Thanks fo sharing this! 
 

Since I started to be specific with my questions, understanding the cards has been a little bit easier! 
 

I’m trying to apply the same when I read for friends and family as they sit and ask generally that they want to know about love, or money, or “this situation”, and obviously most of the times it gets confusing! 
 

Thank you for this!  I think it's a good idea not to just flap cards down at random and expect them to 'speak.'  Of course occasionally they can, when the layout isn't specific.  But by asking a specific question of each card position you're so much more likely to get a clear answer to the dilemma.

I'm also very much a fan of including an 'advice' card in just about every reading I do.  Even if the reading is very negative, an advice card can indicate a way forward.  It gives the querent something to do, or to warn them against something they might be considering.

In your example, The World card makes so much sense.  He isn't interested because he already has a family, but there is a world of opportunity out there for the querent to discover, once she's accepted that 'he' isn't the one.

I'm very glad this has been helpful.  I'll be posting more of these little tidbits as I can when my internet is cooperative.  I understand we've been having sun flares a lot recently so maybe that's been the culprit.

Excellent post. Grizabella, you're a wonderful teacher. 

Thank you, Nemia!  I'll see if I can come up with some more helpful little nuggets soon.

Griz, you could write a book 👍

On 9/20/2025 at 7:08 PM, Tanga said:

Griz, you could write a book 👍

I've been told that before. LOL  I'm pretty old now but maybe I'll try it i I live long enough.

@Grizabella - I'm so glad this post popped up again, because I honestly think it's one of the most-needed posts on this forum.  I've kept it in mind ever since you wrote it, back in 2023.  Your three-card example is superbly chosen.   Thanks again!  🙂

In my opinion, if a person wants a clear answer from the tarot, they should set up a clear structure for the tarot to use (a spread with named card positions) and ask specific questions.  (In my opinion, also use reversals, to make it clear if it's the upright meaning or the shadow meaning that's in play.)  And if all else fails, and if a card or position truly doesn't make sense after a thorough analysis, then don't be afraid to draw a (single) clarification card.  Nine times out of ten, that snaps the original card's meaning into focus.

For example, if The World still hadn't made sense, and if the clarification card was the 8 of Cups ...you'd know the World means the querent should cut her losses and move on—out into the World again.  Or if the clarification card was the 9 of Swords, it might mean the querent is losing too much sleep over the issue, while The World passes her by.  Or the 7 of Pentacles might mean the relationship she wants with this man is growing—and she's planted the seed and done all she can for the moment, so she just needs to be patient and await the end result.  Clarification cards, when used carefully, can really sharpen a reading.

Thank you, Chariot.  I'm glad it's helpful and meets a need.

That particular reading was actually done at the time. I didn't choose the cards myself in the sense of my having sorted and then picked them, knowing what they were. They were just drawn at random.

I  agree that there's a place for clarification cards once in awhile.  I consider them additional information that can give a "kick in the pants" to boost your insight over the line to clarity but that's usually my last resort.  I never draw more than one card because if one is drawn and it still doesn't bring the needed clarity, then drawing more cards isn't going to do it..