With so many new tarot and oracle decks being released, it’s becoming harder to tell how a deck was actually created. AI-generated and AI-assisted decks are now part of the landscape, and not every creator is transparent about their process.
As a reviewer, artist, and deck creator, I’ve learned there are certain patterns you can look for. None of these are absolute proof on their own, but when you start noticing multiple signs together, it becomes easier to get a clearer picture.
1. Look Closely at the Details
AI images often struggle with small, consistent details.
Pay attention to:
- Hands and fingers that look slightly off or inconsistent
- Jewelry, symbols, or objects that change shape between cards
- Text that looks distorted or unreadable
- Background elements that feel random or don’t fully connect
Individually, these might be easy to overlook. Across a full deck, patterns start to stand out.
2. Check for Style Consistency
A cohesive tarot deck usually feels like it exists in one visual world.
With AI-generated decks, you might notice:
- Different art styles from card to card
- Lighting that shifts dramatically without intention
- Characters that don’t look like they belong in the same universe
Strong AI-assisted decks often fix this through editing, so inconsistency can be a sign of minimal refinement.
3. Pay Attention to Symbolism
Tarot is built on structure and meaning.
Ask yourself:
- Do the symbols match the traditional meaning of the card?
- Do recurring themes show up intentionally across the deck?
- Do the images support interpretation, or just look visually appealing?
AI can generate beautiful images, but without tarot knowledge, the symbolism can feel random or disconnected.
4. Read the Guidebook
The guidebook can tell you a lot about a deck.
Look for:
- Personal insight from the creator
- Unique interpretations or thoughtful explanations
- A consistent voice throughout
Be cautious if:
- The meanings feel generic or repetitive
- The writing lacks depth or personal connection
- It reads like it could apply to any deck
A strong guidebook usually reflects the creator’s understanding and journey, not just surface-level meanings.
5. Look at the Creator’s Process
If the creator shares their process, take a look.
Helpful signs of hands-on work include:
- Sketches, drafts, or work-in-progress images
- Discussions about symbolism and design choices
- Behind-the-scenes content showing how the deck evolved
A lack of process does not automatically mean AI was used, but transparency often builds trust.
6. Check How Fast the Deck Was Made
Creating a full tarot or oracle deck takes time.
If a creator is releasing multiple decks very quickly, or completing a full deck in a short timeframe without showing development, it may be worth looking closer.
Speed alone is not proof, but combined with other signs, it can raise questions.
7. Read the Description Carefully
Some creators are open about using AI, others are not.
Look for wording like:
- “digitally created”
- “AI-assisted”
- “mixed media”
Vague descriptions are not always a red flag, but clarity and honesty are always a good sign.
8. Trust Your Intuition as a Reader
If you read tarot regularly, you’ll start to notice how different decks feel in practice.
Ask yourself:
- Does this deck feel connected as a system?
- Do the cards flow naturally in readings?
- Does the imagery support deeper interpretation?
Sometimes a deck can look beautiful but feel flat when used. That feeling is worth paying attention to.
Not every AI deck is the same.
Some are fully generated with little refinement, while others are carefully edited and shaped by the creator.
The goal is not to judge too quickly, but to be aware.
A tarot deck is more than just artwork. It is a system, a tool, and for many people, part of a spiritual journey. Understanding how a deck was made can help you decide whether it aligns with your values, your practice, and the kind of work you want to support.
At the end of the day, it comes down to awareness, intention, and connection.
My biggest pet peeve is when creators or publishers don’t disclose the information. Imo, consumers should have that information available that way they can decide if they want to spend their hard earned money on AI decks. Some people don’t care, and others don’t want that in their collection. So imo the information should be disclosed. There’s only one publisher who has always been honest about the use of AI and it’s printed right on the back of the decks. Other publishers, I know have decks that have used AI but have not disclosed it or have tried to silence people in their comments on IG by deleting any questions about AI use. And I’ve seen indie creators do the same thing.
I understand what you mean. Transparency really does make a difference when people are deciding how they want to spend their money and what they feel aligned supporting.
Not everyone is going to feel the same way about AI, and that is part of why disclosure matters. It gives people the ability to choose based on their own values, whether they care about the process or not.
I also think avoiding or deleting questions tends to create more mistrust than just being upfront. Even a simple acknowledgment of how the deck was made can go a long way in building credibility.
Yeah, 100%. That’s why to me it’s so wild that there’s so much dishonesty around all of this.