7 Things You Should Know Before Getting a Tarot Reading (And What to Ask the Cards?)

You may have considered turning to a tarot reader with a problem, concern, or curiosity. But then you wonder what to ask, how to do it, and whether you should prepare yourself for it in any way. Whether it's your first time or your tenth, going into a reading with the right mindset and questions can make a big difference.

Tarot is not just a tool for predicting the future, it's more than that. Yes, tarot cards can show you some aspects of your future, but the main idea of ​​tarot is to give people clarity, understanding, new perspectives, and guidance on how to deal with the difficulties and worries they face in life. Now let's look at 7 important things you should know before getting a tarot reading, and which questions work best.

🫶Tarot is a tool for guidance, not certainty about the future

A tarot reading does not give anyone an accurate picture of the future. It is wise to consider that a tarot reading is done in the present moment, and things can change tomorrow if you choose a different path or decide to make or not make changes. Tarot offers an overview of your current situation, behavioral patterns, and possible future journeys that may lie ahead.

It is better to think of a tarot reading or prediction as spiritual advice or a reflection of your inner world, rather than fortune-telling in the narrowest sense.

🪞Be clear about your intentions

We are not here to make you believe in tarot or the advice of the cards. We are only intermediaries and interpret the cards according to the information we receive. What you do with that information is up to you. In the sense that if you want a tarot reading, be clear to yourself why you really want it. What kind of clarity do you want?

Is there an area in your life where you feel stuck? Or are you looking for an emotional solution, direction, or confirmation for something? Your intentions help change the energy of the reading and make it even more focused.

“For example, here we bring a popular topic: love. When you are going to ask about love, think first, are you just longing for a little fun, a feeling of falling in love, or are you really looking for someone by your side?

Another important thing. Don't search in a panic at the same time. Let go of this thought and be free, be happy with yourself, and only then ask the question. Why? You are asking whether love will come into my life in the next year? The cards can show a very good forecast, but if you are in conflict with yourself or are looking for a companion in every passerby, then it is likely that it will not happen that way. The Tarot does show possibilities, but a person can play all their cards themselves, and afterwards it is good to point with your finger and say, look, love did not come into my life.

I would also recommend that you determine for yourself what kind of person you are waiting for by your side. We all have our faults, so wanting a Barbie doll is too primitive. Think rather about common values ​​and worldviews. This is more important than you can guess.” - Gerly.

🎯Who can you ask about?

Ask questions about yourself. It is generally not good practice to ask, for example, for a yearly forecast for your loved one without asking their permission. So if you have a question about someone you are worried about, ask it in a way that asks how you can support them in a difficult moment.

“For example, I refuse to look at the cards when asked: Look, how is my child doing? First of all, the question is too general, and secondly, children are still free souls; their future is largely unformed. It is better to ask from your own perspective: My child is having a hard time at the moment, I see how I can help him.” - Gerly.

Asking about another person is generally not the questioner’s business. Let’s be honest, if someone asks you questions about you in your absence, they are sending you energy. You don’t know if it is positive or negative, so it would be better if you stay within certain limits and still base your help on your problem.

Another topic is to ask about world affairs. You can ask, but since the topic is broad, the answer is also rather general and changes over time. I mean here, natural disasters, but also political conflicts. Why can you ask about them? But precisely because it is not about someone close to you, and, unfortunately, the world is not affected by your fears and anxieties.

🧠Ask specific and open-ended questions if possible

Of course, we also use these yes/no questions between us, and sometimes it's nice to do so. But if you've still ordered a long reading, try to avoid such questions and focus on open-ended questions. For example, "how" questions are very good.

You can also start your questions as follows:

What do I need to know...?

How can I...?

What energy affects...?

But don't let this bother you too much, you can ask all kinds of things. Often in our tarot readings we still come across yes/no questions, and don't get me wrong, you can of course ask them. In this case, try to ask your question as specifically as possible.

Also, try to avoid opposite questions. For example, don't ask whether I'm doing well or badly with this endeavor. What could be answered here at all? It's better to ask how I'm doing. Be specific.

We have always seen in our tarot readings that if the question is specific and the person really wants to ask it, then the cards will give very specific answers. So, if you really want to know if you will get the job you applied for, then ask that. But don’t ask if I can or can’t – again, opposites.

Let’s take the topic of money, for example:

“This is a topic that can be asked in all sorts of ways. You can even ask if I will get money? But you have to consider that winning the lottery, an inheritance, and a big bonus from work are not the only things that are meaningful in the Tarot sense. Even 100 euros is money if it arrives unexpectedly, for something you did not expect at all.” - Gerly.

