

Shuffling Cards

Viewing Individual Cards

How to Work with a Spread

Bibliography

Warranty Disclaimer

License Agreement

Software Registration

CyberTarot

Copyright (c)1994 AxisMundi


U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA.  Copyright (c) 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.  Further reproduction prohibited.  Rider-Waite is a Registered Trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc.


License Agreement

This software and the disks on which it is contained is licensed to you, for your personal use.  This is copyrighted software.  Your are not obtaining title to the software or any copyright rights.  You may not sublicense, rent, lease, convey, modify, translate, convert to another programming language, decompile, or disassemble the software for any purpose.

You may make one copy of this software solely for backup purposes.  You may use this software on more than one computer, provided it will not be used simultaneously on more than one computer.  THANK YOU FOR REGISTERING YOUR COPY OF CYBERTAROT!


Warranty Disclaimer

AXISMUNDI DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES RELATING TO THIS SOFTWARE, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSLY AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED.  NEITHER AXISMUNDI NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF THIS SOFTWARE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH SOFTWARE EVEN IF AXISMUNDI HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIMS.  IN NO EVENT SHALL AXISMUNDI'S LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES EVER EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE LICENSE TO USE THE SOFTWARE REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF CLAIM.  THE PERSON USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS ALL RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE.

Some states do not allow the exclusion of the limit of liability for consequential or incidental damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you.

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois and shall inure to the benefit of AXISMUNDI and any successors, administrators, heirs and assigns.  Any action or proceeding brought by either party against the other arising out of or related to this agreement shall be brought only in a STATE or FEDERAL COURT of competent jurisdiction located in Cook County, Illinois.  The parties hereby consent to in personam jurisdiction of said courts.


Dedication

This program in its entirety is dedicated to the memory of Patricia C. Fleming who first introduced the Author to the beautiful symbols of the Tarot in 1980.  I'd like to thank you Pat, for the inspiration and the teaching.


Registration Form

If you like CyberTarot, please fill out this form and send it with your registration fee of $39.95 (Illinois residents please add 7% Sales Tax) plus $4.00 shipping and handling to the address below.  Shareware is not freeware - please support our efforts to produce interesting software for the edification of your spirit.  When you register, you will receive the FULL DECK version of CyberTarot.  The Registered Version also contains Deck options allowing you to work with the entire deck, the Major Arcana only, or the Major Arcana and Court Cards.  There are also three additional spreads available in the Registered Version.  In addition, your registration will entitle you to free updates, information on new products, and the personal satisfaction of knowing you are supporting an innovative marketing method that enables you to "try before you buy."

To print this form, select File, Print Topic from the HELP menu above.  THANK YOU!

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Please make sure your check is payable in U.S. Dollars and will be negotiable in the United States, drawn on a U.S. or International bank account.


How does Tarot work
How does Tarot work?

Tarot is not magic or superstition, and its power does not come from some occult and mysterious force.  Rather, the power of Tarot comes from your own consciousness, from the thoughts and feelings that influence you and are important to you.  The images of Tarot are Archetypal images that reflect the universal experience of humanity throughout the ages.  In order to understand how Tarot works (that is, why it seems so accurate in describing our situation and predicting the way we will respond to that situation in the future) you must adopt a new understanding of the world and of your own mind.  The underlying philosophy of Tarot is that everything in the universe is intimately connected.  Because of this intimate connection among all things, one action in one place can have an effect, however subtle, upon everything else in the universe.  The unconscious mind is a powerful force that creates our reality and influences everything with which we come into contact.  The cards reflect our consciousness because of this interconnectedness of all things and because in each card we can see something of ourselves, regardless of what is happening in our lives.

In CyberTarot, you will not encounter reversed or 'upside down' cards.  Each card in itself contains positive and negative aspects, just as our consciousness contains elements of light, and elements of darkness.  In understanding the Tarot images that are revealed, it is important to remember that no interpretation is fixed and inflexible.  The explanations of the cards in CyberTarot will attempt to guide you toward finding your own understanding of the significance of the cards.  What you bring to the images is far more important than what someone else might tell you is there.  You must learn to think abstractly, in symbols, to glean the most value from the Images of the Tarot.  Look carefully at the images, study the relationships of the cards in a spread, look beyond the explanations given.  Try to see more than that which is obvious, ask yourself questions about the images and let your imagination freely wander.  There are no right or wrong ways to interpret the images, and what works for you may not work for someone else.  The readings are a personal exploration of yourself, and the images are only keys to help you unlock the mysteries of your spirit.  The Tarot should be used to help you develop your intuition, and it is only with a well-developed sense of intuition and self-knowledge that the Archetypes depicted in the images will begin to bring light and understanding to your life.


Prepare for a Reading

To begin using CyberTarot, select a layout from the options available in the Select Layout box on the Setup Window.

For information on the Card Layout you've chosen, click the Layout Details button.  This will provide specific information on the Card Layouts available.

Once you've selected the spread you want to work with, click the Shuffle Deck button.  The cards will be spread out on the screen and a miniature layout will appear, along with a "pit" into which you will drag-and-drop the cards.

While working with CyberTarot, you may notice that many typical features of Windows applications such as menus, control boxes, and minimize and maximize buttons are not present.  The reason for this design is to help facilitate the creation of a separate 'psychic space' in which to work with the Tarot.  Tarot is much more effective and responsive if our concentration is focused and not distracted by numerous other considerations, and to this end the CyberTarot application does not follow certain conventions of the Windows multi-tasking environment.


Select Layout

The Select Layout box on the Setup Window provides options for the type of Card Layout you wish to use for a Tarot session.  The options available include:

Celtic Cross

Chakra

Horoscope


Setup Window

The Setup Window is the first screen that appears when you begin using CyberTarot.  This screen allows you to select and get information about the Card Layout you wish to use for the current reading.  You can also View Individual Cards by clicking the View Cards button, and get Help on using CyberTarot by clicking Help or pressing the F1 key.  When you are finished choosing options, click Shuffle Deck to spread the cards.


Card Layout

Card Layouts determine the order and number of cards displayed in a particular reading.  The available Layouts are:

Celtic Cross

Chakra

Horoscope


Celtic Cross Card Layout

The Celtic Cross spread is probably the most well-know and popular layout for reading the Tarot.  For this reason, it is the default layout of CyberTarot.  The Celtic Cross is one of the easiest spreads to work with, yet it is also one of the most powerful and effective.  This spread should be used most often when you are just beginning to work with the Tarot.  Try some of the other layouts when you are comfortable with this one and feel ready to move into other areas of exploration.  However, don't feel that this spread is only for beginners.  The Celtic Cross remains the most popular spread because of its power to reveal the depths of the unconscious to the alert reader.  The arrangement consists of cards laid out in the shape of a cross with a vertical line of additional cards just to its right.

