How to Read Tarot: Asking Potent Questions

So here’s the deal - in Tarot, our readings are only going to be as good as our questions. If we’re asking random stuff that doesn’t really address the heart of what we’re wondering, it’s like trying to walk with our eyes closed - not such a good plan. 

Now when we hit the sweet spot with our Tarot questions, everything starts to line up. Our readings become crystal clear, guiding us straight to self-discovery and feeling like we’ve got this whole thing down. 

Imagine it as a conversation with the Tarot cards – you ask a rad question, and they spill the tea, reflecting back what you need to know. It's like texting your BFF, except they are hundreds of years old and wise as H-E double hockey sticks. 

You want that Tarot wisdom to hit you right in the feels. It's like turning on a super bright light in a dim room – suddenly, everything is clear, and you're like, "Whoa, got it!"

And the best part? It's not just about getting answers. It's about taking the wheel of your own Tarot journey. You steer this ship, and each question is like dropping a pin on your personal map. You're in control, exploring your strengths, navigating the challenges, and discovering more about yourself than you ever thought possible.

So, when you're diving into the Tarot as a beginner, remember – the magic happens when you throw out some potent questions. I’m here to help you get started, plus I’ll give you my golden ticket Tarot question that I use to begin almost every single reading. Are ya ready? Let’s do this!

First, let’s keep our questions it in the now. I know, I know. In a perfect world, we’d have all the deets about the future and could plan accordingly. The trouble is that the future isn’t fixed. Everything we do or don’t do has an impact on what happens in the future. So asking questions about the future, while tempting in Tarot readings, isn’t actually going to give you what you’re hoping for. Future-focused questions can stir up unnecessary anxiety, making you feel like you're riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. 

Because what we actually want when we ask questions about the future is to know this: am I going to be ok?

And to hear anything other than a resounding YES feels pretty crummy. It makes us look around every corner and worry that something bad is going to happen. (Side note for the Tarot newbies out there - reading Tarot can’t make anything happen! It’s just a deck of cards, after all!)

So instead, let’s take a look at the most potent Tarot question, the one that I use at the start of almost every single reading I do. It comes in two easy peasy parts and ensures that your readings get you the answers you’re seeking, whether you’re a Tarot beginner or have been reading Tarot for years.

Part One: I’m feeling blank about blank. <——Here’s where you name how you’re feeling about a certain situation in your life. 

Part two: What’s here for me to know? <—— Here’s where you invite Tarot to reconnect you with your own wisdom, to reflect your brilliance, and to restore what you need to move forward. 

In practice, this looks like…

I’m feeling stressed about work. What’s here for me to know?

I’m feeling sad about J not getting back to me. What’s here for me to know?

I'm feeling excited about my upcoming trip. What’s here for me to know?

This question is your Tarot GPS, keeping you on the right track. It's like checking the map in the middle of your road trip – you know where you are, and you've got a clearer idea of where you're headed. This question keeps you grounded in the present, connecting you with what’s right here right now. It's like having a heart-to-heart with your own deep wisdom, asking, "Alright, spill it. What's up?”

The beauty of “What’s here for me to know” is that it's like opening a treasure chest in the present moment. The cards become your personal tour guides, revealing the hidden gems of insight and guidance. You're not trapped in the uncertainty of what might come – you're fully engaged in the present, absorbing the wisdom that the cards have to offer.

Of course I wouldn’t just give you one question and leave you hanging - although it can carry through through a whole reading! Here’s my second all-time favorite Tarot question that works great whether you’re a Tarot beginners or have been reading for years…

“How can I take care of myself right now?”

Think of it as a self-care menu – each Tarot card serves a unique dish of insight, tailored to what you need in the moment. Swords? That's all about the mind, Cups are about emotions, Wands address our energy, and Pentacles are about our bodies and behavior. The Major Arcana? Well, they're like the VIP section, addressing the big picture stuff and grand patterns in your life.

Now, why is this question so awesome? Because it's all about actionable steps. It's not some vague, cosmic advice floating in the ether. No, it's a practical guide to tending to yourself, so you can be the boss of your well-being. 

If you pull Swords, maybe it's time for a mind-soothing activity like journaling or meditation. Cups? Delve into something that fills your emotional cup – maybe a good book or a heart-to-heart with a friend. Wands? Check in with how much energy you have, and how you’d like to use it. Pentacles? It's all about your body –  some hydration, a stroll, or some good ol' self-care rituals. It’s about nourishing the present you.

“How can I take care of myself right now?” transforms Tarot from a mystical oracle into a straightforward helper. It's like having a heart-to-heart with yourself, saying, "Hey, what's the self-love prescription today?" The cards unfold, offering practical steps to keep you rooted, grounded, and ready to face whatever life throws your way.

By being direct about what we want to know, we can start reading Tarot on the right foot. Imagine rolling up to a drive-through – you wouldn’t order everything on the menu if all you needed was a quick snack. 

Similarly, with Tarot, pinpointing what we genuinely want to know is key. Before shuffling the cards, it's important to check in with ourselves, understand the true nature of our inquiry, and then ask questions that cut to the heart of the matter. Beating around the bush in Tarot leads to confusion rather than clarity. Choosing questions that align with our genuine intentions means a more direct and meaningful connection with what Tarot can offer.

If you’re still wondering about some other questions to ask in your next Tarot reading, here are a few of my favorites…

What am I in the middle of? 

How can I navigate this situation? 

What other choices/responses are available to me? 

What can I bring attention to right now? 

What card is here to help me with __________? 

How can I work through ___________? 

What would bring clarity to my situation? 

What is holding me back from ________? 

How else can I view this situation? 

What is ready to be released? 

What is ready to be welcomed? 

Surprise me!

When reading Tarot, it's all about asking the right questions to unlock the wisdom within. We've done a deep dive into two powerful Tarot questions that can transform your journey into a self-discovery adventure and personalized self-care routine.

First up, "What's here for me to know?" This question is your Tarot GPS, guiding you through the labyrinth of life. By focusing on the present moment, you invite the cards to shed light with insights and guidance you need right now. It's not about fortune-telling; it's about better understanding the present and gaining clarity to navigate your journey. Ask this question, and let the Tarot cards be your present-day allies, providing clear, meaningful, and actionable insights.

Next, "How can I take care of myself right now?" This question turns Tarot into your personal self-care companion. Each card becomes a tool in your wellness toolkit, offering tailored insights into nurturing your mind, emotions, energy, and body. It's a mirror for self-love, giving you practical steps to be rooted, grounded, and ready for whatever life throws your way.

Now, to dive even deeper into your Tarot journey, come on and check out Rooted Resilience, my free PDF Tarot guide. This guide is a treasure trove of nourishing Tarot card meanings – perfect for Tarot beginners and folks who have read for years. I designed Rooted Resilience to foster your connection with the cards along with a sense of empowerment, clarity, and self-discovery. Each card meaning is a whisper of guidance, a reminder that the wisdom you seek is already in you. Ready to unlock the magic?

Take me to Rooted Resilience: Nourishing Tarot Card Meanings for Getting Started.

Tarot isn't just about reading cards; it's about unlocking the power within, fostering self-discovery, and embracing the journey of life. Join me on this adventure, and let the cards guide you back to your own wisdom and brilliance.