How to Do a Yes/No Tarot Reading (Plus, What Each Card Means)

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Explore your future with a simple yes or no tarot spread
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Yes or no tarot is a simple reading style that provides a straightforward answer to any specific question you have. Generally speaking, upright cards mean “yes,” and cards in a reverse position mean "no," but there's a little more to it than just that. Check out our guide on how to perform a yes or no tarot reading so you can get the most accurate answers possible. We also include a list of what each card means and provide advice for creating strong, clear questions.

How to Do Yes or No Tarot

  1. Phrase your question clearly and in a positive tone.
  2. Cut the cards, turn them 180 degrees, and shuffle them.
  3. Draw a single card and place it face down.
  4. Turn the card over and interpret the card and its context.
  5. If desired, draw a second card to gain further clarity about the answer.
Section 1 of 5:

How to Perform a Yes or No Tarot Reading

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  1. Align your question with a positive outcome and be sure it is detailed and specific. When asking about love , instead of saying, “Will he leave me,” try something more specific like “Will he stay with me after I graduate next year?” This is, of course, if you consider his “staying with you” a positive outcome. Refine your question as much as possible so there isn’t any room for interpretation or vague answers. [1]
    • Mention a time frame in your question that goes beyond “in the future.” Most “in the future” questions will end up with “yes” as an answer, but the more specific you are time-wise, the clearer an answer you’ll get. For example:
      • “Will I move to a new city by the end of this summer?”
      • “Will my marketing business be successful by the end of the coming year?”
    • Avoid yes and no questions that involve “should,” as it asks for permission to act. It’s preferable to remain objective after considering you have; no one can give you permission to do anything. [2]
      • Avoid: “Should I ask Jeffrey out on a date?”
      • Instead: “Will Jeffrey and I go out on a date during the summer?”
    • Astrologer Susan Levitt mentions the issue of wanting to ask too many questions at once about a partner. “Do they like me? Will we be together? How do we meet? What do you think? It's like 10 questions—it really comes down to relationship dynamics. Get down to what is the core essential issue.” She emphasizes asking one focused question to narrow down your intent. For example:
      • “Will going on a date with Katie this weekend lead to a romantic relationship for us?”
      • “Will passing my bar exam in February lead to my first job as a lawyer before Spring?”
  2. Set up the cards by first cutting the deck, turn the cards 180 degrees from top to bottom, and then reshuffle them. Repeat this process to ensure you end up with a tarot card deck of both upright and reversed cards. Focus on your question as you shuffle the cards. [3]
    • If you prefer you are able to shuffle the tarot cards using an overhand style by picking up small batches of cards from the top and adding them to the bottom of the deck. The riffle shuffle style involves cutting the cards in half and using both your thumbs to interleave the two halves of the cards together.
    • Take a moment to imbue the new set of cards with your energy, especially before asking a yes/no question. Spiritual advisor Emily Christensen says that “when you first get a tarot deck, make sure you start off with it being tuned to you. The only reason that it's recommended you clear your cards is so that they stay tuned to you.”
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  3. First, refer to the yes or no tarot cards list to tell you whether the card drawn from the spread is a yes, no, or maybe/neutral card (unless you’ve pre-determined what the cards mean intuitively). Then, determine whether the card is upright or reversed.
    • An alternative tarot reading method is a 3-card draw. Select card 1 and place it face down, followed by a 2nd and 3rd card (one placed on each side of the original).
      • If all 3 cards indicate a “yes,” the answer is likely to be positive
      • If you get 2 “yes” cards and one “no” or “maybe” card, consider this a "yes" or "very likely."
      • If you pull 2 “no” cards and 1 “yes” or “maybe” card, the answer is “no" or "very unlikely." [4]
  4. Generally speaking, when a tarot card is upright, it indicates a “yes” or positive answer; when it’s reversed (upside down), it indicates “no” or a negative answer. [5] Many cards are already associated with “yes,” “no,” and “maybe,” so it’s best to first check a list of tarot cards and their yes/no meanings.
    • Keep in mind that “yes” or “no” often includes layers of meaning and interpretation. Your question may be about whether your business idea will succeed. If you receive a “no,” it may feel negative, but examine the card closely to understand the reasoning. For example, the Ace of Swords means you have the mind for success, but you may be missing the material resources necessary for success. [6]
  5. Once you’ve interpreted the first card, you can draw a 2nd card to gain more understanding; drawing a 2nd card is not required, but it’s an option if you feel you want to explore the nuances of the original answer.
    • Using the scenario above about your business succeeding, if you first drew the Ace of Swords and then asked, “Do I currently have everything needed for my business to succeed?, and you draw the Ace of Pentacles as your 2nd card, it can indicate that you’re currently financially secure enough to have a successful business.
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Section 2 of 5:

Yes/No List for All 78 Tarot Cards

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  1. These named cards in the major arcana are typically “yes” cards. You can also view them as having positive outcomes or being more likely than unlikely. In addition to consulting this list, you can personalize what cards you feel are yes vs. no using your own intuition.
    • The Fool
    • The Magician
    • The Empress
    • The Lovers
    • The Chariot
    • Strength
    • The Wheel of Fortune
    • Temperance
    • The Star
    • The Sun
    • Judgment
    • The World
  2. These minor arcana cards are also considered “yes” cards and include specific cards within the suit of wands, the suit of cups, the suit of swords, and the suit of pentacles. As with the major arcana cards, feel free to personalize your “yes” pile according to your associations.
    • The Ace of Wands
    • The Two of Wands
    • The Three of Wands
    • The Four of Wands
    • The Six of Wands
    • The Eight of Wands
    • The Nine of Wands
    • The Page of Wands
    • The Knight of Wands
    • The Queen of Wands
    • The King of Wands
    • The Ace of Cups
    • The Two of Cups
    • The Three of Cups
    • The Six of Cups
    • The Nine of Cups
    • The Ten of Cups
    • The Page of Cups
    • The Knight of Cups
    • The Queen of Cups
    • The King of Cups
    • The Ace of Swords
    • The Page of Swords
    • The Knight of Swords
    • The Ace of Pentacles
    • The Three of Pentacles
    • The Six of Pentacles
    • The Eight of Pentacles
    • The Nine of Pentacles
    • The Ten of Pentacles
    • The Page of Pentacles
    • The Knight of Pentacles
    • The Queen of Pentacles
    • The King of Pentacles
    EXPERT TIP

    Jennifer McVey, Cht

    Spiritual Director
    Jennifer McVey is a Spiritualist, Seer, and the Spiritual Director of Spiritual Answers and Solutions. With more than 22 years of experience, she specializes in manifesting, ghosts and spirit attachments, hypnotherapy, channeling, and spiritually based life coaching. Jennifer has also published 13 Affirmation Image and six Word Search Puzzle books in spirituality and self-help and has produced over 600 audio sessions.
    Jennifer McVey, Cht
    Spiritual Director

    The 3 of Cups’ meaning changes, depending on its position. If I'm doing a reading and I get a 3 of Cups right side up, then that would be really good. If I get it upside down, then you would probably be excited, but may be a little bit let down.

  3. These major arcana named cards are usually “no” cards. There are often far fewer no cards than yes cards. These cards may also indicate that a question is less likely to come true or might have a negative connotation associated with it.
    • Death
    • The Devil
    • The Tower
    • The Moon
  4. These minor arcana cards that suggest “no” include cards from the same suits as above: wands, cups, swords, and pentacles. As said, you can inject your own personal energy into interpreting these cards and whether they seem unlikely or negative to you.
    • The Five of Wands
    • The Seven of Wands
    • The Ten of Wands
    • The Five of Cups
    • The Eight of Cups
    • The Three of Swords
    • The Five of Swords
    • The Seven of Swords
    • The Eight of Swords
    • The Nine of Swords
    • The Ten of Swords
    • The Four of Pentacles
    • The Five of Pentacles
  5. This final set of cards in the major arcana are considered “maybe” cards, or neutral cards. These cards often indicate that a yes could occur, but it would depend on a specific set of circumstances. Neutral cards are a sign to really examine your options and what is needed for the question to become a yes (or why it may end up as a no).
    • The High Priestess
    • The Hanged Man
    • The Emperor
    • The Hierophant
    • The Hermit
    • Justice
    • The Hanged Man
  6. This last set of minor arcana cards are also “maybe” or neutral cards taken from the suits. Here, only 3 of the 4 suits fall under the “maybe” category: cups, swords, and pentacles; wands are not included in this particular category. “Maybe” cards often bring your attention to what the best option is in a situation or question posed. [7]
    • The Four of Cups
    • The Seven of Cups
    • The Two of Swords
    • The Four of Swords
    • The Six of Swords
    • The Queen of Swords
    • The King of Swords
    • The Two of Pentacles
    • The Seven of Pentacles [8]
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Section 3 of 5:

Example Yes or No Tarot Reading and Interpretation

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  1. After you’ve asked this specific question, shuffle and cut the cards several times. Then, draw a single card to interpret. Pull another card for further clarity and ask a follow-up question. Some possible scenarios follow ahead: [9]
    • Scenario 1: Eight of Wands The answer is yes . If you’re willing to stick with it and persevere, the company will prove to be a good fit for you. You’ll experience quick progress that ultimately leads to exciting new opportunities. If you then ask, “Will I flourish at [company name],” and your follow-up card is the High Priestess, it indicates a conditional yes (if upright), which means you might need further reflection.
    • Scenario 2: Three of Wands The answer is yes . The new company presents new opportunities for your career path to grow even more than you originally thought. If you then ask, “Will I flourish at [company name],” and your follow-up card is the 8 of Pentacles, it indicates a yes (if upright) but puts the focus on learning new skills, working hard, and dealing with a very demanding job.
    • Scenario 3: Eight of Cups The answer is no . Better opportunities can be found elsewhere. No matter how drawn you are to the current company’s prospects, you’ll succeed more in a new situation, so it’s time to keep moving. If you then ask, “Will I flourish at [company name],” and your follow-up card is the Devil, it indicates a “no,” which means that getting the job could lead to negative consequences.
    • Scenario 4: The Hanged Man The answer is maybe . The Hanged Man is a sign to step back from your career decision to listen to your inner voice. Don’t let others influence your decision; only you know what’s best for you. Consider the theme of sacrifice and whether it’s something you’re willing to undergo. If you then ask, “Will I flourish at [company name],” and your follow-up card is the 6 of Swords, it indicates a “maybe” that leans towards “yes,” but involves being able to move forward and embrace change.
Section 4 of 5:

Yes or No Tarot: Is It Accurate?

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  1. Many tarot card readers feel that a yes or no answer is limiting because a traditional tarot card reading looks beneath situations, while a yes or no reading examines one question in particular. Many believe yes or no tarot is accurate for the moment, but it could well change as time goes on and the user makes different decisions. [10]
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Section 5 of 5:

Yes or No Tarot FAQs

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  1. 1
    What is the yes or no method in tarot? The yes or no method in tarot is usually a 1-card drawing that answers a specific question positively or negatively. It’s not generally considered as accurate as a traditional tarot card reading, but can work for a particular question at a certain point in time. [11]
  2. 2
    What are the drawbacks to yes or no readings? Some situations are too complex for a concrete yes or no answer. They may require a more full reading to address nuances and layers of meaning inherent in many inquiries. If you’re performing your own yes or no tarot reading , it may be difficult to be objective. You’ll want to read into certain cards you already have an association with. Try to get an experienced reader to do the reading with you. [12]
  3. 3
    Is the Pentacles tarot card a yes or no? Generally speaking, pentacles tarot cards often point to the idea of “not now” or “maybe.” For example, asking if you’ll get a particular job may provide a “not now,” meaning it’s still possible you’ll get this job at a later date. The Five of Pentacles is typically a “no,” but as with every tarot card reading, each interpretation is unique and can be approached using multiple angles. [13]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://tarotelements.com/answering-yes-no-questions-using-tarot/
      2. ↑ https://tarotelements.com/answering-yes-no-questions-using-tarot/
      3. ↑ https://biddytarot.com/blog/how-to-do-a-yes-no-tarot-card-reading/
      4. ↑ https://www.lovetoknow.com/life/astrology/yes-no-tarot
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/XlNGbTLCi20?si=lVriGcDi7xuDK5ji&t=60
      6. ↑ https://www.xiahunt.com/blogs/news/tarot-yes-or-no-spread-using-the-children-of-litha-tarot-deck
      7. ↑ https://www.creativesoultarot.com/post/how-to-read-for-yes-no-answers-in-tarot
      8. ↑ https://tarotelements.com/answering-yes-no-questions-using-tarot/
      9. ↑ https://www.creativesoultarot.com/post/how-to-read-for-yes-no-answers-in-tarot
      1. ↑ https://biddytarot.com/blog/how-to-do-a-yes-no-tarot-card-reading/
      2. ↑ https://biddytarot.com/blog/how-to-do-a-yes-no-tarot-card-reading
      3. ↑ https://www.mysticmag.com/psychic-reading/which-tarot-cards-mean-yes-and-no/
      4. ↑ https://backyardbanshee.com/tarot/which-tarot-cards-mean-yes-or-no/

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