To get information about a card position in the Spread, click the card in the layout scheme above.


The Significator

The first card to be revealed is in the center of the spread and is known as the significator.  This card represents you, the seeker, in your current state of mind.  It also signifies the issues which are of concern to you in the present time, and the inner influences which affect you.


The Crossing Card

The second card to be revealed is considered the crossing card and represents that which crosses, opposes, or influences you.  This influence can be either positive or negative and must be understood not as a singular force but as part of the overall trend displayed in the reading as a whole.


The Foundation

The third card appears at the bottom of the cross and represents the foundation or basis for the current question or issue being presented to the Tarot.  This card signifies the root issue that has brought you to the cards.  Often this card reveals issues which lie beneath the surface of your consciousness and which may not be immediately evident or may in fact be quite surprising.  It may also represent past issues which are still weighing upon your mind.


The Recent Past

The fourth card in the spread represents past events, issues, and concerns.  This card denotes a situation which is passing or has already passed out of your life.  It may be something that was once significant to you and has since lost its urgency, or something you are clinging to and need to let go of in order to move forward into the future.


The Crown

The fifth card represents issues which are important in the present or which may come to pass in the future.  This card does not predict a fixed and certain future event but rather indicates a possibility which you may or may not encounter, depending on how you react to the present situation.  The crown position is a bridge between the present and the future and may manifest a significant issue which is in the process of being resolved or which may have implications in the immediate future.


The Future

The sixth card more clearly represents that which lies before you.  It may denote the general resolution of issues involved in the crowning card (number 5) or events which are about to manifest in your life.  The card should not be read literally as an absolute pre-determined event as much as a description of psychological and personal trends that will be of significance to you in the times ahead.


Emotions, Feelings

This card signifies your current emotional and psychological state.  It is closely related to the significator.  Understanding this card together with the first card can provide significant insight into your current emotional situation, including your fears, attitudes, and expectations.  This card reflects most strongly your inner state at the time of the reading.


External Influences

The eighth card signifies the influence of others in your life.  It may reflect their opinions and perspectives about you, or it may reflect what you believe others think of you.  This card also represents the way others view you in your current situation and generally signifies trends in your relationships with others.


Hopes, Ideals, Desires

The ninth card in the layout denotes your hopes and desires for the outcome of the issue at hand.  This signifies your inner state and the image you have in mind for the culmination of the situation you have come to the Tarot to resolve or understand.  The card may provide insight into the way your ideals and preconceived notions affect your understanding of the issue.


The Outcome

The tenth card represents the final outcome or resolution of the issue being brought to the Tarot for understanding.  Again, it should not be taken literally as a predetermined and fixed future.  Rather, it should be considered in context of the entire reading.  Frequently the culminating card brings clarity to understanding other cards in the spread that may have been uncertain in meaning.  This card should tie the entire reading together and provide the overall theme for the reading.


Celtic Cross Card Layout

The Celtic Cross spread is probably the most well-know and popular layout for reading the Tarot.  For this reason, it is the default layout of CyberTarot.  The Celtic Cross is one of the easiest spreads to work with, yet it is also one of the most powerful and effective.  This spread should be used most often when you are just beginning to work with the Tarot.  Try some of the other layouts when you are comfortable with this one and feel ready to move into other areas of exploration.  However, don't feel that this spread is only for beginners.  The Celtic Cross remains the most popular spread because of its power to reveal the depths of the unconscious to the alert reader.  The arrangement consists of cards laid out in the shape of a cross with a vertical line of additional cards just to its right.

To get information about a card position in the Spread, click the card in the layout scheme above.


Chakra Card Layout

The Chakra card layout has its origins in Yoga philosophy.  In the Chakra system the human body contains seven cardinal points, or Chakras, which are arranged along the spine and contain our motivating energies and internal influences.  Balancing the energy of the Chakras creates psychic, spiritual, and physical equilibrium in our lives.  To read a Tarot spread in light of the Chakra system can give us insight into our own physical, mental, and spiritual condition at the time and may provide clues to areas in our lives where we need additional energy to create balance and wholeness.  The Chakra Spread is most beneficial as a tool for understanding oneself, and as a means for gaining self-knowledge.  Although future concerns may be revealed by the cards, you should read the spread as a key to your own psyche rather than as an indicator of a fixed and fated future.

To get information about a card position in the Spread, click the card in the layout scheme above.


Chakra Card Layout

The Chakra card layout has its origins in Yoga philosophy.  In the Chakra system the human body contains seven cardinal points, or Chakras, which are arranged along the spine and contain our motivating energies and internal influences.  Balancing the energy of the Chakras creates psychic, spiritual, and physical equilibrium in our lives.  To read a Tarot spread in light of the Chakra system can give us insight into our own physical, mental, and spiritual condition at the time and may provide clues to areas in our lives where we need additional energy to create balance and wholeness.

The Chakra Spread is most beneficial as a tool for understanding oneself, and as a means for gaining self-knowledge.  Although future concerns may be revealed by the cards, you should read the spread as a key to your own psyche rather than as an indicator of a fixed and fated future.

To get information about a card position in the Spread, click the card in the layout scheme above.


The Root (Muladhara)

The root Chakra is the energy center whose primary influence is the material, physical level of our being.  This 'circle of energy' is most related to the primary issues of our bodies and the lower energies that pertain to primary concerns such as basic physical survival.  Of all the Chakras, the root contains the lowest level of energy.  The location of this center is at the base of the spine, just between the genitals and the anus.


The Sexual Center (Svadisthana)

The second Chakra is located at the genital level and represents our sexual energy center.  If our energies are blocked or concentrated here, our psychological focus is primarily on the sexual, and we interpret or misinterpret everything in terms of the sexual.  This is not only the reproductive center, but also the center of lust, craving, and desire.


The Power Center (Manipura)

The third Chakra is the center of emotions and the desire for power.  The energy at this level is primarily concerned with domination and control, although it is also an area of concentration of emotion and 'gut feelings.'  Individuals with a primary concentration of energy at the third level are concerned with accomplishment, achievement, and ambition.


