How do I ask a question in a tarot reading?

Our goal at Tarot Goddess: to help you better understand and interpret your readings. After all, the more you know, the more empowered you are! In its most basic form, a tarot reading consists of two parts: the question and the answer. While the answer is up to the cards, the question asked is up to us—but how can we best craft a question to encourage a satisfying answer?

Whether your reading is online at Tarot Goddess or in person with a friend, here's our top five rules on how to ask a question in a tarot reading.

Rule #1: Get clear.
When it comes to consulting the cards, questions posed with the greatest clarity receive the clearest answer. For example, you wouldn't ask for directions to Boston if you wanted to travel to LA, would you? Not sure how to phrase your question? Try writing it by hand on a piece of paper. Somehow the act of physically writing the question helps focus your intent.

Rule #2: Respect the cards.
Frivolous questions get frivolous answers. Not that you'd ever do this, but we've seen the tarot-curious test the cards with questions such as "Will I marry a celebrity and become famous?" or "Tell me what lottery numbers I should play." The cards usually respond to such inquiries by offering nonsensical answers. It's that adage of "garbage in, garbage out."

Rule #3: Yes and No questions are tricky.
Though we've got a reading for yes/no questions, the tarot is more suited to shades of grey than absolutes. Sometimes you'll get more info by rephrasing your question to make it open-ended. An example: instead of asking, "Should I move to a new home?" try "If I move to a new home, how will this affect my life?" See? More room for exploration.

• Rule #4: Ditto for questions about timing.
Yes, we've also got a reading for that, but it's difficult to pinpoint exactly when something is going to happen—the future is influenced by variables beyond our control. Therefore any questions about timing are a reflection of your life at this moment, as well as the world in motion.

Here's another way to rephrase a question about timing: "What actions can I take to make my ideal outcome occur more quickly/slowly?" Then make sure to take action!

• Rule #5: If you really can't decide what question to ask...
Here's two that work for most circumstances:

• What do I need to know at this time?
• What's my best course of action?

Bottom line: Whatever question you choose to ask the cards, the ultimate goal of a tarot reading is to help you take charge of your destiny. You've got this!

Liked our advice? It was adapted from Kris Waldherr's Tarot for Storytellers: A Modern Guide for Writers and Other Creatives. Learn more here.