A Critical Look at the Lilith & The Machine Tarot Deck: Beauty, AI, and Ethical Consumption
First Impressions: A Deck of Dark Allure
When I first laid eyes on the Lilith & The Machine Tarot Deck, I was immediately struck by its gothic elegance. The artwork is undeniably captivating—moody, intricate, and dripping with aesthetic appeal. As someone who collects tarot decks not just for divination but as pieces of art, I was eager to add this one to my shelf.
But here’s the thing: I bought this deck over two years ago, and only recently did I finally unbox it. (Yes, I have a problem with delayed gratification.) As I pulled each card from its packaging, I marveled at the rich textures, the haunting figures, and the almost cinematic quality of the illustrations. Yet, something lingered in the back of my mind—tiny details that felt off. A hand with too many fingers. A face just slightly uncanny in its symmetry. At the time, I chalked it up to stylistic choice—after all, surrealism and distortion are common in esoteric art.
The Revelation: AI’s Hand in the Craft
It wasn’t until I revisited the deck’s description that I noticed a crucial detail:
"This deck was painstakingly designed using a mixture of digital art, photographic work, and AI art."
Ah. So that explained it. Those subtle imperfections weren’t artistic liberties—they were artifacts of AI generation.
Now, let me be clear: I don’t inherently oppose AI in art. Technology has always been a tool for creators, and AI can be used ethically—especially when disclosed transparently, as it was here. But this revelation made me pause. Should a tarot deck, a sacred tool of symbolism and human intuition, carry the same value when part of its artistry is machine-generated?
The Ethical Dilemma: Paying Premium for AI-Assisted Art
The Lilith & The Machine Tarot Deck isn’t cheap. At $99.00 AUD, it sits firmly in the mid-to-high range for indie decks. For that price, many collectors expect fully handcrafted artistry—something painstakingly drawn, painted, or meticulously collaged by a human hand.
So, does the inclusion of AI diminish its worth?
Arguments For:
The deck is visually stunning, and AI was clearly used as a tool rather than a crutch.
The artist disclosed its use, allowing buyers to make informed decisions.
AI-assisted art is still art—just as photography didn’t kill painting, AI won’t kill human creativity.
A photo of the Lilith and the Machine tarot deck laid out for closer examination.
Arguments Against:
Tarot is deeply personal, and many practitioners value the human energy imbued in a deck.
Pricing feels steep for a product that (partially) automates the creative process.
Early AI art has tells—strange anatomy (weird hands) and repetitive textures—that can break immersion.
Final Thoughts: A Beautiful Deck, But Is It for You?
At the end of the day, the Lilith & The Machine Tarot Deck is a gorgeous, moody, and well-produced piece of art. If you’re drawn to its aesthetic and don’t mind AI’s involvement, it may still be a worthy addition to your collection.
But if you’re someone who values entirely human-made decks or is wary of AI’s role in spiritual tools, this might give you pause. Personally? I don’t regret buying it—but now that I know, I’m not sure I’d pay the same price again.
What do you think? Would you buy an AI-assisted tarot deck? Where do you draw the line between artistic innovation and tradition? Let’s discuss in the comments.