The Heart (Anahata)

The first three levels bear the energy of our physical, material manifestation.  The level of the Heart is the first where truly spiritual energy is manifested.  The fourth Chakra is the center of Love, not in the sense of sexual love but in the sense of the Universal Love of the Divine.  This is the center of openness to others, the center of good will and self-giving.  It is also the center of the beginning of spiritual awareness.


The Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)

The fifth Chakra represents the gate of transformation from consciousness of the divided, physical realms of separate objects to the realm of the undivided unity of the Divine.  This center is one of transition and represents the search for Truth and the yearning for union with the Truth.  This Chakra may represent the urge toward self-expression and is also a center of creative energy in that it is the doorway to the unmanifest world of the spirit.


The Third Eye (Savikalpa Samadhi)

The sixth Chakra is the realm of spiritual realization, intuition, psychic abilities, and awareness of the Divine.  It is not yet the complete union with the all-encompassing energy of the Universe, but is a highly evolved spiritual level where the individual is aware of him or herself as a separate entity who perceives the glory of the One.  Thus, the 'Third Eye,' centered between the brows, which is able to perceive that which was previously unseen.


Ultimate Liberation (Nirvikalpa Samadhi)

The seventh Chakra appears at the crown of the head and represents the ultimate spiritual attainment.  An individual who awakens this Chakra center loses his or her own individuality in the sea of Divinity in which everything "lives and moves and has its being."  The energy at this level is of the incomprehensible light of God which overwhelms and envelops the individual at the highest state of spiritual awareness.


Horoscope Card Layout

The Horoscope Spread is based on the concepts of Astrology.  The cards are spread in the shape of a circle, with a significator in the center to represent you, very much like the significator in the Celtic Cross layout.  This spread will be most helpful if you have an understanding of the concepts of Astrology, as the correlations revealed by the cards will be more clear if you are familiar with Astrological signs and the concept of Astrological charts.

The Horoscope layout is particularly valuable in providing insight into your inner workings, your state of being at the time of consultation.  This layout offers great insight into personality and psychological issues and should be read as a guide to self-knowledge rather than a divination of the future, although as in all the spreads, future issues and trends may be revealed by the cards.

To get information about a card position in the Spread, click the card in the layout scheme above.


Horoscope Card Layout

The Horoscope Spread is based on the concepts of Astrology.  The cards are spread in the shape of a circle, with a significator in the center to represent you, very much like the significator in the Celtic Cross layout.  This spread will be most helpful if you have an understanding of the concepts of Astrology, as the correlations revealed by the cards will be more clear if you are familiar with Astrological signs and the concept of Astrological charts.

The Horoscope layout is particularly valuable in providing insight into your inner workings, your state of being at the time of consultation.  This layout offers great insight into personality and psychological issues and should be read as a guide to self-knowledge rather than a divination of the future, although as in all the spreads, future issues and trends may be revealed by the cards.

To get information about a card position in the Spread, click the card in the layout scheme above.


Aries (first house)

The first house corresponds to the sign of Aries, the first sign of the Zodiac.  This house represents your Self, your personality, ego, and temperament, and as such is a strong complement to the Significator.  The first house can often signify your outward appearance, as well as your mannerisms and behaviors.  Your interests, attitudes, and desires are also contained under the influence of the first house.  The first house also represents beginnings, change, and newness.


Taurus (second house)

The second house represents possessions and financial matters.  It too is a reflection of your personality, but more in the sense of the external elements that define who you are and the material things which are important to you.  This house represents your attitudes toward money and possessions as well as the items themselves, and can thus disclose a great deal about your perceptions and feelings about the material world.  The second house can be an indicator as well of the ways which money and material things may be attracted to or repelled from you.


Gemini (third house)

The third house influences your relationships, particularly with siblings and neighbors.  It also governs communications and travel.  In this sense, the third house is primarily concerned with your interactions with others.  Self-expression is influenced strongly by the third house as is your ability to influence others through written and oral communications.  The third house also influences study and learning, intellectual ability, memory, clarity of thought and creativity.


Cancer (fourth house)

The fourth house influences your home life, and your relationships to your mother and father.  It also concerns your ancestry, and your own aging and later life.  This house is very personal in that it relates to everything you consider 'home' including your spiritual life and emotions.  The primary energy of the fourth house is that of personal domain and everything that means to you.


Leo (fifth house)

This house is the center of the heart.  It influences love and sexuality, as well as your creative urges and instincts in a more general manner.  Children are also under the rule of this house, as are the playthings and imaginative ventures of their young lives.  As such, this house also influences the gaming tendencies of adult life such as the desire for adventures, gambling, and entertainments of various sorts.  This is a house filled with feeling and emotion, creativity and excitement.


Virgo (sixth house)

The sixth house influences two primary areas of your life:  your health and your relationships with others, particularly those to whom you can be of service or those subordinate to you in the workplace.  This house reflects your desires and attitudes toward serving others and the giving of yourself to the benefit of the world.  It also governs your relationships with co-workers and employers.  Your physical health is also influenced by this house as are your habits of diet and hygiene.


Libra (seventh house)

The seventh house is the house of close relationships and partnerships.  Marriage is also under the influence of this house, as are other kinds of agreements and contracts you enter into.  Partnerships can include business partnerships or other close relationships where joint effort or energy might be invested in a common goal.  The aspect of close partnerships also includes the negative aspect of such relations and may indicate the influence of rivals or adversaries in your business or creative life.


Scorpio (eighth house)

The eighth house represents the house of death, inheritance, and the afterlife.  It also signifies rebirth and regeneration in a manner similar to the death card: death represents endings, but also holds the seeds to new beginnings.  This house is also a very strong influence on spirituality and mysticism, and those influenced by the eighth house often possess strong psychic or spiritual abilities.  In addition, this house governs legacies and those things left behind by the dead, as well as taxes and debts.


Sagittarius (ninth house)

The ninth house influences philosophy, higher thoughts, and distant travels both of the mind and the body.  It can be considered an expansion of the third house of study and communication but exists at a more subtle, elevated plane of thought.  This house also includes the influence of intuition, education, and religion and spirituality.  Travel can include foreign travel or any journeys which would broaden the mind by the experience of new and unknown things.


Capricorn (tenth house)

The tenth house is the house of profession and career, as well as public life and image in a more broad sense.  It is the opposite of the fourth house of 'home' in that it relates to those aspects of your personality which are publicly known rather than hidden or personal as in home life.  This house includes the opinion others have of you, as well as your material success and ways of dealing with social responsibilities.  The tenth house primarily reflects those elements of your personality which are social rather than private, material rather than spiritual.


