So...what am I supposed to ask in a reading?

I used to think tarot readings were only useful in some sort of crisis. 

The very first reading I ever received, way back in 2014, came at a time when I felt like my life was completely out of control. I was about a year removed from a really bad breakup and still struggling with dating for the first time in the "real world". I had just gotten a huge promotion and was undergoing a lot of changes at work. My friends were suddenly getting married all around me, and I felt incredibly alone. Eventually, a friend convinced me to go for an angel card reading.

It wound up being really life-changing and, honestly, is part of what led me to start learning tarot for myself. And while it was a great experience, I know I am not the only one with the false belief that readings were only needed or helpful in times of extreme indecision or confusion. 

As I've gotten deeper into my practice, I've learned that that could not be further from the truth. 

At its core, tarot is a great way to illuminate the path you're currently on. It can aid in decision making and bring up feelings and beliefs you've been holding subconsciously. It can help you get a sense of how to move from point A to point B. Of course, it can be tremendously helpful in times of crisis. Over the years, it's helped me make sense of breakups, deal with friend issues, get clearer on my career direction in times of uncertainty, and so much more. 

It can also help in the day-to-day sense. 

Often, if I don't have a specific question in mind, I'll ask the cards what I need to know at the moment. Every morning, I do a three-card spread for myself, focusing on the energy of the day ahead, what I should focus on, and what I need to avoid or let go. Sometimes I know I want some insight on a specific segment of my life, such as work or friendships, but I don't have one set question. Readings can provide a nice overview of these areas, or timeframes such as the week, month, lunar cycle, or year ahead. 

Really, no question is too small. You can ask how to best approach a situation with a specific person, or whether making a certain decision is in your best interest. As long as it matters to you and you can focus your energy behind what you're asking, it's okay. You don't need to wait until things get really crazy to seek out a reading; if anything, it can be helpful to get readings regularly before things get to that point. 

There are only two things I caution my clients against asking in a reading. Simple yes/no questions about the future (e.g. "Will I get pregnant this year?" or "Will I win the lottery?") don't really work for tarot. Again, the cards can illuminate your current path and share messages from your subconscious or your spirit guides. They aren't meant for fortune telling in the traditional sense. The second type of questions I steer clients away from are specific medical or legal questions. I am not a doctor or a lawyer, and those types of questions are outside my comfort zone. If you're seeking advice for either of those types of situations, I urge you to consult a professional :) 

Everyone has their own comfort level in terms of where, when, and how they get readings. Don't psych yourself out if you feel like your question isn't "big" enough to necessitate a reading. You just may find the guidance you didn't know you needed!