The Technologist 🤖

 

Recently, I was contemplating archetypes and the tarot when I realized that technology has become an archetype in our collective consciousness. It has elbowed its way into our daily lives, to the point where it’s not just a tool—it’s a force! Technology occupies significant space in both our minds and our world, making it a powerful energetic presence. Enter The Technologist 🤖

My journey with tarot has been fascinating. Through studying the cards and reading for myself and others, I learned what archetypes are and how they help us understand ourselves and our motivations. The imagery of the tarot has been instrumental in my personal growth.

Currently, I’m confined to a hospital, which has given me ample time for reflection and creativity. I’m fortunate to have access to tools that allow me to continue my creative projects and bring my ideas to life. A big part of that accessibility comes from AI—a technology I was initially skeptical about. Like many people, I worried about its invasiveness and the moral and legal implications of its rapid growth. It felt overwhelming, as though we were merely passengers on a runaway train that we built ourselves.

However, during my hospital stay, I came across a video about ChatGPT, and it was amazing!. I decided to try it, and now I’m a convert. This program has helped me stay creative and work through ideas during a very, very challenging time.

Technology has undoubtedly become its own entity, especially with the rise of AI. This inspired me to create a tarot card to represent it. The Technologist is a blend of modern technology and traditional tarot imagery. The card features a robot and a computer set against the backdrop of a classic tarot design. Although not an actual tarot card, The Technologist symbolizes the powerful role technology plays in our lives.

If The Technologist were part of a traditional tarot deck, here’s how I would interpret it:

The Symbolism of The Technologist

The Robot: Represents AI, its capacity for vast data storage, and its ability to process and deliver relevant information.

The Computer: Symbolizes all forms of electronic communication, from the internet and social media to emails and beyond.

The Rising Sun: A new dawn, marking the moment we recognized technology as a major force in the world.

The Terrain: Reflects the internet as the “wild west,” symbolizing its uncharted potential and rapid growth.

Possible Interpretations

If The Technologist appeared in a reading, it would offer plenty to explore. Here’s what it could represent:

Positive Meanings:

• Visionary thinking

• Genius and innovation

        •   Military and police force

•       Plans, blueprints, strategy

•       Uncharted territory

• All forms of technology (computers, robots, AI, social

                media, websites)

•       Digital footprint

•       Bitcoin and all cryptocurrency

• Science and medical advancements

• Cutting-edge systems

• Problem-solving in IT or programming

• Creating and designing apps, websites, or systems

•       Improvements, updates, upgrades

Challenging Meanings:

• Over-reliance on technology

• Systems failures, security breaches, or scams

• Deepfakes or bot interactions

• Difficulty connecting emotionally

• Academic arrogance or lack of social skills

• Being “chronically online”

        • Heartless, cold, calculating

Creating This Card: A Personal Journey

Creating The Technologist has been deeply personal. My history with technology began unexpectedly. When I joined the military through the delayed entry program, I planned to be a photojournalist. I envisioned myself working for Stars and Stripes, capturing action shots and documenting military life. But on the day I shipped out, I was told that the Army didn’t need any more photojournalists and instead wanted me to become a computer specialist—a job that required a much longer enlistment.

At 19 years old, I was devastated. I had only an hour to decide: take the offer or go home. Having already committed to joining the Army, I chose to stay. That decision turned out to be one of the best of my life. In 1992, computers were still new to most people, and I knew almost nothing about them. But by the end of my training, I had graduated at the top of my class. Working with computers came naturally to me, and I fell in love with technology.

In many ways, The Technologist feels like a reflection of me. But it’s not just me—it’s all of us. Anyone who uses the internet, posts, likes, comments or subscribes embodies the essence of The Technologist. It’s an archetype that reflects the role technology plays in all our lives.

Why This Card Feels Like a Missing Piece

The Technologist fills a gap in the tarot. For example, there’s no card that specifically represents a doctor, yet modern archetypes like doctors, scientists, and technologists are deeply relevant to our evolving world. This card can stand in for those roles and more, capturing the energy of innovation, creativity, and progress.

If The Technologist appeared in your reading, how would you interpret it? 🤖