TAROT PORTAL
Augmented Reality meets Tarot
Augmented Reality meets Tarot
The Tarot Portal app combines Augmented Reality (AR) with traditional Tarot and a focus on accessibility and self care in our interpretations.
Tarot can be overwhelming to learn all 78 cards of 22 Major Arcana and no less then FOUR different suites of cards. With all of these different meanings, It can feel too much to learn when you’re beginning. We wanted to make this process easier on new readers, and those returning to Tarot.
During the pandemic, we began this journey to develop our Augmented Reality Tarot app. Coined after the Merkabah in our logo, our “portal” leads to another world; Through the Tarot. Our app is a blend of the mystique of Tarot, with innovative technology for a unique, accessible experience for new readers, and those returning to brush up on their Tarot.
Tarot decks that currently work with the Tarot Portal app.
The Modern Witch Tarot Deck is one of my favorite decks. A modern take representing a more contemporary time. The deck is inspired by the Waite Smith deck, with a vibe more representative for example, of the San Francisco Bay Area where I live.
The Rider/Waite/Smith deck is the classic Tarot deck that has been used for hundreds of years as the standard of images and interpretation architypes. The deck was commissioned by Waite for the artist Pamela Smith to paint the images, and published by Rider.
About the Authors
Creators Ben Hawklyn and Cassie Boyd
Ben Hawklyn:
Program Developer
Ben Hawklyn became interested in Tarot after reading the book "The Midnight Circus," where Tarot seemed cool and mysterious. During the pandemic, he decided to dive deeper into studying Tarot. Finding it overwhelming to memorize all the details, Ben thought, "there should be an app for that", to scan the cards and pull up information. When he realized such an app didn't exist, he decided to create it himself. His goal with this augmented reality Tarot app is to blend the mystique of Tarot with innovative technology for a unique, accessible experience for new readers.
Cassie Boyd:
Content Author
Cassie Boyd began her journey with Tarot in 2003; she was motivated by a fascination with esotericism and personal growth. During her learning journey, she was inspired by the teachings of Carl Jung and Ellen Goldberg. Cassie is privileged enough to have propensity for memorization, as she has two STEM degrees, but she has witnessed many people struggle with barriers to memorizing tarot interpretations. When approached to write about the cards, Cassie felt called to share her insights and to make learning tarot more accessible to a diverse audience. Her Tarot descriptions emphasize self-care and actualizing the future that the querent may desire.
