How to Create a Randomized Card System in Notion
How I Turned a Simple Request into an Automated Tarot System on Notion.
A little while ago, I got an interesting request that seemed simple at first but quickly turned into a fascinating challenge.
A client asked if I could create a Notion template that would automate a Cross Tarot Spread with randomization.
Initially, I wasn’t too excited about the idea (it seemed like just another project). But as I started thinking it through, I realized there was more to it than I first thought.
What I had on my hands was a puzzle 🧩, and if there’s one thing us Notion nerds love, it’s solving puzzles with clever databases, rollups, and formulas.
What seemed like a straightforward task soon revealed itself to be a complex project requiring a lot of thought and creativity.
The Unexpected Challenge
The basic idea was to create a Notion template that could randomly draw tarot cards for a Celtic Cross spread.
Sounds simple, right?
But here’s where things got tricky:
I had to figure out how to randomize the card selection in a meaningful way,
simulate the experience of drawing cards right side up or upside down,
and calculate a fifth card based on the first four.
Not to mention, the template needed to feel intuitive and authentic, not just a series of random numbers.
Suddenly, this wasn’t just another template. It was an opportunity to push the limits of what you can do in Notion, and I couldn’t resist diving in to see just how far I could take it.
Breaking It Down: How I Built the System
1. The Cards Database: The Foundation
Building the Deck: First things first, I needed a solid foundation — a complete database for all the tarot cards. Each card had to have a unique identifier, an image, a name, and descriptions for both right-side-up and upside-down positions.
Creating Randomness: To simulate shuffling the deck, I created a formula to assign a random number to each card. This random number could be regenerated with a click of a button, giving users a new shuffle every time. This was where things got a bit math-heavy: the formula mixed timestamps with unique IDs to ensure a truly random experience.
Making it Interactive: I also set up rollups and formulas to interact with another database that would help select which cards would be drawn. This made the whole system dynamic, so each draw felt like a real tarot reading.
2. Random 4 Cards Database: Choosing the Spread
Selecting Cards: The next step was to create a system that would choose four cards at random from the main deck. I did this by sorting the cards based on their random numbers, then selecting the top four. This database played a crucial role in making sure each draw felt unique.
Keeping It Fresh: The sorting and selection process was designed to ensure that every time you shuffled the deck, you got a new set of cards for your spread. This added an element of surprise and kept the readings from feeling stale.
3. 5th Card Database: Calculating the Synthesis
The Calculation: Now, for the tricky part — the fifth card. The synthesis card needed to be calculated based on the numbers of the first four cards. I created a formula that summed up the numbers of these cards, and if the sum was greater than 21, it would break the number down and add the digits together. This kept the result within the range of the tarot deck and ensured the synthesis was relevant.
Adding Depth: This wasn’t just about drawing another random card. The synthesis card needed to add something meaningful to the reading, which meant the calculation had to be spot-on.
4. Random Direction Database: Handling Card Orientation
Right-Side-Up or Upside-Down?: The final step was to manage the orientation of each card. I needed to make sure no card could appear both right side up and upside down in the same reading. I set up a database to check the orientation and keep it consistent across the spread.
Ensuring Authenticity: This detail might seem small, but it was crucial for making the readings feel authentic and aligned with how tarot actually works.
The Result: An Automated Tarot Template That Actually Feels Right
After piecing everything together, I had a template that not only worked but felt genuinely engaging to use. The system was complex behind the scenes, but on the surface, it provided a smooth, seamless experience
Exactly what I was aiming for:
What started as a task I wasn’t too sure about became one of the more interesting projects I’ve tackled in Notion.
More infos about the template here.
Want to See How Far You Can Take Notion?
If you’re curious about what Notion can really do, or if you’re just looking for a unique project, I think you’ll find this template interesting. It’s a great example of how you can combine creativity with technical know-how to build something that’s both functional and engaging.
And for those of you looking to create similar systems, I hope this post has shown that with a bit of creativity and a willingness to experiment, you can push Notion to do things you might not have thought possible. So go ahead, give it a try, and see what you can build!