How to Ask Effective Tarot Questions?

Hey, you've hit on a great point! Many people new to Tarot find it most daunting to figure out how to ask questions. Actually, it's not that hard. Just imagine you're chatting with a very wise friend who also enjoys speaking in riddles, and you'll get it. This friend won't tell you a direct "yes" or "no," but they'll give you plenty of clues to help you figure things out for yourself.

To put it simply, Tarot isn't a fortune-telling machine that will tell you "tomorrow's lottery numbers." It's more like a mirror, reflecting your current state, your unconscious thoughts, and the possibilities for how things might unfold. So, the better your question, the clearer the picture the mirror will show you.

Below, I've summarized a few of my own experiences. Try them out, and I guarantee they'll be useful:

First, let's talk about some "don't ask this way" pitfalls:

1. Don't ask "Yes/No Questions"

   • For example: "Will he get back together with me?" "Will I succeed this time?"
   • Why it's not good: These types of questions make you very passive, as if your fate is entirely determined by others or external circumstances. Tarot wants you to take back control.
   • You can change it to: "What efforts can I make right now to improve my relationship with him?" or "What qualities do I need to possess or strengthen to make this endeavor successful?" This shifts the focus from "waiting for results" to "what can I do."

2. Don't ask about specific "Time" (When Question)

   • For example: "When will I find a new job?"
   • Why it's not good: Time is fluid. If you draw cards today versus next week, the results might be completely different because your mindset and actions have changed. Tarot can rarely give an answer as precise as "next Tuesday."
   • You can change it to: "What is the biggest obstacle in my job search process right now?" or "What strengths do I need to showcase to attract suitable opportunities more quickly?"

3. Don't ask for others (Prying into privacy)

   • For example: "What is my boss really thinking?" "Is my friend talking bad about me behind my back?"
   • Why it's not good: Tarot serves you; it interprets the energy field related to you. Prying into someone else's inner thoughts is impolite, and the cards are likely to give vague or even misleading information. Remember, divination is for "self-cultivation," not for "gossip."
   • You can change it to: "How can I better communicate with my boss?" or "What is the current state of my relationship with this friend, and how should I handle this friendship?"

So, what makes a "good question"?

Remember this universal formula: Open-ended + Centered on me + Focus on action

Simply put, use "How...?" "What...?" "How can I...?" to start your questions.

Here are some "optimized" comparisons for common scenarios, and you'll immediately understand:

Scenario 1: Relationship Confusion

• Less effective question: Does he like me or not?
• Better questions:
  • "What lessons do I need to learn in this relationship?"
  • "How can I better show my true self to the other person?"
  • "What is the potential for growth in this relationship right now?"

Scenario 2: Work/Career

• Less effective question: Should I switch to a new company?
• Better questions:
  • "What kind of growth and challenges would staying at my current company and moving to a new company each bring me?" (You can draw cards separately for each option)
  • "What are the most important factors I need to consider right now to make the best career choice for my future development?"

Scenario 3: Personal Growth/Feeling Lost

• Less effective question: Will my life get better?
• Better questions:
  • "What inner beliefs does my current life situation reflect?"
  • "In what areas can I make adjustments to feel more vibrant and purposeful?"
  • "What is the most worthwhile area for my personal growth to focus on in the next three months?"

Final Little Tip:

Before asking a question, quiet your mind and ask yourself: "What do I truly want to get out of this reading?" Do you want comfort, or do you want a direction for action? When you clarify your true needs, a good question will naturally emerge.

Don't be afraid to ask "wrong" questions; practice a few times, and you'll get the hang of it. Tarot is your own tool, and its ultimate purpose is to help you see yourself clearly, not to give you a rigid answer. Have fun with it!