Complete Guide: How to Do Yes / No Tarot Reading

Welcome, Tarot beginners!

Today, we’re diving into one of the simplest — yet most powerful — ways to use your Tarot deck: the yes/no reading.

This quick method gives you direction when you’re standing at a crossroads.

When Should You Use a Yes/No Tarot Reading?

This type of reading is useful when you’re facing a specific choice and want clarity on the direction things are flowing.

For example:

• Should you accept a new job offer?
• Should you sign up for that new course or project?
• Should you have that important conversation with someone close?
• Should you invest time or energy into something new?

Sample questions:

• “Will this trip help me grow?”
• “If I change careers, will I succeed?”
• “Is this person someone I can trust?”

How to Phrase Your Questions

To get a clear yes or no, follow these simple rules:

• Ask something that can be answered with “yes” or “no.” Instead of “Why am I struggling with my coworkers?” ask “If I change my approach, will my relationships at work improve?”
• Stick to one topic. Not “Will I be happy and wealthy?” but rather “Will this job bring me satisfaction?”
• Avoid double questions. Instead of “Does he love me or is he just afraid of being alone?” ask each part separately.
• Phrase neutrally, without emotional loading. Not “Will this person ruin my life?” but “Will this person have a positive impact on my life?”

Which Hand Should You Draw Cards With?

Use your dominant hand — right hand if you’re right-handed, left if you’re left-handed.

This connects your active intention to the deck and focuses your energy.

Which Cards Usually Mean “Yes”?

Major Arcana:

• The Fool, The Magician, The Empress, The Emperor, The Lovers, Strength, The Star, The Sun, The World.

Wands:

• Ace, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, Page, Knight, Queen, King.

Cups:

• Ace, 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, Page, Knight, Queen, King.

Swords:

• Ace, 6, Page.

Pentacles:

• Ace, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Page, Knight, Queen, King.

Which Cards Usually Mean “No”?

Major Arcana:

• The Hermit, Death, The Devil, The Tower, The Moon.

Wands:

• 5, 10.

Cups:

• 5, 8.

Swords:

• 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Pentacles:

• 5

Which Cards Give an Unclear or Conditional Answer?

These are the famous gray-zone cards — they ask you to look deeper.

Major Arcana:

• The High Priestess → yes, if it serves the greater good.
• Wheel of Fortune → yes, if you stay adaptable.
• Justice → yes, if fairness is at play.
• Temperance → move carefully, act mindfully.
• The Hanged Man → wait a little longer.
• The Hierophant → seek advice.
• The Chariot → take decisive action, but plan.

Wands:

• 2 → risky beginnings, uncertain result.
• 9 → yes, if you’re defending your ground.

Cups:

• 4, 7 → self-reflection is needed first.

Swords:

• 2 → you must choose between two clear options.
• 4 → rest before deciding.
• Knight, Queen, King → careful analysis required.

Pentacles:

• 2 → not yet, but you can revisit later.
• 4 → caution; rethink your steps.

How to Strengthen Your Reading with a Significator

A significator is a card you choose to represent your question or focus.

For example:

• Love questions → The Lovers, Two of Cups.
• Money questions → Ace of Pentacles, Ten of Pentacles.
• Career questions → The Emperor, Nine of Pentacles.
• Health questions → The Star, Four of Swords.
• Personal growth → The Magician, Strength.

How to use:

1. 1Choose the significator card and place it face up.
2. 2Shuffle the deck, focusing on your question.
3. 3Draw one card and place it next to the significator.

The significator helps focus your energy and sharpen the answer.

Do Reversed Cards Matter?

No!

In yes/no readings, you only read the upright meaning, even if the card comes out reversed.

This keeps the answer clear and simple.