So you wanna get a reading but don’t know what you’re doing.
tarot works best in open ended questions. basically anything that’s not easily answered with a “yes” or a “no.” let’s explore some ways you can get creative with your questions.
Self Exploration
This is my favorite way to do readings. Tarot cards are the perfect tool to sit down and quietly think about your mindset and approach to things. These cards can be a perfect mirror if you’re struggling with a topic or need to see a situation from a new angle.
Let’s look at some examples:
Why do I truly want to become a(n) insert career here?
What past situation am I stuck on/why can’t I move on?
What do I believe in?
The reason these questions work so well is because you are putting yourself in your own shoes. Often times you already know the answer to these questions, but you’re hiding from them because change is scary- or even being wrong about something. This is a safe place to think about yourself without judgement and analyze what you’re doing right and wrong in your own life. Truly the possibilities are endless here.
Inspiration
If you’re a creative type or just need something new to do- tarot can be a super fun way to find it. Whether you’re trying to gather elements for a new story, colors for an original character or simply need a new genre of movie to watch- asking the cards is a unique way to explore ideas.
Let’s look at some examples:
What show should I watch?
What should I do to pass the time?
How should I dress tomorrow?
Truthfully this section is so vast with opportunity it is impossible for me to type them all out. What a fun way to explore the possibilities. This can be an effective tool for writers block, too. Or if you just want a challenge for your next art project. The cards are your oyster.
Nonsense Goofiness
People often forget that tarot doesn’t have to be so serious all the time. Use it for fun!
Let’s look at some examples:
What does my cat think of me?
What would insert fictional character here say to me if we were friends?
Dare me.
Tarot cards started as a game and I don’t see why we can’t revive that. Even if you’re not the type of person to dive deep into your psyche, this practice can still be rewarding for a passive enjoyer. Enjoy it with ease.
Advice
so this kinda overlaps with self exploration but I find it to be more tangible to your everyday life. If you like to use tarot for productive purposes then this is for you! The cards are such a good mirror to challenge your way of thinking, but also a great tool to lay out all your choices in front of you.
What are my worst habits?
Should I go towards X or Y?
What should I do to improve my mood long term?
Remember, Tarot won’t make a choice for you, but it will absolutely help you see the bigger picture for what you’re deciding.
Predictions
This is probably what tarot is most known for. If you’re new to the practice, you’ve probably always heard of picking one of these and it describing your past present and future. While that is something you can try, it is not so simple.
Disclaimer: this is largely faith based. If you disagree in the power of the cards then that is completely valid and fine. Remember that nobody is right and nobody is wrong. Respect everyone’s beliefs.
Tarot can describe the path you are currently set on. For example, you may ask the cards about a project at work and it can tell you how there will be conflict between coworkers over unbalanced workloads. However, you have free will to change this. So, if this was your reading, you have the power to change the future. You could hold a meeting with your team to allocate responsibilities in a way that feels satisfying for everybody. Or you could also just quit your job- it’s your life.
Point is, Tarot predictions are not set in stone. They just have the ability to showcase the path that’s laid in front of you.
Now, let’s see some examples:
What’s 2025 have in store for my career?
What will happen after I move to the mountains?
let’s clarify something with this next question.
When will insert event here happen?
Tarot and timing are complex. It’s not always likely that the cards will straight up give you a number. If anything, it’s pretty rare and I wouldn’t expect any sort of date to pop out at you. Instead, tarot will describe events or feelings that will happen around the event; like what may occur to alert you that it is unfolding.
Relationships
If you’re a veteran in the community, then you know this is the top most asked question in the history of divination. To be loved or to lose it- that is always the question. So many readings get posted a day on this topic across multiple platforms with hundreds and thousands of comments claiming the message that their sweetheart will message them in 10 business days.
Yeah sure, again this can be an excellent mirror to assess your feelings, or someone else’s, but nothing is more effective than communicating effectively to the person you are inquiring about. Don’t get me wrong, I love reading these questions. But I do not believe in using tarot as a substitute for genuine conversation with a person.
What are some of the most popular questions surrounding this topic?
How does X feel about me?
When will B reach out?
Why is Z acting so shady?
There are so many ways to read on this topic, yet it always seems like it revolves around what we can gain from someone else. Let’s reverse this inward and see what questions we can find.
