Tarot Works

TarotWorks is an elegant freeware Tarot reading and analysis program by Simon Poisson, distributed via Info-Mac and Macintosh Garden in version 1.3 (2001). It generates authentic Tarot card readings on any subject, automates in-depth interpretive analyses, and supports a plug-in system for adding full-sized card decks, alternate layouts, and new interpretation libraries.

Reading workflow

The program walks you through a complete divinatory session: choose a layout, frame your subject, then either shuffle on screen or shuffle a physical deck and key in the cards drawn by hand. TarotWorks then assembles a written analysis you can save, print, annotate with your own observations, or export for later review.

Tree of Life and numerology

Beyond standard spreads, TarotWorks calculates special readings rooted in numerology and visualizes the Tarot's Kabbalistic Tree of Life structure, with an "overlay multiple Tree of Life displays" mode improved in v1.3 for comparing readings side by side.

Plug-in architecture

A simple Tarot Plug-Ins folder lets you drop in extra modules: gorgeous full-sized deck images (the Rider-Waite deck ships as a separate companion download), alternate spread layouts, and additional card interpretations. The base program is deck-agnostic and uses a generic illustrative set until plug-ins are installed.

Requirements and licensing

TarotWorks 1.3 is a fat binary running on 68030 or faster (68k and PowerPC) under Mac OS 7.0 through 9.1, in 8 MB RAM and 6 MB of disk, color monitor required. It is free of charge but explicitly not public domain; the Macintosh Garden listing includes a registration name and code (Joann Burkart / TWJMD62299CL397) for unlocking full features.