The single most important component of a Tarot reading, is the Querent’s (reading requester’s) question. Although volumes have been written regarding the importance of a Tarot reading’s question, we can cut to the chase with prolific Tarot author, Barbara’s Moore‘s comment, ”…If we want the right answers, then we have to ask the right questions,” (companion book to the Tarot in Wonderland Deck, Llewellyn Publications).
To clarify, this blog post is not referring to a flat out psychic reading, relying 100% on psychic impressions, using Tarot cards only as a prop. Rather, here we are discussing a proper Tarot reading, with a Querent ‘s question, and a spread (pattern the cards are laid out in). Additionally, the Reader (card interpreter) is actually reading the cards, in order to give the Querent insights into their question.
An authentic Tarot reading must have a question, for the Reader to interpret the card meanings, in reference to. The importance of a Tarot reading’s question can‘t be overstated, and can be underscored by looking at what, has long been understood, should not be asked of the Wisdom of the Tarot.
Questions Not to Ask the Tarot
- Vague Questions
- Multi-topic Questions
- Predictive Questions
- Third Party Questions
- Legal/Medical/Financial Investment Questions
Vague Questions – Simply stated, If the question is vague, the results of the reading, will also be vague. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is that the question be specific. A skilled Tarot Reader, will work with the Querent to get to the heart of their question.
It can be like digging for gold, to get down to what they really want to know. Then together, the Reader and the Querent, will craft a question that is specific.
Multi-topic Questions – If the question covers more than one topic, and a standard 10 card Celtic Cross, or 7 card Horseshoe spread is used, the results of the reading will be jumbled. The Tarot Reader will not know which topic a specific card, in the reading, relates to.
In my professional Tarot readings, I’m often asked multi-topic questions like, “I want to know about my love-life, family, career, and finances.” This type of multi-topic reading, can be done using a custom spread, with a card, or two positions, for each topic. However, having only one, or two cards per topic, in the spread, does not give detailed insights, on each specific topic.
My personal reading method is to give a deep-dive detailed reading, on just one specific topic, using a 7- 10 card spread, which offers details galore. Therefore, I always ask my Querent to give me a one topic question.
Predictive Questions – The problem with predictive questions, is they are fate-based, and start with, Will/When/Should/Is, and can be answered by, a Yes, or No answer, or a segment of time. They’re asked with an incorrect assumption that the Tarot can predict a future, that is carved in stone, giving the Querent no recourse for an unwanted outcome.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Tarot is not predictive, per se, rather it gives a fortuitous “heads up,” on what may (emphasis on may) be coming up for the Querent, regarding their question, if nothing changes. Alas, anything can change before the future event is to occur.
Tarot can only see what the possibilities look like, today. However, everyone has free-will, and anyone involved in the situation, can make a change tomorrow, that will change the outcome seen in a Tarot reading, today.
Since a predictive question is disempowering, a skilled Tarot Reader will work with the Querent to come up with a more empowering question, e.g., What might I experience regarding my _____ situation? Fortunately, if the Querent is unhappy with the outcome seen in a reading, they can make a change now, to ensure a more desirable outcome.
Third Party Questions – 3rd party questions relate to a person, who is not asking for the reading. They ask what another person is thinking, feeling, intending, or doing e.g., Does my Ex want to reconcile with me?
I’m not saying the Wisdom of the Tarot won’t reveal the answer to 3rd party questions, just that peering into a 3rd party’s inner realms, is a flat out invasion of privacy. It flies in the face of Tarot ethics, and no matter how enticing, should not be done! Ethics are important in all dealings with our fellow humans, including Tarot reading.
Additionally, 3rd party questions are disempowering, for the Querent. Therefore, a skilled Tarot Reader will work with the Querent to come up with a question that focuses on them, instead of the other person e.g., How can I improve the current relationship/situation with _____ ?
Legal, Medical, and Financial Investment Questions – If the Reader is not a Legal, Medical, or Financial Investment professional, it’s best to steer clear of these questions. This is due to the fact, that they open the Reader up to legal liability, should a Querent take their advice, and suffer some loss.
Again, I’m not saying that the Wisdom of the Tarot won’t answer these questions, just that it’s not ethical to answer them, unless answered by a licensed professional, in an appropriate setting. Whether or not the Reader is an appropriately licensed professional, a Tarot reading is, simply, not the appropriate setting for these types of questions.
In most cases, a rewording of an inappropriate Tarot reading question, is all that is needed to ethically reveal, in the reading, what the Querent really wants to know.
Although a question doesn’t need to be perfectly worded, to render the optimum results, it does need to be specific, a single topic, ethical, liability safe, and above all, self-empowering for the Querent.
A skilled and ethical Tarot Reader, will work with the Querent to craft an empowering question for co-creation of an insightful, and therefore, helpful reading. After all, the purpose of a Tarot reading is for the Querent to gain insights needed to move forward in their personal situations, and to empower them to create their best life.
Now, armed with the above tips, for what not to ask the Tarot, I know you’ll be able to create, or even co-create the most powerful and insightful questions, for your Tarot readings. Happy Taroting!
Note: To book a professional Tarot reading with Jeannette see our Book a Reading page.
Leave a Reply