Tarot, by MP Software, is a self-contained tarot reader intended to enable the user to receive enlightenment using this ancient method of fortune telling. For the uninitiated, the tarot uses a pack of 78 cards made up of two sections, known as the major and minor 'arcanas'. The major arcana is similar to an ordinary pack of playing cards with four suits named wands, cups, swords and pentacles, with an extra card, the page, in each suit.

The pack is shuffled and dealt out face down in an arrangement known as a 'lay'. The cards are revealed and from their position and meanings interpretations are made which are intended to enlighten the user on aspects of his or her problem or query.

MP's simulation is written in Basic and takes a little over four minutes to load. To start, brief instructions explaining how to use the program are given on screen. A reading is given under seven separate headings - the state of mind and body, home life, etc, each comprising three cards together with their interpretation.

To benefit from a reading, it is important to have a specific problem in mind and to concentrate on that problem as the reading continues. Whether it leads to a solution will depend on how seriously you take the tarot as a form of psychology, and whether you believe your state of mind can influence the random selection of a computer. Some of the mysticism of the tarot may be lost be having readings readily available on your ZX81.

Tarot has apparently been written with the aid of a practising Magi, indeed MP Software claim the author is descended from an 18th century mystic, William Blake. For £15, one is entitled to a high level of 'expert' input, although at that high price this cassette is likely to appeal more to the already enlightened tarot user than the interested ZX81 owner. I cannot see it converting many sceptics.

Tarot costs £15 from MP Software, 3 Pine View Close, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 1DU