Or about a job:

“You’re looking for a job, you just went to a job interview, but you can’t wait to see what the outcome of the interview will be. Your head is constantly buzzing with questions about whether or not I’ll get the job. Of course, you can ask, ‘Will I get the job?’ The answer can be a short no or a short yes.” – Gerly.

🌸Don’t overload the tarot card reader (or the cards)

Every one of us is sometimes curious about everything related to love, money, career, and the general future or the past. Well, of course, you’d like to know everything at once, but the rule really applies here – less is more. Rather, choose one or two topics that are most on your mind and research them. This way, the card reader can focus and delve deeper into a more specific topic, which will also bring deeper answers.

If your questions are all over the room and your head is scattered, then the answers that the cards give can be just as scattered. That's why it's wise to focus on 1-2 topics at a time.

“A person came to get a yearly forecast and 1 question. During the reading and conversation, they wanted to ask more questions, and at first, I didn't mind. Okay, let's do it! Two questions later, the candle went out, and even the questioner realized that now that's all, I guess I can't do more. And that's it, don't overload the cards.” – Gerly.

🌿Be open, but stay grounded

Of course, it's okay to be hopeful and curious, but try to stay grounded. You shouldn't expect a tarot card reader to solve everything for you or make decisions for you. These things are still up to you.

Let's draw a parallel with the weather forecast. Just as the weather forecast tells you what the weather may be like, it's still up to you to decide whether to bring an umbrella or not. The same goes for tarot - you get information, thoughts, clarity, instructions, but what you do with it is up to you.

⏸️A tarot card reader doesn't have to know everything, only as much as you need

This means that you don't have to tell your whole life story, but on the other hand, complete closure can limit the depth of a tarot reading. Share as much as you feel like doing. Think of it as a collaboration. A tarot card reader captures energies and symbols, but your answers help shape the story. And no, a tarot card reader does not and should not read your mind.

Just as you would not go to a psychologist to sit in a chair in silence and assume that just going there would be enough, you cannot do that when ordering a tarot reading. In both cases, you have to share something of yourself, and in both cases, it is a consultation collaboration. If you do not want to cooperate, you may not get much from it.

📖Take notes, record the session, or order a tarot reading as a PDF

If you still sit on one side of the table during a tarot reading and listen to what is being said, emotions are raging, thoughts start to move faster, your heart is pounding inside - of course, you will not remember everything afterwards. What is even worse, most of the time, the emotion is remembered, and this can lead you down the wrong path.

Emotionally, we may remember some aspects of the reading, but not the exact instructions that were given to us. That is why reviewing or listening to a tarot reading days or weeks later can give much more logical answers. This is one of the reasons why we offer tarot readings in an illustrated PDF, for example. It will remain as a memory, and you can always review what the situation was.

🌟So, what should you ask to get useful guidance from the cards?

Let's start with the fact that tarot annual predictions are very popular today, which can be a guide for the entire next 12 months. And no, you don't have to order it in January, you can do it at any time. According to the time of the tarot reading, you look 12 months ahead, what to expect, and what to do.

Secondly, personal tarot readings are very popular. Personal means that it is specially prepared for you, and most readings are personal anyway. Except for readings such as: "What will 2025 bring for people with water signs?" or "What will happen in the world in 2025?". Tarot annual predictions, career/love/money, or single-question/topic readings are all personal, unless otherwise stated.

If your main concern is with a relationship or finding love, it is appropriate to take a love tarot reading, and for career or money, a career tarot reading or a money tarot reading, respectively.

However, if there are no direct problems, but something seems to be missing and you do not know exactly which direction to take in life, then personal tarot predictions on one question/topic can also be helpful. For example, you can ask:

“What lesson am I being asked to learn?”

“What is stopping me from moving forward?”

“What steps can I take to feel more in tune with the world?”

“What do the tarot cards say about how I can increase my self-esteem?”

Many people turn to tarot cards for mental health issues. In this regard, tarot readings to increase self-esteem and overcome depression are popular. Of course, this is not a diagnostic tool, but rather guidance on how to support yourself on your mental health journey.

🔮Tarot helps guide you in your life, in your choices and brings clarity

The best tarot card readings take place when you are open, curious, and open-minded. Because let's be honest, the cards don't lie. Of course, it can happen that the tarot reader, as well as we, doesn't have all the information, and therefore the answers can be scattered. Sometimes we also make mistakes in interpreting our information, but this is all a natural part of life and spirituality.

Regardless of whether you are at a crossroads in life, looking for clarity, or are simply curious about your upcoming year, a tarot reading can give you strength and bring clarity and confirmation that you are on the right path.

So, before the next tarot prediction, take a deep breath, reflect on your concerns and questions, and go in with an open heart, or order a prediction with an open heart. You might be surprised at what you discover.

With love,
Caitlin & Gerly
Soul Sisters Tarot