Aquarius (eleventh house)

The eleventh house influences friendships and social activities, hopes and ideals.  The social influence of this house pertains more to those associations which we attach ourselves to for pleasure and camaraderie rather than social duty or obligation.  Also under the influence of the tenth house are our hopes and ideals; often these are reflected in the organizations with which we choose to affiliate ourselves.  The friends that come under the influence of the tenth house are those whom we feel most strongly attached to in the sense that they reflect our ideals and interests and therefore strengthen them.


Pisces (twelfth house)

The twelfth house is the final house of the Horoscope and therefore represents the limitations, sorrows, and difficulties in our lives.  This house has been associated with one's karma in that it concerns the rewards and punishments for the deeds we have done.  It is also associated with things which limit us and governs prisons, hospitals, and anything which serves to bind and restrain us.  It also reflects tendencies toward self-undoing, escapism, and self-defeating attitudes which limit us from within.  Often this house reveals areas in our lives which can be overcome if faced courageously, and therefore has the positive consequence of potentially being the place of ultimate self-revelation and the discovery of the truth about ourselves.


Shuffling the Tarot Cards

To shuffle the cards, click Shuffle Deck from the Setup Screen.  On the Shuffle and Select Cards screen, hold the CTRL key and click the SHUFFLE button with the mouse pointer.  The cards will continue to be shuffled as long as you hold both the CTRL key and the mouse button down.

While shuffling, think about the question or problem you wish the cards to help you understand more clearly.  As you think about your question and shuffle the cards, your psychic energies will influence the cards to provide you with a reflection of your own instincts on the subject at hand.

When you feel that your question has been answered, stop shuffling by letting go the CTRL key and mouse button.  A "pit" appears into which you can then drag-and-drop your selections.  Each card you choose will be placed into the Layout in the correct order.  As you drop the cards into the "pit," a flame will appear signifying the transformation of the Tarot images into a reflection of your consciousness.  Once all your cards have been selected, the Layout will appear in full size on the screen and you can begin your reading.


Viewing Individual Cards

The View Card screen allows you to view cards individually on a larger scale than is possible in the context of a layout.  To view a particular card, click the arrow on the list box that appears above the blank 'frame' on the left side of the screen.  The list will drop down and you will see the names of the cards.  Use the scroll bar, the down-arrow key, or the page-down key to go through the names.

Select the card you want to view then click the Show Card button.  Your card will be displayed in the frame.  If you want to get information about the meaning of the card, click the Information button.  To clear the image and empty the frame, click Clear Image.

If you initially entered the View Individual Cards screen from the Setup window, you can return to Setup by clicking Return to Setup.  If you were in the middle of a reading and wish to return to the reading, click Return to Layout.  You can only return to the screen which you were in before you chose to View Individual Cards, the other "Return" option will be disabled.


Why CyberTarot?

Tarot has been used and misused for centuries as both a means of divination and a tool for self-understanding.  The images of Tarot have often caused fear and superstition and to this day remain highly misunderstood.  The purpose of CyberTarot is to make the Archetypal symbolism of the Tarot available to a wider audience, to utilize the images of Tarot in a new, thoroughly modern medium.  In attempting to reiterate the Archetypes that shape our lives in the new idioms of the Modern Age, we hope to make the Tarot useful to a large number of people who might not otherwise choose to work with these symbols.  Tarot is not a cunning hoax but rather a collection of Universal Images that, when read with understanding and intuition, provide discernment into the human condition and connect us intimately with the history and struggles of humanity throughout the ages.  Tarot is more a psychological tool than a mysterious fortune telling game.

The power of Tarot lies not in the specific medium used to portray the images but in the images themselves, and in our interaction with them.  Cards have been used by convention for centuries but the advent of the personal computer as a tremendous cultural force provides an opportunity to interact with the images of Tarot in ways previously undreamed of.  The fact that the computer is one of the most powerful communications tools in the late twentieth century can hardly be disputed.  And though many feel threatened by the computer (as in the past many feared the advent of the printing press), it is but a medium of communication as is a book, or a pack of cards.  One interacts with this medium in a similar manner;  we put our time and energy into understanding what we perceive and we only take into ourselves that which we are able to give.

In CyberTarot you will see a mirror into your own consciousness.  Your interaction with the images on the screen will provide a means for obtaining insight into your own humanity.  Tarot is psychological tool that helps us understand ourselves, our motives and our inclinations.  The images offer us the possibility of greater self-knowledge and with this knowledge we come to an understanding of the questions we bring to the Tarot.  The answers you receive should be taken in this context and never interpreted as a predestined or fixed outcome to a question.  Rather, the readings are a source of expression for your unconscious impulses and tendencies.  Do not come to a reading expecting the cards to make decisions for you; the Tarot can be used as a guide to understanding yourself but should never be looked to for sole direction on the decisions you must make.  Your freedom as an individual is a key element in understanding the Tarot, and in freedom you will learn to know yourself and use the Tarot to enrich and further your personal, spiritual growth.


The Fool

The fool is the first card in the Tarot deck and as such represents new beginnings.  Symbolically, the Fool begins the journey of self-exploration which we embark upon when we come to the Tarot for knowledge about ourselves.  The card pictures a young man about to step off the edge of a cliff.  He displays a carefree attitude which is demonstrated in his willingness to take such risks without regard to the consequences.  The Fool is an innocent (as we all are at the beginning of Life's journey) and because of his innocence may be somewhat naive.  He carries a small pouch which contains the few possessions he owns, and the white rose in his left hand represents purity of heart.  Despite his naiveté, the Fool is blessed with the protection of divine grace, symbolized by the shining sun at his back.  There is a sense about him that even if he were to fall off the cliff, he would not be injured because he is a holy child of God, cared for and protected by the power of the divine.  This card is reminiscent of the figure of St. Francis of Assisi, who in his simplicity, poverty, and purity of heart called himself "God's Fool."  What do you see of yourself in him?


