Free automated tarot readings are those that you can find on the internet. There are many appealing sites, but be forewarned, many of them will give your computer viruses! The term "automated" means that the reading is mechanically produced by a computer. Computers are amazing tools and capable of doing many things better and faster than humans, so it is only natural that computer programs would be designed to make tarot readings easier and more convenient as well. Automated readings, however, eliminate the human factor all together and this is not always a good thing, especially when it concerns divination. Human intuition is a key factor in effective and accurate readings. If we are to eliminate the intuitive powers of human influence, it should at least be replaced with a higher power rather than a more technical device.

At any rate, automated tarot readings are popular among a diverse spectrum of people and they are quite easy to find. Automated readings offer a person the opportunity to try out tarot without the scrutiny of nay-sayers. It is private and discrete, thereby allowing the curious novice anonymity when first venturing out into unknown waters. Automated tarot readings also allow you to try it out over and over and as many times as you want. Finally, another advantage to the automated readings is that they are "free". If you are at all curious, however, you will soon be tempted to pay for more complete readings as most of the "free" ones are just a tempting sampling.

While it can be frustrating to find an acceptable site for your free automated tarot reading, you could try Tarot.com. This is a good site where you can get a sample of the Celtic Cross spread in a 3-card version, i.e., condensed, readings for free. You will not get far into the reading before you are asked for personal information, but they do not require more than a first name, email address and a password into their site so you can access your reading. (Of course, this will ultimately put you on an automated list for receiving lots of emails.)

The program invites you to first pose a question and it provides advice or suggestions as to how to form questions that work best for tarot. For example, "what is the best way to relate to so-and-so at this time?" as opposed to asking "is so-and-so the right person for me?" Then the next click gives you a deck of cards. Three clicks later and the icon at the bottom of the page starts spinning and your reading is being processed.

Just remember, free automated tarot readings are fast, easy and convenient, but they are by no means a replacement for the real deal - that is, a face to face encounter with a skilled tarot reader. So if you do sign up for an automated reading, don't forget your local reader and be sure to do your part to keep her in business.