What Questions Should You Ask the Tarot?

When I sit down with a client for a reading, I ask them if there's anything they want to focus on today.

“I have a question," they often say, "but I’m not sure I am supposed to say it out loud.”

There are so many strange little superstitions and misconceptions around tarot readings, and unfortunately, they can really impact the quality of your reading, and the messages you receive.

One of the muddiest areas is about what kind of questions to bring to a tarot reading. I’ve had some clients express complete surprise when I’ve asked if they would like to focus their reading on a question or a topic: “Oh! I didn’t know I was allowed to ask anything.”

Of course you can ask questions - and say them out loud.

How else is your reader going to know what you're wondering about? 

Sure, some tarot readers like to read "cold," figuring out your question on their own. But many, including myself, want to know your question off the top to get into the heart of the reading as fast as possible.

Otherwise, your tarot reading might turn into a guessing game.

Why? When someone shows up to a reading with a question that they are hoping to get clarity on, but they don’t let their reader know about it, then that client can leave feeling more confused than before. The messages that come through might sound jumbled or disconnected, or even irrelevant.

This can leave someone feeling disappointed with their reading overall, as they didn’t get what they had hoped for. And it won’t make the tarot reader feel any better, either. Most people do this kind of work because they want to help others, not to have them leave with less clarity than when they came in.

So what should you keep in mind when it comes to tarot questions?

1. First, get to know the tarot reader you are going to see.

Check out their blog or their website. What do they specialize in? What is their style?

Look for a reader who echoes the things you are looking for. If you need motivation or clarity, find a reader who you feel might inspire you into action.

Some tarot readers specialize in certain areas of focus, such as relationships, while others are more general in their approach.

Some are predictive, others more focused on counselling or coaching.

Find someone who resonates with you, and who you feel you can trust. Entering into a reading with an open mind and open heart will go a long way in helping your tarot reader to connect with you, but it also helps to choose a reader who can give you what you're looking for.

2. Understand what you’re hoping to gain from your reading, even if you don’t know what you need.

If you’re going in for an open reading, let your reader at least know where you’re at. You might find that there is in fact a question that surfaces for you as you do:  

“I’ve been in a rut for a while. I feel stuck in my life. I know I need to change something, but I don’t know where to start. Can the cards help to give me some insights?”

Or:

“I feel really called to get a reading right now, but I’m not sure why. I am wondering if there is something I need to be aware of at this time.”

3. Be specific.

You don’t have to give away your entire life’s story, but try to be clear about what it is you want to know about if you are seeking clarity on a specific issue.

For example, I remember reading at an event one time when someone sat down with a question.

“There is a lot of conflict in my family right now and I just wanted to know if it will be resolved.”

Overall, this is pretty vague. Was the conflict with this person’s parents, or siblings? Was there a will or inheritance that someone was fighting over? Was there a disagreement between in-laws?

Was the conflict between this person and their kids?

I had no idea. There are so many possibilities when I hear the term “family conflict.”

It turned out the family conflict was actually about this person and their spouse, who they were thinking of divorcing. 

Knowing the true nature of this person’s question helped me to shape the reading and explore additional questions the client had, which we wouldn’t have been able to do if I was left to guess otherwise.

This also happens with relationship readings. Someone might ask, “I’m wondering what I need to know about my love life this year.”

Which leaves your reader wondering…

Is there someone you’re seeing now?
Is there an ex you are trying to get over?
Is there an ex you are hoping will come back?
Are you single and hoping to meet someone new?

These are all different scenarios within the "love life" category.

The more specific your question, the better your reader can help you. 

4. Be open to exploring other options.

If you're not sure how to pose a question, your tarot reader can guide you on it.

Sometimes, people come with questions that aren't quite fully formed, or that aren't appropriate for tarot. 

Your tarot reader can help you find other ways to see a situation and offer additional perspectives on how to explore your questions with the cards.

Oh, and make sure to reflect on your questions before you arrive for your tarot reading. That way you and your reader can get down to work faster.

Until next time,

Liz xo