The Magician

The Magician is the second card in the deck, and is the first numbered card.  He is the bridge between the world of the spirit and the world of humanity.  His right hand holds a staff upraised toward the sky and his left hand points to the earth.  He is the transmitter of spiritual power, the mediator between God and mankind.  Over his head is the symbol of eternity, and around his waist is a snake biting its own tail, another symbol of eternity.  His magical table holds all four suits of the Tarot, each of which represents one of the four primordial elements of the alchemists; earth, air, fire, and water.  His robe is white, symbolizing the purity and innocence found in the Fool, but his cloak is red, representing worldly experience and knowledge.  In the bed of flowers at his feet this duality is repeated in the mix of pure white lilies and thorny red roses.  The magician represents the bridge between the opposites, he is a composite of innocence and experience, spirit and matter, heaven and earth.  He is experienced, unlike the Fool, and is the teacher of hidden truths.  When you encounter the Magician along Life's journey, you have encountered the wise sage who can help you find your way.  Perhaps he indicates a need to find a balance between the material and the spiritual aspects of your nature.  Or he may be an encouraging sign of the strength you may need in a difficult time.  What do you see in the power of the Magician?


The High Priestess

The High Priestess is the union of opposites.  Unlike the Magician, who bridges the gap between heaven and earth, the High Priestess contains this duality within herself.  Thus she is flanked by two columns, one white and one black.  She is the inner spiritual guide who lives within each of us.  Behind her is a veil covered with pomegranites, a fruit of many seeds which represents fertility and plenty and is the symbol of the Greek goddess Persephone.  At her feet is a crescent moon, and it is this feature along with the white robe and blue cloak which reminds us of Mary, mother of Jesus, the woman of paradox who is both virgin and mother.  The cross on her chest and the copy of the Torah in her hands again reminds us of the spiritual power she possesses.  The High Priestess represents our unconscious, the teacher who reveals truth to us only in glimpses and in our dreams.  She does not flaunt or exhibit her power openly as does the Magician, but rather represents the quiet, often misunderstood spiritual power within each of us.  When you see her ask yourself, is there something I am overlooking?  Is there something within me desiring expression that I have not listened to?


The Empress

The Empress is the archetypal Earth Mother, the Anima, the Feminine Principle.  She is full figured, possibly pregnant, and is surrounded by lush greenery and fields of ripe wheat.  Below her couch is a heart-shaped pillow with the symbol of Venus emblazoned upon it, and her flowing robe is decorated with pomegranites, a symbol of fertility.  In the forest behind her a river flows freely with water, the symbol of life.  Her upraised hand holds a scepter which demonstrates her power and authority of the things of this earth.  Whereas the High Priestess represents the unconscious and the spirit, the Empress represents the earth and all the bounty and fruitfulness thereof.  Her meaning suggests richness and fulfillment, the satisfaction of physical needs and desires.  Like any card, there is the potential for excess in her abundance and when you see her you must ask yourself how her rich, sumptuous imagery speaks to your heart.  Are you perhaps too immersed in the material world?  Or does she promise you a fulfillment which you have been seeking but have not yet discovered?  What does she tell you about yourself?


The Emperor

The Emperor is the complement to the Empress.  He is the Masculine Principle, the Animus, the Patriarch.  He represents power and authority, and his stern attitude is quite a departure from the sensual beauty of the Empress.  Behind his throne are barren mountains, a symbol of the lofty heights of which he is master.  The throne itself is decorated with four rams' heads, representing intellectual heights and sure-footedness in climbing the lofty crags.  His right hand holds an Ankh, Egyptian symbol for Life, and in his left is an orb representing the world over which he rules.  In his extreme form the Emperor can be cold and unfeeling, relying solely on his laws and pronouncements for judgement.  In this sense he is inflexible and stern, yet his age indicates an understanding and ability to express compassion gleaned from many years of experience and rulership.  What do you see in his powerful persona?  Is there something in you which is inflexible and judging, or is his power indicative of achievement and success despite many hardships?


The Hierophant

The Hierophant, or the Pope, is similar to the Magician in that he represents a link between ourselves and the divine.  The role of the Pope is traditionally that of the mediator between God and mankind, the high priest on earth.  As such he represents the spiritual teacher who helps us come into contact with the divine.  Unlike the Magician who simply points the way, the Hierophant is a trusted guide, one who will take us by the hand and lead us to our spiritual goal.  He also represents tradition, the orthodox, organized methods of nurturing spirituality.  Regardless of your religious background, the Hierophant represents the spirituality you were taught from childhood, the religious traditions which are your heritage.  The darker side of this card can represent authoritarian control and domination of religious expression.  If you encounter the Hierophant, you may need to examine your spiritual life, particularly in terms of the communal expression of that spirituality.  Perhaps there is a need to return to the roots and re-explore forgotten traditions.  Or there may be the opposite need to learn to stand on your own spiritual feet, as it were, and explore the spiritual depths of your own psyche apart from any communal expression of faith.  What feelings does the Hierophant elicit when you see him?  What is he trying to tell you?


The Lovers

The lovers represent relationships in our lives, particularly intimate and/or sexual relationships.  This card indicates situations in our lives where love is primarily important and may reflect the state of our relationships at the time.  The lovers are blessed and protected by the angel in the clouds above them, and the sun shines brightly overhead, bringing warmth and security.  The earth at their feet is green and fertile and suggests life and happiness.  However, as with all the cards, there are negative aspects to be considered in the symbolism of the lovers.  The snake in the fruit laden tree behind the woman suggests the story of Adam and Eve, the fall of humanity from grace, and the temptations of the world.  The Hindu concept of Maya, which refers to the illusory nature of the material world, is suggested in the temptation of the fruit.  Behind the man, on the other hand, is a black tree with flames for leaves.  The flames represent the fires of passion which burn within each of us and which can cause spiritual imbalance in our lives if we allow them free reign over us.  The world is both a blessing and a curse, and it contains the potentiality for both good and evil.  The lovers represent both the beauty and the corruption of our physical, bodily aspect.  How do the images speak to you?  What is their relationship to the other cards in your reading?  Do they indicate a need for more balance in your life?  Or do they suggest worldly fulfillment and happiness?


The Chariot

The charioteer in this card is a young man whose face bears the unmistakable countenance of determination, focus, and ambition.  He is a kin to the Fool in that he is anxious for new experiences and for adventure, yet he differs from the Fool because the driver of the Chariot is focused and has a clear goal in mind.  He is youthful passion, potency, the desire to succeed and accomplish great goals.  His canopy is covered with stars and his uniform also suggests celestial power and spiritual assistance in the crescent moons on his epaulets and the stars in his crown.  The Chariot indicates not only the pursuit, but the nearly assured success of the driver's ambition through the exercise of a focused and determined will.  The duality of this ambition is represented by the sphinxes at the front of the vehicle.  The black sphinx is negative aspect of an over ambitious desire to reach a goal at any cost.  The white sphinx is the positive aspect of this same desire.  Does the Chariot indicate a need to embrace a goal and pursue it with vigor?  Or does he suggest that perhaps your determination is excessive and possibly detrimental to the health of other aspects of your life?  How does this image reflect your inner and outer circumstances?


