Understanding how to phrase the best style of question for a Reading or Healing session is very important. This blog post endeavours to provide guidelines whether you are the Seeker or the Reader.
The words, “What if…” are the most powerful that you may use. They imply possibilities – infinite possibilities! For example, a Seeker (i.e. the Questioner) may want to know if a new relationship will be meaningful, lasting and significant in their life. Most Seekers would ask: “Is this guy the One?” A great question would be: “What if I allow myself to hope that this guy is ‘the one’ – to what degree will an investment of emotion and time in this relationship prove rewarding?”
Of course, phrasing ‘what if’ questions may prove troublesome or cumbersome for many. Some easy to follow tips are included here.
These tips may be displayed predominantly near your Reading Space or on your website to assist Seekers with their question.
1. Ask a question or make a request – “What does the future hold for me, please?” and “Tell me about my future please” follow a similar vein. I always include my manners here as this shows respect for your tools and to the Universe. “The issue is my future” is another good form ~ it is open to possibility. Giving the Reader a two-page description of your situation does not ask a question or make a request.
2. Use open rather than closed yes/no questions. “Will I get back together with my old boyfriend?” limits the Tarot reading scope. “Will I get back together with my old boyfriend, and why?” gives a little more room for the Tarot to interpret. “Tell me about my relationship with my boyfriend” or “the issue is my relationship” are probably better questions again. Personally, I prefer: “Please tell me about relationships of the heart and intimacy”.
3. Focus on empowerment to make the best decision. This is achieved by avoiding questions that start with “Will I…” Many people ask “will I marry (someone)?”. The choice is theirs whether they marry or not. Tarot reading can easily answer “who is the best husband/wife for me?” or “why can I not find a good husband/wife?” but “will I” tends to cause problems. Of course, “will I get a promotion?” is a valid question, in my opinion, because that is up to your employer, not you. When the choice is yours, do not use the “Will I” form.
4. Keep your options open. “When will I find a new lover?” is a restrictive question because it rules out the possibility of an old lover returning. A better question would be “what is holding me back from finding true love?”
The Reader’s task is to help the Seeker phrase their question in an empowering manner. This gives the Universe the opportunity to direct and suggest rather than work within a limited range of possibilities!
Asking the Seeker to write their question allows both the Seeker and the Reader the opportunity to work together and create the ‘ideal’ question.
Most Seekers are very nervous about whether their question is “right” and will openly ask for guidance in asking it correctly. The ‘trick’ is to stop them from telling you their life story which can affect your objective energy flow.
The following “Seven Deadly Traps” were cited in an article in the American Tarot Association’s Newsletter (Volume IV number 4, August 1999). It’s a matter of personal preference as to whether you choose to follow them or not during your reading sessions.
- Questions with Should, Would or Could.
- Questions about other people (Who will, Who should, Who…).
- Questions about time.
- Questions about being (Is my girlfriend cheating on me?).
- Questions about why something or somebody did something.
- Questions about what will happen in the future.
- Questions about health, wealth and legal problems.
Please, do not encourage questions on medical diagnosis, pregnancy, specific dates or locations, or regarding the manipulation of the freewill of another. They are unethical and remove possibilities from the Universe. They are not empowering.
Great questions give answers that empower you to change the course of your own life. They show you how YOU can change matters for yourself through your own thoughts and actions.