Unknown topic/question for a reading

[Pierre]

I have a questions about, well, questions.

 

I'm fairly new to tarot and I'm still getting my feet wet. I am branching off into some interesting new spreads, but I started having difficulties matching readings with specific topics. So, lately, I've done a few readings where I asked the querent to have a specific topic or questions in their mind, and to look at the reading in terms of that specific topic or question, but not tell me the topic/question. I would stop throughout the reading to remind them about their question and ask if they needed any clarification with any card in the spread as it related to that.

 

I have found that not knowing the topic has helped to BETTER connect the reading with the querent every time. Does this sound strange? Does anyone else do this? It seems at odds to what I've read here and elsewhere, but I'm still trying to feel my way around a bit so I'm experimenting.

 

Also, I tried to do a search on this topic, but I really got nowhere, so if there's already a thread that someone knows of that discussed this, point me there so we don't reinvent this wheel.

 

Thanks,
Pierre

[DanielJUK]

Don't be afraid of starting a new discussion @Pierre, new discussions, restarting old threads, it all makes the forum keep active with new discussions going on

 

It is easier to read for someone when you don't know anything about them. If you read for someone on this forum and all you really know is their username here, you can get some great readings! When you read for a relative or a friend, you know all the details. They ask about their love life and you know their entire history, it's so hard to be impartial and not go on what you already know. I really prefer to not know any details and just read blind!

 

About not knowing the question, I worry about how can you get precise with the answer? Changing the angle of how you go with the reading from the cards and what comes up to fit the question or topic gets easier with experience of the readings. But I think context is so important in a reading. Getting the 2 of Cups for a love reading, career reading or for a reading about buying a new home, turn out really differently. How do you answer what is precisely being asked in the end? There is a balance perhaps with not knowing too much about them but how do you know what to look for in the reading? Unless maybe your intuition gives you a reading from what the person is thinking (and not sharing). How can you answer the question if you don't know it during the reading?

 

But I really believe that we have to find a method that works best for us when reading and that takes experimentation and is different for everyone.

[maira]

Yes this is a thing and it works well with some people.
As a side note, If I remember it right, Crowley mentions in one of his books he also read without knowing the question/topic beforehand. 

[Pierre]

15 hours ago, DanielJUK said:

Getting the 2 of Cups for a love reading, career reading or for a reading about buying a new home, turn out really differently. How do you answer what is precisely being asked in the end?

Good point here @DanielJUK , and it's not always answered, but it's not always answered when we know the question either. A couple of times the querent, after I went through the spread, just got the answer themselves. I think it may not always work, but those who I've tried it on were enthusiastic about the angle, so maybe that's why it worked for them. I see doing a mix in the future, depending on who I'm reading for.

 

14 hours ago, maira said:

Yes this is a thing and it works well with some people.

Agreed @maira - it will only work for those who are a little more open to it or have some comfort with it.

 

14 hours ago, maira said:

...If I remember it right, Crowley mentions in one of his books he also read without knowing the question/topic beforehand. 

Wow - look at me, I'm channelling Aleister Crowley! And for my next trick ... 😁

[Yola]

Hi @Pierre! How are you? 🙃

Nice topic! Like you guys, I also prefer not to know details about the consultant's life. I think there are a lot of dangers in doing a reading for someone very intimate or for a subject you are deeply emotionally involved in. The risks of you projecting your desires and not communicating partially increase considerably!

 

About not knowing the question, I've tried it this way a few times - mostly at the beginning of my studies. I was happy with the experience, even when I didn't get it right. Today i believe that knowing the question is not indispensable, however it can greatly enrich an oracular reading. As Daniel mentioned, the cards can contain many different meanings that differ according to the context. The question serves as a compass that leads us directly to the querent's need and protects us from rambling - which can be especially relevant to professional tarot readers who have appointments and other clients to attend to. It also can help you select the best method and spread; using intuition, imagination and mediumship, but also logic and contextualization.

A very interesting story I lived was when I consulted a tattoo artist who asked about the prospects of her work. When I opened the cards, I was surprised at how many swords there were. In another situation, I would be suspicious about the need to cut, adjust and edit paths. In this specific case, I perceived this as a very positive thing because I realized that in her profession, she needed to hold a pointed, sharp and cutting tool (like a sword)! These and other cards around led me to see excellent prospects and opportunities on the way.

But I agree that each reader must find a method that they identify with. Having the freedom to experiment with various ways of reading! I don't know much about Crowley, but maybe this is a good tip for you!

 

I said too much, sorry. Hope it can be useful in some way! A big hug!