Strength

This card represents strength, determination, and power in a manner similar to the Chariot.  However, the differences are obvious at a glance.  Instead of a powerful, focused warrior we encounter a gentle woman, unarmed and without the protection of armor.  She overcomes the lion with a quiet strength which can only come from within.  Where the Chariot represented outer strength and will, the card of Strength represents inner power, the power of the human spirit to overcome any obstacle.  That the woman represents the spirit is manifest by her white robe, representing purity, and the symbol of eternity above her head.  She wears a belt and crown of flowers and stands unprotected in an open green field.  The Chariot indicates that worldly success is possible if our goals are pursued with focus and energy.  The Strength card tells us that our deeper power comes from within.  The lion represents inner and/or outer challenges that attempt to hinder us in our life's journey.  This card tells us that we can overcome any difficulty if we utilize the inner Strength of our spirit and trust in the Divine power of the universe for our energy and sustenance.  When this card is encountered in a reading, it may be a call for the need to deepen our spiritual life.  Or it may be a reminder to those of us who have forgotten the inner strength that exists within.


The Hermit

The hermit is the wise spirit within.  He, like the Fool, stands at the edge of a precipice on the peak of a barren mountain.  But unlike the innocent, naive Fool who carelessly steps over the edge, the Hermit holds the staff of wisdom in one hand and a light to give direction to those who do not know the way in the other.  The Hermit is the ancient spirit which lives within us through the existence of the Collective Unconscious, the universal mind which guides us through the darkness with its clear light.  The Hermit represents the deepest part of ourselves, that part which knows what to do in times of decision, knows the right way to respond to the world and its challenges.  The Hermit is the seer who guides us during difficult times, the prophet who speaks the voice of conscience to us when we lose our way.  When we encounter the Hermit in a reading, we should take it as an indication that the answers we seek can be found within our own hearts.  How does the Wise Man speak to you as you encounter his visage?


The Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune, perhaps more strongly than any other card, has a dual aspect of light and dark, good and ill.  This card represents the circular nature of time as reflected in the phrase "what goes around comes around."  Our lives are full of ups and downs and none of these periods of difficulty or prosperity last forever.  There will always be change in our lives and we must learn to adapt to the changes in our lives or we will be left behind as the world moves along without us.  The Wheel of Fortune clearly indicate the transitory nature of the world and gives us an opportunity to reexamine our lives to determine where we are in the cycle at the time we encounter the card.  If we are at the "bottom" we may need to prompt ourselves into moving forward and bringing about positive changes to our situation.  If we are riding high at the top of the cycle, the card may be reminding us to "count our blessings" and not be callous or take our good for granted.  The card is filled with symbols:  the four beings in each corner are the symbols of the four Gospel writers of the New Testament.  The wheel itself bears both the letters "TARO" for the Tarot and the Hebrew letters of the name of God, "YHVH."  The sphinx at the top of the wheel represents success and good and reminds us of the sphinxes in the Chariot card.  The devil at the bottom of the wheel is there to keep us alert, to help make us aware that all things are subject to change.


Justice

Justice represents harmony and balance.  Throughout all the cards as we encounter the positive and negative aspects of life we must choose between right and wrong, darkness and light.  Justice represents the balance that we must all create in order to live healthy and fulfilled lives.  The woman sits between two columns, as does the High Priestess and the Hierophant.  In her right hand she holds a two-edged sword representing duality, and in her left hand are the scales used to find balance and harmony between the often conflicting elements of our lives.  When you encounter the card of Justice the meaning to be understood is not necessarily that you have a choice to make but rather that you must look at areas of imbalance or excess in your life to determine where more moderation and equilibrium can bring peace to replace turmoil.  Does your life reflect the principles embodied in the concept of Justice?


The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man appears to be a captive, suffering an undeserved punishment under the power of an unknown malicious force.  This initial impression generally leaves a reader with the uneasy feeling that the card portends disaster or trouble.  However, when viewed more closely, the positive aspects of the card become more evident.  The young man bears a peaceful countenance upon his face, much more the look of a man content with his fate than at the mercy of unknown powers.  He also has a bright yellow halo around his head, suggestive of his purity and innocence.  The Hanged Man is a willing victim, someone who has chosen the path of sacrifice to accomplish a higher goal.  He hangs upside down upon a cross, like St. Peter who was crucified upside down for his witness to the message of Jesus.  The Hanged Man represents the willingness to forsake the temptations of instant gratification for a higher cause, and because of his willing sacrifice he accomplishes the goals he has in his heart.  When we encounter the Hanged Man, we should consider areas in our lives where we may need to act in a more selfless manner either for the benefit of others or for the fulfillment of our own deeper needs.  In contrast, we may need to examine our life for areas in which we are giving too much to others at the expense of our own mental and spiritual well-being.  What emotions does the image of the Hanged Man stir in you?


Death

The Death card is probably the most feared and misunderstood of all the cards in the Tarot deck.  In general, people tend to take the meaning of this card far too literally and fear that the indication is for the death of either themselves or others.  Relax!  The card of Death can be one of the most fruitful and positive cards in the deck.  Death is a symbol of the ending of some phase or aspect of our lives that may bring about the beginning of something far more valuable and important.  If we encounter this card in a reading it may be an indication that we need to learn to let go of unhealthy attachments in our lives to pave the way to a fuller, more fulfilled life of deeper meaning and significance.  The Death card is a card of change, a card of transition.  We are transformed by the death of old ways of thinking, of the release from clinging attachments that restrain our further growth.  The Death card represents the clearing of the old to usher in the new and therefore should be welcomed as a positive, cleansing, transformative force in our lives.  "Unless the seed should fall to the ground and die, it shall never bring forth fruit" should be the guiding spirit under which this card is understood.  The death and clearing away of limiting factors can open the door to a wider, more satisfying experience of life.  What changes are you experiencing?  What phase of life is passing away to open you to a richer experience?  Or, more actively, what can you do to bring about positive change in your life?


