You’re here because you want answers. Not fluff. Not poetic riddles. Just yes or no—backed by tarot’s deep symbolism and a little bit of gut instinct.
But here’s the thing most beginners get wrong: Tarot isn’t about prediction. It’s about perspective. If you know how to read the cards right, they won’t just answer your question—they’ll challenge it.
Let’s break this down into something you can use today.
The Real Power of Yes or No Tarot Readings
You don’t need a full Celtic Cross spread every time your brain spirals into “what if” mode. That’s where yes/no tarot shines.
Whether you’re a seasoned reader or flipping your first card on the Rider-Waite deck, this method keeps things direct. Think of it as the Google search of divination—fast answers, simple formats.
Set the Right Intention First
Before you shuffle, ask yourself: Do I actually want to know?
Because the energy you bring to the cards sets the tone. Tarot isn’t a slot machine. It mirrors what’s inside you. If your mind’s a mess, your cards will echo that chaos.
Take a moment. Breathe. Focus. Ask with clarity.
Asking the Right Yes/No Questions
Not every question fits this model. You need precision.
Bad: “Will I be successful?”
Better: “Will I land the job I interviewed for last Tuesday?”
Best: “Should I accept the marketing manager role at the startup that emailed me yesterday?”
The clearer your question, the sharper the answer.
Understanding Upright vs Reversed in Yes/No Format
Some tarot readers ignore reversals in yes/no readings.
Me? I don’t.
Reversed cards speak volumes. They reveal delays, emotional blocks, or even the universe shouting, “Pause!”
For example:
- The Lovers upright: Yes to connection
- The Lovers reversed: Red flag in romance, possible misalignment
Reading both positions adds nuance to your answer—without losing clarity.
Major Arcana Yes or No Meanings
These are the heavy-hitters. They usually carry louder energy than the minor suits.
| Card | Upright | Reversed |
|---|---|---|
| The Fool | Yes | Risky No |
| The Magician | Yes | Manipulation = No |
| The High Priestess | Maybe | Yes if you trust your gut |
| The Empress | Yes | Yes with nurturing |
| The Emperor | Yes | Yes, but be firm |
| The Hierophant | Yes | No if you’re rebelling |
| The Lovers | Yes | No in reverse: imbalance |
| The Chariot | Yes | Yes, if you stay focused |
| Strength | Yes | Maybe (reversed = weakness) |
| The Hermit | No | Yes to introspection |
| Wheel of Fortune | Yes | No in reversed = bad luck |
| Justice | Maybe | Yes if honest |
| The Hanged Man | No | Yes to new perspective |
| Death | No | Yes to transformation |
| Temperance | Maybe | Yes if you’re patient |
| The Devil | No | Maybe if you break free |
| The Tower | No | No, big upheaval |
| The Star | Yes | Yes, hopeful energy |
| The Moon | Maybe | No if things are unclear |
| The Sun | Yes | Big YES |
| Judgement | Yes | Yes, karmic green light |
| The World | Yes | Yes, end of cycle |
Minor Arcana: Suit-Based Breakdown
Let’s zoom in.
Cups – Emotion, Relationships, Inner World
Love and emotions live here. Great for relationship questions.
| Card | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ace of Cups | Yes – New emotional beginnings |
| Two of Cups | Yes – Mutual connection |
| Five of Cups | No – Disappointment ahead |
| Seven of Cups | Maybe – Fantasy vs reality |
| Ten of Cups | Yes – Happy endings |
Pentacles – Work, Money, Security
Want insight on jobs, stability, or physical outcomes? Look here.
| Card | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ace of Pentacles | Yes – Strong foundation |
| Four of Pentacles | Maybe – Fear-based |
| Five of Pentacles | No – Lack or rejection |
| Six of Pentacles | Yes – Mutual giving |
| Ten of Pentacles | Yes – Legacy, stability |
Swords – Conflict, Decisions, Truth
The sharp suit. Not for the faint-hearted.
| Card | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ace of Swords | Yes – Truth wins |
| Two of Swords | Maybe – Indecision blocks you |
| Three of Swords | No – Pain or betrayal |
| Five of Swords | No – Sneaky energy |
| Six of Swords | Yes – Moving forward |
Wands – Passion, Action, Vision
Your ambition lives here. Ask this deck when you’re stuck on momentum.
| Card | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ace of Wands | Yes – Go, now! |
| Two of Wands | Maybe – Planning phase |
| Five of Wands | No – Drama ahead |
| Seven of Wands | Maybe – Defensive posture |
| Eight of Wands | Yes – Quick success |
What About the Court Cards?
Court cards—Page, Knight, Queen, King—often represent people. So the yes/no meaning depends on context.
Still, here’s a rough guide:
- Pages = Curious yes
- Knights = Action yes
- Queens = Intuitive maybe
- Kings = Stable yes
Always ask: Is this card describing an energy or a person?
Real-Life Tarot Spread: Yes or No
I once asked, “Should I leave my full-time job and freelance?”
Pulled:
- Ace of Wands
- Knight of Swords
- Three of Pentacles (reversed)
The message? Go fast, but not alone. Build a better support system.
So I jumped—but I also built a safety net first. That’s how tarot should work: reveal blind spots, not replace thinking.
Quick Fire Tips for Sharper Readings
- Shuffle with focus. Don’t rush it.
- Cut the deck only when the energy feels right.
- Pull one card. No second-guessing.
- Journal your pulls. Patterns will show up.
- Use a clarifier only if truly stuck.
Why Tarot Isn’t a Psychic Fix-All
You’re not offloading your life choices to cardboard pictures. You’re collaborating.
Tarot is a conversation. And like any good conversation, it works best when you show up honest.
Final Thoughts
Yes or No Tarot is a tool. That’s it. The magic isn’t in the deck—it’s in the clarity it gives you.
Use it when you need a push. When your brain won’t shut up. Or when you’re about to say “yes” to something you know you shouldn’t.
The answer’s already inside you. Tarot just holds up the mirror.
FAQs
1. Should I always use reversals in yes or no readings?
If you’re comfortable with them—yes. If they confuse you, skip them. It’s your deck.
2. How many cards should I pull for yes/no?
One. Two at most. Any more, and you’re just chasing validation.
3. Can I use oracle decks instead of tarot?
Yes, but they’re less structured. Tarot offers more precision.
4. What if I don’t like the answer I get?
Then maybe that’s the truth you didn’t want to hear. Sit with it.
5. Is tarot a form of fortune telling?
No. It’s reflection. Insight. Sometimes prophetic, but never fixed.