How are tarot card draws randomised in the API?
The API uses a Mulberry32 seeded pseudo-random number generator (PRNG). If you pass a question parameter, the question is hashed (djb2) to produce a deterministic integer seed. The same question always produces the same cards — this mirrors the traditional idea that a question "calls" specific cards. If you omit the question, a time-based seed is used for a fresh draw each time. You can also pass a seed= integer directly to produce a custom seeded draw.
What are elemental dignities in tarot?
Elemental dignity is a Golden Dawn system for interpreting how adjacent cards affect each other based on their elemental rulership. Fire and Air are friendly (strengthen each other). Earth and Water are friendly. Fire and Water are hostile (weaken each other). Air and Earth are hostile. Same element is very strong (doubled power). The API automatically computes dignity relationships between all cards in a spread and includes them in the response.
Are reversed cards supported?
Yes. Pass allow_reversed=true to enable reversed cards in draws. Each card object includes a reversed boolean field and a meaning field containing the reversed interpretation when the card is upside-down. Reversed cards are randomised at ~40% probability to mirror typical reader practice.
Which tarot deck does the API use?
The API uses the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system — the most universally recognised tarot deck, basis for 90%+ of decks in publication. All 78 cards are included: 22 Major Arcana (The Fool through The World) and 56 Minor Arcana across four suits (Wands/Fire, Cups/Water, Swords/Air, Pentacles/Earth). Each card includes its planet, zodiac, numerology, and astrological correspondences per the Golden Dawn tradition.
Can I use the Tarot API with my Vedic astrology integration?
Yes — and this is a unique feature. The Tarot cards share the same astrological correspondences (planets, signs, elements) as Vedic astrology. You can cross-reference a client's natal chart with their tarot reading. For example, a client with a strong Saturn placement who draws the World card (Saturn-ruled, Earth element) creates a meaningful combined interpretation. Our AI endpoints (Enterprise plan) can interpret tarot and Vedic chart data together.