(Auntie Verona weighs in.)

Pour yourself some tea—or something stronger—and let’s talk about a question I see pop up often: Do digital tarot decks actually work?

I came across this debate on Reddit, where someone wondered if using a tarot app or online random shuffler still carried the same energy as pulling physical cards. It’s a fair question, especially for beginners who want to learn without investing in a deck right away, or for folks who like to draw a quick card on the go.

Here’s my take:
Yes, darling, digital decks absolutely work.

Tarot is, at its heart, a tool for reflection and intuition. Whether your cards come from a screen or from a well-loved deck wrapped in silk, the wisdom still flows through you. The cards—physical or pixelated—are mirrors, not magic tricks.

If you want to try a digital pull for yourself, there are plenty of beautiful, user-friendly options online. A few that I’ve found feel intuitive and thoughtfully designed include:

• Random Tarot Generator
• Daily Tarot Draw

That said, there’s a certain intimacy that comes from handling real cards. The soft shuffle between your fingers, the way a favorite deck starts to hold your energy, the tiny quirks of a card that always seems to jump out at the right moment. Those sensory details help you connect more deeply—not just to the cards, but to yourself.

So, if you’re just learning or practicing daily pulls, digital decks are a wonderful place to start. They’re accessible, convenient, and can help you memorize meanings, layouts, and symbols without worrying about bending a card or losing one to the cat. But if you find yourself wanting to develop a more personal relationship with your readings, it might be time to find a physical deck that speaks to you.

And while we’re clearing up myths—no, you don’t have to be “gifted” your first deck. That old superstition can stay in the past. If a deck calls to you, buy it, adopt it, and make it yours.

So use the app. Pull the digital cards. Let your intuition do the talking. And when you’re ready, the right deck will find its way into your hands—because the real magic has always been you.