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Asking the right type of question is the best way to get a helpful reading.
By Amanda Sawyer — Last updated on Sep 23, 2022
Tarot cards are an ancient form of divination. Asking the cards questions resulting in true insights is an art that anyone can learn, which starts first by asking the right questions.
When reading the Tarot, first it's important to know that there is hierarchy within the 78 cards. The 22 Major Arcana cards involve internal circumstances. The 56 Minor Arcana cards can give you insight into things that are out of your control or influence your environment.
When you are starting out with tarot readings, whether you're seeking a tarot card reader to assist you or performing readings for yourself, you'll want to allow the tarot cards to express openly and they do have a lot to say.
Tarot cards do their "speaking" with symbols, and each card is loaded with them. Just remember to think of questions that are simple, and don't ask too many questions at one time.
You'll want the reading to have a clear focus. Keeping to a theme is also a good idea as it allows the card symbols to have continuity as you move through your reading.
However, there are also other things to keep in mind in order to get an accurate reading.
How To Get An Accurate Tarot Reading
1. Use open-ended questions.
Questions that leave room for the energy to flow are vital for a great tarot card reading.
For instance, if you pull The Fool card and you had asked a question like, "Why haven't I received a call back for the job I interviewed for?" then your takeaway will be less than helpful.
Instead, had you instead asked something like, "What should I do to get a job?" the Fool card would then have indicated being optimistic and taking chances in putting yourself out there in new ways towards success.
Don't ask: Why won't he commit to me? When will I find love?
Instead, ask: How can I improve the closeness in my relationship? What can I do to improve my love life?
The first set of questions are limited and have the energy of lack; putting that into your reading could end up leaving you with a rather negative reading and more confused for the effort.
Tarot isn't meant to be used that way. If you create open questions, there is plenty of room to follow the course the cards are laying out.
When you consider what you most need insights for, you'll need to stick to open-ended questions. This type of questioning allows the cards more space to make impactful statements and lets there be an open air to what you're asking.
Trying to force an answer from the cards is likely to result in a reading that is more of a challenge to read — and not the fun kind.
2. Ask constructive questions for insight and direction.
When you do this, the energy of the cards have room to move toward providing deeper meaning to your reading. If you ask rigid questions, you have stifled the cards' ability to energetically communicate with you.
Constructive questions: How can I let go? What can I do to get a great job?
These types of questions are constructive, with the tarot cards working toward examining what's holding you back and how to move forward.
Non-constructive questions: Will he contact me? When will I get a job?
These types of questions are more reflective of a helpless nature and are not considered constructive.
Take ownership of your questions. You may be tempted to ask questions such as: Why hasn't he called me? When will I have a new job offer? Will my vacation be fun?
Maybe it seems like those types of questions are perfectly reasonable, but for the Tarot, they are just not going to work. Keep your questions themed around what you can do, take personal ownership of the questions, and the insights will focus directly on you.
If you are thinking of questions that revolve around what someone else is doing, know that in the Tarot world that is considered a no-no, as it's invasive to the other person and will prove to just give odd, mixed up readings. The cards are there to read your energy, not someone else's.
3. Don't hesitate to ask clarification questions provide more direction and focus.
Clarification questions are, essentially, follow-up questions to the initial question asked. Clarification questions are meant to give the cards more insight, which provides more detail.
Clarification questions to ask: How can I be successful in achieving my dreams? What can I do to improve my financial income?
Questions like these are empowering and can allow the tarot cards to guide you through with suggestions.
Clarification questions to avoid: Will my dreams come true? When will I make more money?
Questions like these seem more reflective of not being a part of your own life. There is a helplessness to them, meaning the Tarot will give confusing answers as a response.
4. Ask questions from a specific standpoint.
Always focus on the present. We only live in the present; the past is the present gone and the future is the present that hasn't come yet. No matter the way you look at it, you'll always be in the now.
This, as in the now, is the time to work on creating a life you love, so ask your questions from that standpoint. Don't fuss over what might happen someday, and instead look for what you can do now to be happy.
Do ask: What can I do now to be happy?