Temperance

Temperance, like Justice, indicates the need for balance and tranquillity to achieve and experience fulfillment in our lives.  The angel in the image has one foot on a stone and the other in the river.  In this stance she represents the need to "test the waters" before jumping headlong into unknown circumstances.  Here she tempers the whimsical flight of the Fool who jumps without giving a second thought.  In her hands are two cups which she uses to mix water.  One cup can be thought of as holding hot water and the other cold water.  The temperate individual mixes the opposites and finds a balance in life by avoiding extremes.  Behind her is the Royal Road of Wisdom which, if followed in the spirit of Temperance, will lead us to the golden crown of self-knowledge and self-mastery in the distant horizon.  How does the image of Temperance speak to you?  Does it indicate a need to find more balance in your life?  Or does it teach you that compromise is not only necessary but healthy in your choices?


The Devil

The card of the Devil represents those hidden forces of negativity that constrain us and deceive us into thinking we are imprisoned by external forces.  The Devil is an inner force within each of us, he is an embodiment of our fears, addictions, and other harmful impulses.  The people chained at his feet are entranced with the paralyzing fear of his illusory power and therefore stand still with hopelessness and a numb appearance.  However, the chains hang loosely around their necks, an indication that freedom is within their grasp if only they can break free of the hypnotic attachment to the temptations offered by the Devil.  The Devil is a master of deception and illusion.  The chains he binds us with are not real, we have freely given him any power he has over us.  When we encounter the Devil in a reading, we must ask ourselves where we are "stuck" in life.  We often fall prey to despair and the thought that we are controlled by external forces but we forge our own chains of imprisonment and powerlessness.  What are the addictions or attachments restraining you from experiencing the freedom of the Fool?  Are you giving yourself over to the illusion of helplessness and despair?  You have the power within to set yourself free from the bondage of the Devil.  What can you do to free yourself from his deception?


The Tower

The Tower follows the card of the Devil and represents the breaking of his bonds.  The Tower can be seen as a place of imprisonment and illusion and the destruction of this edifice paves the way to an experience of freedom in our lives.  In addition, the Tower can signify our ego and the illusion of considering ourselves "above" others.  When the Tower of deception, ego, and illusion is destroyed, we are freed to face Truth and Reality without the trappings of false attachments.  The sudden destruction of the Tower represents the immediacy of change, and the often disorienting effects of change.  However, in order to become free and empowered human beings, we must be willing to accept the trials of personal transformation and accept even radical disruptions of the "status quo."  The Tower is about inspiration, freedom, reality and the release from bondage.  Whereas the Devil may have indicated a need to make a change, the Tower represents the present reality of change.  Are you undergoing a major shift in consciousness?  Are you beginning to see things in a new way?  The Tower tells us that things are being "stirred up" in our lives.  The important question to ask is whether we can accept this change and move forward into a more positive psychological state, one where personal freedom is the rule.


The Star

The Star is a card of harmony and balance, much like the card of Temperance.  However, because the Star follows the card of the Tower, it also represents the end of a period of change and turmoil.  The Star is a card of fulfillment, peace of mind, mental and emotional stability.  Like Temperance, the woman in the card holds two containers of water, but in this case she pours the water out to nourish the earth and continue the cycle of fertility which is represented by the lush greenery around her.  Also like Temperance, she has one foot on land and the other in the water.  She represents the wisdom of experience and the calm certainty of self-confidence, self-knowledge.  She will not rush carelessly into the unknown like the Fool but will remain calm and in peace because of her wisdom.  The Star is a guiding light within us, the deepest part of our Self which knows that we are under the protection and guidance of the Divine spirit.  What reaction does she call forth from you as you encounter her peaceful image?


The Moon

The Moon is the card of intuition, dreams, and the unconscious.  The Moon provides light as a reflection of the Sun, yet this light is dim, uncertain, and only vaguely illuminates our path as we journey toward higher consciousness.  Similarly, our dreams, intuitions, and inner promptings lead us forward toward higher levels of understanding if we listen carefully and use our judgment to help interpret the veiled messages of the unconscious.  The water at the base of the card represents the inner ocean of the collective unconscious from which a crab or crayfish appears.  This creature represents the often disturbing images which appear from our inner depths, just as the dog and wolf at the beginning of the path represent the tamed and the wild aspects of our minds.  The path leads between two towers into the mountains in the distance.  The towers represent good and evil, much like the columns flanking the High Priestess.  The mountains in the distance represent the higher knowledge we seek under the illumination of the Moon.  How do you respond to the promptings of the unconscious?  Do you attempt to understand the vague promptings of your dreams, or do you simply ignore these messages?  How does this card affect you?


The Sun

The Sun is an image of optimism and fulfillment, the dawn that follows our darkest night.  As the source of all life on earth, the Sun represents the blessings of Divinity, the Source of Life itself.  The child playing joyfully in the foreground represents the happiness of our inner spirit when we are in tune with our truest Self.  The white horse upon which the child rides represents strength and purity of spirit.  The sunflowers in the background represent life and the fruitfulness of the spirit under the nourishment of the Sun.  This is one of the most positive cards in the Tarot deck, and should be received with joy and thankfulness if encountered in a reading.  The only negative to be concerned about in relation to this card pertains to our tendency to become attached to the "good times" when we are experiencing them and to forget the trials we survived in order to get there.  In your bliss, do not forget the trials that have passed or that others may be experiencing.  Compassion and understanding are the fruits of experience and should never be forgotten.  How does this happy card fit in with the rest of your reading?  Is it tempered or balanced by another card that portends either past, present, or future challenges?


Judgement

Judgement relates to the necessity of decision.  You are faced with a choice and the time has come to deal with the questions before you, time to take action toward developing your greater good.  The card also indicates an inner awakening, the beginnings of a new way of living and experiencing the world.  Something which was lying dormant within us, some unconscious knowledge or truth is finally being awakened and brought into the light.  The Judgement card has positive and negative aspects.  In the positive sense we are being awakened from a long sleep, a period during which we lacked clarity, and now insight is dawning upon us in a psychic rebirth and resurrection.  In the negative sense, we are being called to account for past actions and to justify in the light of truth what we have done in the past.  Judgement is a time of reckoning, a time of bringing to light those things which were hidden.  The psychological process of self-revelation often brings relief and joy, yet it is often a difficult process in which we encounter darker aspects of our personality which were hidden out of fear or self-defense.  What are the choices and challenges you must face as you encounter the card of Judgement?  Most importantly, what is your judgement of yourself, your own self-appraisal?


