Yes Or No Tarot Spread - For Quick Insights
Last Updated: October 26, 2022
A lot of the time we work with Tarot, it’s for in-depth investigations and to provide layers of insight. Tarot helps true natures be revealed, whether a person, a place, an event, or a job. When we have tough decisions or when we start to overthink we can consult the tarot which can help us see things from different perspectives. This is where the Yes or No Tarot Spread comes in!
The purpose of this spread is to help alleviate any contemplation or brain muddling that is going on, and to guide you in making your next move – this simple spread can be used for any question you need a straight answer to. Keep in mind that a “no” answer doesn’t necessarily mean something bad will happen, but rather that the matter isn’t cut and dry or that more information is needed before a decision can be made. It’s also super important that you’re aware that Tarot is not a cure all nor an alternative to medical, professional or legal advice. It should never be used for things like “Should I get treatment for the cancer I’ve been diagnosed with?” or “Should I leave my husband and my children?”. I would always advocate you to use tarot for self-development and introspection, not as a governing body or authority, and have discussions with the professionals for those conversations only.
Knock your deck (or tap on it) whilst you are thinking about your conundrum. Think about where you need clarity, and what it means to you to have the Tarot’s support.
Can tarot be used for yes or no questions?
100% yes. It doesn’t always need to be a tool that demands hours of your time, and if you are a beginner it’s a great way to get to know your deck or its “personality” as sometimes they can be super nurturing… other times, they get right to it.
Related: Which tarot card means Yes or No?
Why use a Yes or No tarot spread?
A simple one-card pull can be done if you are short on time, but a few more cards to explain the “Why?” can make all the difference, to help build your confidence in your decision-making and trust in the deck itself.
Tarot is a tool that can show you the path your current behaviour is showing you, but it’s truly up to you to put in the work and move forward with action. Isn’t it better to have as much information without overloading yourself regarding this?
What is a significator card?
A significator card is a card that you feel represents the crux of your question. It’s sometimes called a “signifier” or “indicator”. It’s usually chosen based on its imagery, or because it’s a card you have a particularly strong connection to.
For example, if you are asking about a new job, you might choose The Tower as your significator. This is because it has themes of big change, starting from a new foundation or a new perspective. Any card can be used as a significator. Simply choose the card that you feel best represents your question.
How to interpret "Maybe" cards
You will always get those “Maybe” cards in these situations, and that is ok. It doesn’t mean you have to pull again (which you are totally welcome to if you want) but I’d revisit the card meanings before it, and maybe if you’re “missing” the connection quick research into the other cards’ correspondences can shed light for you.
Yes or No tarot spread layout & questions to ask
Here is a quick five-card tarot spread to help you with your decision – take as long or as quickly as you’d like.
To begin, shuffle your tarot deck and draw a card for each position as shown in the below layout.
Finally, take some time to reflect on the questions that each card position represents and what message the tarot cards in that position might be trying to tell you. If you’re just starting to learn tarot, or if you’re still getting to know your deck, you may find my in-depth articles on the meanings of every tarot card helpful.
Tarot Card #1: Query indicator or Significator
This first card is for your question – it’s the card that will help you understand what is at the root of your quandary. Choose the card to represent your situation, and then shuffle the rest of the deck.
Tarot Card #2: What can I not see?
This card will show you hidden aspects of the scenario, which you may not be aware of. If the influences of the outcome bring you into greater awareness, it will be easier to make a decision. If it’s an overly darker aspect than what you are expecting, sit with this a minute before moving forward. How would that make you feel long-term?
This is ultimately where you have the most influence on it all – your emotions and how they would be affected are of massive importance. This could show up like Reversed Judgement, which would indicate feelings of boredom, heaviness, or a sense of being trapped. This may also show you what may happen if you are going to leave the situation without doing anything – in this case, that card will give you an indication of what will happen if you don’t take action.
Sometimes, it can be helpful to see what the stakes are before making a decision.
Tarot Card #3: Why is it beneficial?
This card will show you what’s a beneficial aspect of what has been hidden, however. It’s not all doom and gloom with tarot. This could show up as Three of Pentacles, which would mean that growth, teamwork and success are potential outcomes if you choose to move forward.
Tarot Card #4: Anything else I need to know?
This card will help you understand what you need to do in order to make a decision. It may offer information or guidance that you were not previously aware of. This card will reveal what the central issue is if there is one. If it’s not what you were expecting, that’s ok! This can help to either change your perspective or give you a more accurate idea of what it is you are dealing with.
Tarot Card #5: Card Five: So... Is it a Yes or a No?
Finally, this is the decision-maker card for you. It will help you understand if the decision you are about to make is a Yes or No for your best interests. If you feel called to you can always pull another card for additional clarification.
What to do after this Yes or No tarot reading
After you’ve finished a tarot reading, there are a few things you can do in order to reflect on the experience and integrate the insights you gained. Here are some suggestions:
Use a tarot journal to record your findings
Jotting down your thoughts in a tarot journal after reading can be helpful in a few ways. First, it can help you remember the details of your reading later on, such as how you felt at the moment and perhaps your first impressions of what a card meant. Second, it can provide a space for you to process the information you’ve received and explore what it means for you. Third, it can be a way to keep track of your progress over time as you revisit your journal entries and reflect on your journey.
Take a picture of the cards
If you want to remember the position of the cards and what they meant in relation to your questions, take a picture of the spread. This will help you look back on the reading later and review the insights you received. Sometimes, clarity is better acquired after you’ve stepped back from the situation for a little while and had some time to process it.
Some people create Instagram accounts or Pinterest accounts specifically for this, and if you use any of our spreads please tag us @backyardbanshee if you feel comfortable!
Take some time to meditate and reflect
Immediately after a tarot reading, it’s important to take some time to sit with the insights you’ve received. This can be done through proper meditation, visualisation, or simply taking some time to reflect on the reading. It can be helpful to think about what the messages from the cards mean for your life and how you can apply the advice that was given to you. That time can also be used to replenish your energy level and cleanse your tarot deck.
Get a second opinion from a close friend
If you have close friends who also happen to be tarot practitioners, it can be helpful to get their take on your reading. They may be able to offer additional insights or perspectives that you hadn’t considered before. This is also a good way to get feedback on your own interpretation of the cards.
Ensure to ask permission before just blindly sending your cards across in a message and saying “what does this mean to you?” as your friends may not have the energy or have a boundary with this sort of thing – manners cost nothing, and this is especially to note if they are a professional tarot reader who normally gets paid to interpret readings.
Layer your reading with more divination
Why not try adding astrology dice or a pendulum reading to your tarot session? Your intuition will guide you on how to best use these tools, but they can be helpful in providing more clarity around the messages from your tarot reading. We have lots of methods for you to utilise here on the website.
Do the same reading a month later
This is a great way to check in on your progress and see how far you’ve come. It can also be helpful in understanding the cyclical nature of our lives and how our current situation is likely to change over time. This can be especially useful if you’re struggling with a decision or trying to figure out which path to take as to offer suggestions, provide perspective and encourage your confidence to move forward.
At the end of the day, tarot readings are meant to be a helpful tool, not a replacement for your own intuition. The best way to use tarot is to combine the insights you receive with your own understanding of the situation. Trust your gut and follow your heart—the answers you’re looking for will come.
I am hoping that the pondering and constant thinking on your decision ease up with your reading. Let me know if you have any further questions or can recommend extra “Yes/No” tips, and I hope this was helpful!
I have been passionate about reading divination for more than 15 years. This gives me a unique perspective when it comes to creating fun, supportive and creative tarot spreads. I hope they help you find the clarity and insight you are looking for.
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