Over time I've begun to adapt digital versions of popular divination forms: i.e tarot and a yes no generator (literally a phone app version of magic-8 ball
). I like using these when I'm on the go or when I don't really have the energy or the time to get up, get my cards out or pendulum out, and do an analog reading.
I've found that the experiences are fundamentally different, and I like both for different reasons. I like the app versions because it eliminates any chance that I'll fudge a reading (for example, maybe I really want a 'yes' to a yes or no question, so I'll subconsciously swing the pendulum in that direction), or badly shuffle the cards (sometimes I'll get the same cards in an analog reading for different situations concerning different people, and I think it's because I'm not very good at shuffling). I approach digital versions of divination with the idea that the universe can still act through randomized and more impersonal generators to convey meaning. That being said, sometimes I have difficulty 'connecting' to whatever it is that I'm connecting to through a phone screen.
I like analog or more 'traditional' forms of reading when I really have the time to sit down, light candles, and breathe. Sometimes I can have a really good session with the cards, but to be honest, these sessions have been rare. It takes a lot of energy for me to do one good reading, energy I don't often have. Most of the time when I sit down with my physical deck of cards, I'll get a jumble that doesn't really make any sense. When it
does go well, and I feel connected and I get a cohesive answer I feel incredibly fulfilled, but these sessions are few and far between.
I think that this is a conversation worth having as we move into a more digital age. What are the benefits and pitfalls of digitalization?
How about you? Have you ever experimented with digital versions of popular forms of divination? Were you successful? Do you prefer 'traditional' forms of divination? Why?