We've all been in that space where we really can't make up our minds about something, or where we are feeling anxious about a situation and really just want to know how it's going to turn out, one way or another. I have found the Tarot to be a huge help, and relief, at these times.

Truth is, most situations will turn out just fine, but often our brains will worry and worry. If you ask the Tarot, and you're given a friendly card, suddenly all that worry fades away. I've been using the Tarot in this way for over a decade, and highly recommend the practice to help you navigate life's sometimes rocky path. But first, a few tips.

1. The question

It's important to remember the Tarot is not a computer, not logical, not mathematical. You'll need to learn to form your questions in a non-linear fashion in order to get the most helpful answers.

Think of the old fables about finding a genie in a bottle. The genie offers you 3 wishes and in many stories, the way the wishes are worded leads to disaster. The Tarot isn't a genie, but it is of that realm - magical. We don't understand how or why it works, just that it does. And if you ask it something point-blank it's likely you'll be disappointed.

For example, there's a pandemic, and you are feeling a little off, and you want to know if you have the virus. The best way to format this question is "How is my health?".  If you ask a question like "Do I have Covid" you'll likely get an ambiguous answer. The High Priestess for example, "Truth yet to be revealed, mystery." In fact, you'll get this card a lot when you're first learning how to question the Tarot. And of course, if you ask "Am I going to die" you'll get a positive answer (we're all going to die) or if you ask "Will I get the virus" you'll probably also get a positive answer (we all get viruses) or a mystery card (exactly when are you referring to?).

Here are some questions that I've asked with good results:

How is <person's name> feeling/doing right now?

Tell me about my day.

How is my health?

How is <person's name> health.

How will today's travels go?

How is <person's name> feeling about me right now?

Will I receive my <money/package/check> today?

Tell me how things will go if I decide to ….

If you ask if something is 'good' or 'bad' you'll get a disappointing answer. Because 'good' and 'bad' are subjective. And there are varying degrees of good and bad. It's hard to answer with a single card. But if you ask the Tarot to enlighten you, according to the Tarot's wisdom or magic, you'll be surprised at how helpful its answers can be.

The Tarot won't tell you if you 'should' or 'should not' carry out an action or decision. But you can ask it, generally, how things will go if you do it.

And keep in mind that your best yes or no Tarot answers will be to questions that are based in current time. Right now. Today. If you have questions about your future, it's better to use a different layout - the 3-card layout, or the 7 card layout.

2. The process

I recommend using the full deck of cards when asking Yes or No questions. And strangely enough, they don't have to be real-life cards. I find Tarot Apps do a great job and can be much more accessible. I use an app on my phone and an app on my iPad. For some reason, the app on my iPad is more accurate - but I use the phone in a pinch.

Be sure to have your question clearly formulated in your mind before dealing the card. Once the card is dealt, even if face down, you can't change your question.

Be sure you want to know the answer. This is an important tip. If you really don't want to hear the answer to your question, the Tarot senses this and will either give you a 'maybe' card or will reprimand you for asking the question. For example:

The High Priestess - mystery, truth yet to be revealed

The Hierophant - discipline, advice, morality, truth searching

The Emperor - sternness, rebuke.

Of course, these can all be totally applicable to your question, but if they don't seem to be, take it as a bit of an admonishment - ask only questions with a clear purpose and answer.

3. The Cards

We've organized the 78 cards in a Tarot Deck into three categories: Yes, No, and Maybe. Use this list as a starting point. You'll quickly learn and 'feel' the cards so don't worry about memorizing anything. If you're using an app, the software will reveal a card's meaning. If you're using cards, it can be helpful to keep a Tarot reader or directory of some kind by your side.

Did you notice there are 46 Yes cards? Positive, happy, celebration cards? I absolutely love it when I ask an urgent, or weighted question and I get one of these cards. Truth is, most of our concerns and worries will work out fine but how wonderful that we have the Tarot to reveal this to us?

YES (46 CARDS)

Fool

Magician

Empress

Lovers

Chariot

Strength

Wheel of Fortune

Temperance

Star

Sun

Judgement

World

Any Ace

Any Page

Swords: Ace, Page, Knight

Pentacles: Ace, 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, Page, Queen, King

Wands: Ace, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, Page, Knight, Queen, King

Cups: Ace, 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, Page, Knight, Queen, King

NO (17 CARDS)

Death

Devil

Tower

Moon

Swords: 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10,

Pentacles: 4, 5

Wands: 5, 7, 10

Cups: 5, 8

MAYBE  (15 CARDS)

High Priestess

Emperor

Hierophant

Hermit

Justice

Hanged Man

Swords: 2. 4. 6. Q. K

Pentacles: 2, 7

Cups: 4, 7

4. Resources

We recommend Biddy Tarot as one of the best tarot resources online today. You'll find everything you need to get started using the Tarot on their pages, beginning with an excellent list of Tarot Card Meanings.

https://www.biddytarot.com/