From your cards to a little clarity.

1. Choose a spread

Open Arcana and choose Start a Free Reading for a guided session, or Upload a Spread if your cards are already laid out. Start with one card for a daily focus or three cards for a short reflection. Larger layouts give each card a more specific position.

You can add a question or continue with an open reading. Arcana includes one free reading per day; Premium adds unlimited readings and advanced spreads.

2. Draw and arrange your own cards

Choose tarot or playing cards, shuffle your physical deck, and lay out the cards in the positions shown. Arcana supports your physical-card practice; it does not draw random cards for you.

If a card falls out while you shuffle, you can record it separately as a dropped or jumper card. Decide whether to include it in your reflection.

3. Upload a photo or enter cards by hand

Photograph the whole spread in good light, with each card visible and in its intended position. Upload the photo for AI identification, or enter the card names manually.

Review every identified card, its position, and its upright or reversed orientation. Correct mistakes before you request an interpretation. AI recognition can be wrong, especially with unfamiliar deck artwork.

4. Read and reflect

AI readings use Google Gemini to interpret your cards, their positions, and the context you choose to provide. Hosted AI is available without your own API key. An optional Gemini key in Settings lets you send requests directly to Google.

You can also choose a classic reading based on built-in card meanings. Once the app has loaded, classic readings do not need an AI connection. AI features need internet access and service availability.

Treat the reading as an invitation to notice patterns, consider possibilities, and choose your own next step. It is reflective guidance rather than a guaranteed prediction or professional advice.

5. Keep what helps

Save a reading, download a printable reading infographic, and use the Premium journal to record personal reflections. Premium also includes narration and reading comparisons.

Your archive stays in the browser you use. Export a journal backup before changing browsers or clearing site data. Read more about privacy and storage, or visit the FAQ.