The World

The card of the World signifies fulfillment, the end of the journey, the final completion of the cycle of time.  We have arrived and have accomplished our purpose.  The Fool's journey is completed in the World, his wisdom and experience is now complete.  The four beings representing the gospel writers of the New Testament appear again in the corners of this card and their presence here reminds us of the Wheel of Fortune.  The World card is very much associated with the Wheel, the cyclical progression of time and of our human experience.  The dancing figure in the center of the wreath wears a purple robe signifying royalty and bliss.  She rejoices with us in the completion of the journey and celebrates not only this completion but also the new beginnings it promises.  The World is a card of self-knowledge, of joyous wisdom, and of freedom from the bondage of false attachments.  The circle represents the culmination of a long journey, the enlightenment experienced by the seeker who has struggled for the Truth.  Yet the circle also represents the ever turning Wheel of Life and we must remember even in our most satisfied, fulfilled times that the cycle will continue.  Change will come again, and the Fool's journey will be started once more.  Where are you in your journey as you encounter this card?


How to Work with a Spread

After shuffling and selecting cards, you will see the Layout on a full screen with a Control Panel just to its right.  The specific Card Layout or Spread screens allow you to work with a Tarot spread in different ways using the Control Panel and the right and left mouse buttons.

To begin the reading, either double-click (with the LEFT mouse button) on the first card in the Layout, or click the Reveal Cards button.  The first card will be displayed in the Spread.  You can then continue revealing additional cards in the same way.  To get information about the currently revealed card, either click the Information button or position the mouse pointer over the card you are interested in and click the RIGHT mouse button.  Information is also available about the Spread you are working with by clicking the Layout Info button, and you can get a larger view of the current card by clicking the View Card button.

When all the cards in the Spread have been "turned over," the Reveal Cards button becomes disabled.  To view a particular card on the View Card screen you can double-click that card with the LEFT mouse button.  To simply get information about a particular card, click the card with the RIGHT mouse button.


Bibliography;More Information
Bibliography

The following is a short list of important books that will help you not only in your understanding of the Tarot, but in understanding mythology, symbolism, and the workings of intuition and the psyche.

Arya, Usharbudh.  Philosophy of Hatha Yoga.  Honesdale, PA:  The Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy of the U.S.A., 1985.

Campbell, Joseph.  The Hero with a Thousand Faces.  Princeton, NJ:  Princeton University Press, 1968.

Campbell, Joseph.  The Mythic Image.  Princeton, NJ:  Princeton University Press, 1974.

Campbell, Joseph.  Myths to Live By.  New York:  Bantam Books, 1973.

Eliade, Mircea.  The Sacred and the Profane.  New York:  Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc., 1987.

Guiley, Rosemary Ellen.  The Mystical Tarot.  New York:  Penguin Books, 1991.

Gray, Eden.  Mastering the Tarot:  Basic Lessons in an Ancient, Mystic Art.  New York:  Penguin Books, 1988.

Gray, Eden.  The Tarot Revealed.  New York:  Penguin Books, 1988.

Jung, Carl G.  Memories, Dreams, Reflections.  Recorded and Edited by Aniela Jaffe.  New York:  Vintage Books, 1965.

Kaplan, Stuart R.  The Encyclopedia of Tarot.  New York:  U.S. Games Systems, Inc., 1978.

Sharman-Burke, Juliet and Liz Greene.  The Mythic Tarot:  A New Approach to the Tarot Cards.  New York:  Fireside, 1986.

Talbot, Michael.  The Holographic Universe.  New York:  HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., 1992.

Woolfolk, Joanna Martine.  The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need.  Chelsea, MI:  Scarborough House, 1990.


Technical Support
Technical Support Information

Technical support is available from AxisMundi by mail or through the CompuServe Information Service.  Telephone support is not available.

To contact AxisMundi by mail, send your questions or comments to:

AxisMundi

P.O. Box 3620

Chicago, IL  60654-0620

To contact AxisMundi through CompuServe, you can email messages directly to our mailbox:

AxisMundi    73611,704

The on-line help system for CyberTarot is the primary source of documentation for this software.  If you have questions or problems, search through help first and you may find the answer to your question.


Technical Information

The following are answers to common technical questions about CyberTarot:

Video Requirements:

CyberTarot was designed and optimized to work in 640x480 resolution and a minimum of 256 colors.  Higher resolutions will produce a better quality display, but will shrink the size of the display on your screen.  If your display does not support 256 colors the Tarot images will not be of satisfactory quality.  In addition, a Windows optimized graphics display or accelerator card is highly recommended.  If the images paint very slowly or in "pieces" on the screen it is an indication that your video card and/or drivers may not support optimal graphics performance in the Windows environment.

"File Not Found" - Error Message:

CyberTarot consists of an executable file (TAROT.EXE), a help file (TAROHELP.HLP) and various image files (extensions .TRO or .TR_).  If any of the image files are missing you will encounter a message to reinstall the program because a file is missing.  If you encounter a message stating that the "Help topic does not exist" it means that the file TAROHELP.HLP is not installed or is in an incorrect directory.  Reinstall the program onto your hard drive.  All files should be installed into the same directory.

"Could not find file VBRUN300.DLL or THREED.VBX" - Error Messages

CyberTarot requires the dynamic-link library VBRUN300.DLL to be installed in the \WINDOWS\SYSTEM directory.  In addition, the custom-control file THREED.VBX should be installed in this directory as well.  If either of these files are missing, the program cannot be executed.

Saving a Tarot spread to disk

CyberTarot allows you to save your readings on disk to return to them at another time.  The files are saved with the extension .TRX and can be saved to any directory, including floppy disks.  The .TRX file is simply a text file containing information about the spread and the cards displayed, along with your personal comments about the reading.  If a .TRX file is corrupted and you attempt to open a spread with such a file, you will receive an error message that "the file you have selected either does not exist or is of an incorrect format."

CPU Requirements:

It will be possible to run CyberTarot with a 386 or compatible CPU.  However, performance will be significantly improved by using a computer with a 486 chip, and we highly recommend a 486 or later chip for satisfactory performance.

Windows version requirement:

CyberTarot must be run in Windows version 3.1 or later.

Printing Information from CyberTarot:

You can print topics from the on-line help system for your own personal use by selecting File, Print Topic from the Help menu.  All information contained in this program is copyrighted and may not be reproduced for any purpose other than personal information.