How To Do A Yes-Or-No Tarot Reading For Insights On Simple Questions

Depending on how familiar you are with the cards in a tarot deck, you can approach a yes-or-no reading in a few different ways. We'll go over a step-by-step process a bit later on, but in general, this kind of reading involves posing your question, and pulling cards until a "yes," "no," or even "maybe," becomes clear.

Alexander tells mbg she uses the aces of the deck (the ace of cups, wands, pentacles, and swords) to signify a yes, though if you have personal connections or intuitive feelings toward certain cards, maybe your yes cards will be different. As with any tarot reading, so much of it comes down to your intuition, so you can be relatively flexible.

Before doing any tarot reading, it's a good idea to set the scene and get into a good headspace. Alexander suggests turning off any technology so you won't be disturbed, adding, "Usually, I take a few moments to relax, meditate, and contemplate my question. Sometimes I light a candle or incense."

She notes it can also be a good idea to write your question down, just to make sure you pose your question in a clear and direct way. Yes-or-no readings tend to be specific, so you want to be specific with your question.

When that's done, you can go ahead and give your cards a shuffle while focusing on your question, Alexander says. "Then, when I feel ready, I cut the cards and start laying them down," she notes.

If you have a favorite tarot deck you prefer to work with, the good news is, any deck is suitable for this kind of reading. Alexander notes she likes the Gilded Tarot deck, though uses the Universal Waite deck when reading for others.

Because this is a simple reading, you want your questions to be simple, as well. Keep it straightforward, nothing vague or complex, Alexander says. Obviously, make sure they can be answered with a yes or no, beginning with words like "Do I..." "Can I..." "Will I..." etc., as opposed to "When will..." or "What is..."

Sometimes, these readings can provide additional details if you're looking for them. If you lay down one or more piles of 13 cards without getting an ace, Alexander says, you can also interpret the top card in each pile to gain additional information regarding your question.

And of course, it's never a bad idea to give your deck an energetic refresh when you're done using it. Alexander suggests clearing your cards after every reading, "either by holding them briefly in incense smoke to smudge them or by rubbing a piece of golden citrine over them."

You'll also want to store them somewhere they'll be safe and kept in good condition, such as in a velvet pouch or a box or drawer. "Also, I find it helpful to keep a tarot journal where I record my readings and what transpired afterward," Alexander adds.