Asking this question is great and gives a self-empowered energy to your reading. Tarot can give you step-by-step insights on the energy you are currently embodying and the energies you should embrace to get where you need to be.
Don't ask: When will I be happy?
This question is a mixed signal, as happiness has to happen in the now. Tarot will not understand this type of question.
With some ideas on how to approach your tarot card readings, have fun, keep an open mind, and keep your focus on what you can do.
85 Best Questions To Ask The Tarot
Tarot Questions About Love
1. Am I ready to begin a new relationship?
2. What should I look for in a potential partner?
3. How can I stop making the same mistakes in relationships?
4. What do I need most in a relationship?
5. How will I know if I've found my soulmate?
6. How can I attract the right partner for me?
7. Are my boyfriend/girlfriend and I headed in a healthy direction?
8. What is holding me back from love?
9. Can I trust my significant other?
10. How can I strengthen my relationship?
11. What can I do to open my heart to finding love?
12. What challenges do I need to overcome in order to find my soulmate?
13. What personal things do I need to work on to find true happiness in love?
14. How does my crush feel about me?
15. How can I improve my relationship?
Tarot Questions About Life
16. How can I grow spiritually?
17. How do I know if I'm on the right path in life?
18. Who do I truly want to be?
19. How do I stop neglecting my own needs?
20. What fears are holding me back?
21. What have my fears prevented me from accomplishing?
22. Why do I never feel happy?
23. What lessons can I learn from my past mistakes?
24. How can I love myself more?
25. What can I do to manage my emotions in a healthier way?
26. What should I focus on for my personal growth?
27. What false beliefs do I have about myself?
28. What can I do to be more confident?
29. Who am I really, at my core?
30. How can I treat myself better?
Tarot Questions About Health
31. How can I improve my health?
32. What can I do to heal my body?
33. What can I do to heal my mind?
34. How can I reduce stress?
35. How can I reduce anxiety?
36. Where does my anxiety originate from?
37. What is preventing me from reaching optimal health?
38. How can I stop my bad habits?
39. What lifestyle changes should I make?
40. How can I work to prevent serious health issues?
41. What can I do to deal with health issues I currently have?
42. What can I do to cope with mental health issues?
43. What can I do to increase my energy levels?
44. How do I stay mindful of my mental and physical well-being?
45. What current issues am I ignoring regarding my health?
Tarot Questions About Friendships & Family
46. How can I strengthen my friendships?
47. How can I be a better friend or family member?
48. How do I avoid toxic friendships?
49. How do I know if my friendship is toxic?
50. How do my friends and family members see me?
51. What positive qualities do I bring to my friendships?
52. What do I take for granted about my friends or family members?
53. How can I support my friends through tough times?
54. What can I do to make my friendships last?
55. What boundaries do I set in my friendships?
56. How do I make more friends?
57. How can I have a better social life?
58. What do I take for granted about my family?
59. How can I heal broken family connections?
60. What past issues are affecting my relationships with my family?
Tarot Questions About Career
61. What can I do to find the right job for me?
62. How can I succeed in pursuing my career dreams?
63. What are my weaknesses when it comes to my career?
64. What are my strengths when it comes to my career?
65. What do I dislike most about my career?
66. What do I like most about my career?
67. How do I know if I'm on the right career path?
68. How can I advance my career?
69. What mistakes am I making with my job?
70. How can I achieve work-life balance?
71. Do I have any natural talents and abilities that will advance my career?
72. Is there anything holding me back from reaching my full potential?
73. How can I feel happy at work?
74. Is there anything blocking me from being successful?
75. What career field would make me feel most fulfilled?
Tarot Questions About Money
76. What is my mindset regarding money?
77. What can I do to earn more money?
78. What is preventing me from earning more money?
79. How do I prevent myself from making poor financial decisions?
80. How can I improve my relationship with money and finances?
81. How does money make me feel?
82. What sacrifices should I make to have more money?
83. What should I be wary of that could negatively affect my finances?
84. Are there any projects I should work on to attract more money?
85. How can my current financial situation help me achieve my dream life?
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Amanda Sawyer is a writer and Mississippi native who is interested in science, astrology, Tarot, anthropology, and spiritualism.