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How To Phrase Tarot Questions


Have some questions in mind! What's the question that's been nagging you for the past week? What's the piece of insight that you simply cannot wait another moment to find? It's not just that you ask questions, but what tarot questions you ask that determine if your reading is effective or even possible. "Open-ended questions yield the most in-depth and illuminating readings (rather than yes/no questions),” counsels Psychic Abbot. 

Before you sit down to a deck of cards, learn how to properly phrase your questions to ask the tarot in order to ensure you get a reading that truly addresses your concerns.

Precision in your Questions for Your Tarot Reader Makes a Difference

One of the most important concepts in using tarot readings is to address the topic very specifically. The more precise the question you ask is, the more likely your answer will be precise and on target. In many situations, people ask very vague questions. If you do so, you'll get a vague, basic answer. It's important to feel comfortable and to open up as if you were speaking to your counselor or doctor. Be confident that they will hold your deepest, darkest secrets and concerns close to the chest.

Consider What You Want to Know When You Ask Tarot Questions

The tarot deck offers various layouts. Each one represents a different type of reading. Before you select a question to ask, explore this first.

  • Self/situation positions: Consider who you are. Where do you find yourself now? Address your personal self.
  • Challenges/opportunities: In this position, you'll focus on the obstacles or challenges you are facing now. You'll focus not just on the challenges, but on how you can use them to your advantage.
  • New future: In this position, the focus is on what's happening. Which way is the wind blowing? How can you direct it in such a way that you achieve the outcome that you want?

Explore your thoughts and feelings for a moment carefully. Before asking any questions, you'll want to know what your true concerns are. If you are unsure, have a psychic chat with a professional as a first step to exploring this.

Tips for Creating the Best Questions to Ask in Your Tarot Reading

Now that you've explored the basics, consider these tips on phrasing your questions properly to get the response you need during a tarot reading. You may find that your outcomes are enhanced when you prepare for your reading by reviewing the article How to Read Tarot Cards, and follow these tips.

  • Focus your mind first. Reduce any anxiety and nervousness you have. Even if not directly related to the question you ask, this type of emotional state can sway information improperly.
  • You need to believe. Before you ask your question, reaffirm your belief that the tarot will give you an answer.
  • Don't ask the cards questions about why something happened or why someone did something. That level of insight is better suited to a psychic.
  • Don't ask questions that are overly complex. Be straightforward and simple.
  • Avoid asking a question that starts with "Will I" when it is a choice that you will need to make. If the decision is not up to you to make, it's fine to ask this question.
  • Asking the cards a Yes No Question can be effective if you can build on the answer with follow-up questions that dig deeper into the question or situation of concern. For tips on how to get the most effective yes no tarot reading, read this article by Psychic Ginger.

Specific Questions Vs. General Tarot Readings

The Question

When deciding what to ask… BE SPECIFIC. The more specific you are, the more specific the reader can be in their answer. For example, if you go to a doctor and say “Doctor, somewhere on my body it hurts. Find it.” It is very difficult and would take a LOT of time for the doctor to accurately diagnose you. But, if you say “Doctor, my elbow hurts when I bend it this way, and it’s usually cold when I am in the most pain.” A doctor can very easily make an educated and accurate diagnosis. This works on the same principle.

But then you might be thinking if my question is too detailed, am I giving away too much information? The answer to this is a resounding “NO!” You want an accurate answer to your question. The best way to achieve that is through a very focused and articulate inquiry. You needn’t give any additional information, but a specific question is going to help you achieve the maximum results from your reading.

General Readings

Can you just ask for a general, or overall reading? Absolutely! And sometimes those are very enlightening. When someone picks up on things that you haven’t mentioned there is a real feeling of “Wow! How could they have KNOWN that!?” But you will have to be content with their take on what is coming through, rather than answering a specific thing that is of most concern.

Let’s revisit the doctor analogy. You are the person with a significant issue in your elbow, but you ask the doctor to “Find your pain point” with no information. The doctor does a thorough exam, and in doing so finds that you have a lump on your thyroid. The focus is now the thyroid, not your original concern with the elbow pain. Now, is it helpful that this OTHER thing was found? Sure! Is it likely that it is going to be addressed and treatable? Yes. But… your elbow is still not being addressed.

Similarly, in a general reading, helpful things will likely surface, but they may not be what you are most concerned with. So, go into a general reading with an open mind and take the information you receive as if you are that patient with gratitude for what DID get found.

Specific Questions About Love

A love tarot reading can tell you a lot about how to pursue the romantic relationships you want. That doesn’t mean a tarot reader can accurately answer specific questions about certain events in your love life, though.

Keep in mind that the tarot can’t guarantee an outcome for you. That means asking who will be first to say “I love you” or asking whether you’ll marry the love of your life will rarely be helpful. Instead, think about asking for advice on deepening your connection or making your relationship more meaningful.

You may find it useful to read this article on Tarot Questions to Ask About Online Dating or Best Tarot Questions to Ask About Love.

Extremely Detailed Questions

Successful tarot readings will help you think through obstacles in your life or develop ideas for working through ongoing problems. While they’ll get you on the right path, however, readings won’t offer detailed answers for each specific situation.

“Tarot readings are not a guessing game. This means that very specific details like guessing what somebody's name is or what they are wearing is not what a tarot reading is for. Tarot readers read overall energies and spiritual concepts."Psychic Violet 

When you have a tarot reading, avoid disappointment by being open to exploring the information you receive. Your reader will help you make a link between the spiritual guidance in the cards and the specific situation or decision you are facing. Know that the tarot will offer guidance, but it can’t usually provide a detailed course of action. That is up to you to decide, and our psychics will support you with empathy and insight.

Be Prepared with Written Questions

When you have a tarot reading, it’s a good idea to arrive with a few questions on paper. While they shouldn’t be extremely detailed, your inquiries shouldn’t be overly vague, either. Please write them down, says Psychic Mazie. “I wish my clients would have their questions written down and have a pen in their hand to write the answers that I’m saying because they get caught up in the answers and forget what the other questions were that they wanted to ask.” 

Talk with your tarot card reader about areas where you’d like to focus and look for guidance on related topics. Keep in mind that particularly vague questions often result in similarly general answers, so they won’t be able to set your mind at ease.

Whether you frequently consult the tarot or you’re preparing for your first reading, knowing questions to ask and what to expect can ensure a great experience. 

Learn everything you need to know about tarot cards, including spreads, card meanings, how to use tarot cards, how to do tarot readings, and more with the Psychic Source Tarot Card Reading Guide.