What can I do to be a better partner?
What is straining my relationship with my family member?
What’s my love language? Or, in what ways do I need to be loved that I’m not verbalizing?
What went wrong?
Tarot is for fun above all else, if you’re anxious going into a reading then you’re doing it wrong! If you conduct a reading expecting the cards to give you a single answer and you’re disappointed by what comes out, you are not in an ideal headspace to ask this question. Assess yourself and see if asking on this topic is productive to you or if it will truly provide you with ease.
Spirituality and Religion
Some people like to incorporate tarot with their personal practice. Cards can be a nice way to meditate and engage in prayer, or communicate with your figurehead.
Disclaimer: this is largely faith based. Remember that nobody is right and nobody is wrong. Respect everyone’s beliefs.
Let’s look at some examples:
How can I better serve God?
What do my ancestors want to show me?
What does my deceased loved one want to tell me?
Who are my guides?
Whatever you choose to align yourself with Spirit is your decision. There is no wrong way to pray or to live authentically to your soul. Be blessed and feel peaceful.
Additional notes on questions
Yes or No
As I mentioned in the beginning, tarot is at its best when presented with an open ended question. But me saying that might not stop you from wanted to ask a yes or no question, and that’s fine. Let’s just make sure you understand what you’re getting into if you plan on asking one!
Some people like to ask the cards with a simple upright/reversal trick. For more experienced readers, you may also be able to derive an answer from the original meaning of the card. This is pretty difficult and also depends on the reader entirely. I do not subscribe to using reversals for simple answers, personally.
If I’m going to ask a yes or no question, I will shuffle a variety of cards and take it more so as advice from the cards rather than a straight answer. Tarot is a tool above all else to give you a full understanding of both sides. An opinion can be made from the big picture that the cards give you. I do not like to give my own personal opinion when conducting these, but sometimes the cards do tend to favor one option above the others.
Not a substitute for serious topics
Tarot should NEVER be used for predictions on health, pregnancy or legal matters. Tarot is for fun and reflection above all else. Please seek help through a professional if something is concerning to you- NOT A STRANGER!
This is a big rule of thumb for all tarot readers. Never ever ask this question to a reader and most importantly, if a reader offers you this- RUN!!!! Your reader is obligated to provide a safe and fun service for you. Conducting these readings are unethical on their part and should be avoided at all costs.
Ethical Reading
Speaking on the topic of unethical readers- let’s talk briefly about what that means.
Your reader should always keep your information confidential and never ever share it with anyone ever! This is for you and you alone. If you wish to share your reading with others then that is for you to decide. Nobody is obligated to know what you discuss with us, just like a therapist.
Readers should never give readings on health, pregnancy and legal matters. See above topic.
An experienced reader should never solely read line for line from their tarot guidebook. If a reader markets themselves as professional they should not be studying on the job. This does not apply to oracle cards or other forms of cartomancy. If someone is reading for fun or for practice- or if they alert you to being an apprentice at the skill- then that is also fine. I do not support manipulating clients.
A reader should never paywall you to finish a reading. If you purchase a reading then you are entitled to the full reading. No “if you wish to hear the rest you must provide an additional $15. There may be instances where readers pay by the minute or the hour, and ask if you would like to extend in order to read further on a topic. If a reader is up front about this then it is on you whether you agree to those terms. This is not an invalid way to price you this service! However, if your cards have already been drawn and your reader is barring you from the full information- then that is manipulative and an attempt to garner as much money from you as possible.
Not all readers are created equal. Not all readers are the same. I myself do not use spreads while many other readers do. We all have different styles and different vocabulary to provide you with a special experience. If you find you dislike a readers way of reading, but you don’t find it unethical- then that is okay. Some things just don’t work out. Like a hairdresser! If you ever feel dissatisfied with the quality of your reading then don’t hesitate to discuss it. We are here to help you!
Final thoughts
Tarot has been the most liberating tool I have ever used. It’s inspiring and diverse in the ways I can use it to add purpose to my life. The best part about doing tarot professionally as the way I can impact other people. Whether it’s a fun reading where I get to unveil your new plan to renovate your kitchen- or if I can share words of wisdom from a loved one beyond the grave, there is no shortage of hope here.
I hope this list helped you find what you’re looking for!