recall

Semantic Memory Recall

This skill searches through semantic memory indexes for associative recall of past conversations, themes, and context.

When to Use This Skill

Use proactively when:

• User asks about past conversations or events
• User references "that time when..." or "remember when..."
• Historical context would enrich your response
• User asks about themes discussed previously
• You need to recall what was said about a topic

Two Memory Systems

1. SQLite FTS5 (Keyword Search)

Fast keyword matching with BM25 ranking.

~/.claude-mind/system/bin/memory-index search "query" [limit]

Best for: Specific terms, names, dates, exact phrases

2. Chroma Vector Database (Semantic Search)

Embedding-based similarity search - finds related content even with different wording.

~/.claude-mind/system/bin/chroma-query "query" [n_results]

Best for: Themes, concepts, "conversations like X", finding related discussions

Search Strategy

1. Determine query type:

   • Specific term/name/date → Use FTS5 first
   • Theme/concept/vague reference → Use Chroma first
   • Comprehensive search → Use both

2. Run searches:

# Keyword search (FTS5)
~/.claude-mind/system/bin/memory-index search "coffee shops" 10

# Semantic search (Chroma)
~/.claude-mind/system/bin/chroma-query "conversations about morning routines" 5

# For comprehensive recall, run both
~/.claude-mind/system/bin/memory-index search "project planning" 5
~/.claude-mind/system/bin/chroma-query "discussions about work priorities and goals" 5

3. Synthesize results: Combine findings from both systems, noting dates and context.

Output Format

When presenting recalled memories:

• Lead with the most relevant finding
• Include dates to establish timeline
• Quote key excerpts when helpful
• Note which system found each result (keyword vs semantic match)
• Connect findings to the user's current question

Examples

User: "What did we talk about when I was at that coffee shop?"

# Semantic search for coffee shop conversations
~/.claude-mind/system/bin/chroma-query "coffee shop conversation" 5

# Keyword backup
~/.claude-mind/system/bin/memory-index search "coffee" 5

User: "Remember that discussion about Q1 planning?"

# Semantic for the theme
~/.claude-mind/system/bin/chroma-query "Q1 planning discussion goals priorities" 5

# Keyword for specifics
~/.claude-mind/system/bin/memory-index search "Q1" 5

User: "What have I said about my work situation?"

# Broad semantic search
~/.claude-mind/system/bin/chroma-query "work job career situation feelings" 10

# Follow up with specific terms found
~/.claude-mind/system/bin/memory-index search "specific_term_found" 5

Data Sources

Both systems index:

• Episode logs (daily conversation records)
• Reflections (dream cycle outputs)
• Learnings
• Observations
• Decisions
• Person profiles

Results include source type and date for context.