Intro
The Question Game tarot spread is a 7-card spread similar to the celtic cross spread; it addresses the problem, what led to it, and the fears the querent is facing regarding it. This reading is good for guidance because the tarot cards will give the querent both a warning and a suggestion about the problem they are facing. It also helps the querent address their feelings about the current situation.
The Method
For this blog post, I will be using an oracle deck.
Same as with any tarot spread, start by having the querent state their question out loud or in their head. Next you or the querent will shuffle the deck, cutting the deck when you are finished (optional). Once the deck is shuffled, lay out the top seven cards in the order shown below in the diagram.
Interpreting the Cards
Below, I have included the method for reading the cards in the layout.
Use whichever method of interpretation you are comfortable with. For oracle decks, it can be hard to find standard meanings, so it’s best to use either your intuition or the booklet that came with the deck.
Card 1 shows the querent’s situation/problem; the current atmosphere surrounding their situation. This tells what is currently happening with the problem; a general summary of the situation.
Card 2 shows the querent’s past; how the situation/problem happened in the first place. This tells what events led up to this situation; what caused the problem to form.
Card 3 shows the querent’s feelings; how the querent is currently feeling about the problem they are facing. This tells about what effects the situation is having on the querent; how they are dealing with the problem.
Card 4 shows the querent’s fears; what the querent is afraid of regarding the situation. This tells about what the querent is worried will happen; the worst possible outcome they are worried about.
Card 5 shows the future; what will happen with the problem in the future. This tells where the current problem will lead if the querent continues on the path they are currently on; what will end up happening with the situation if the querent does not make any changes.
Card 6 shows a warning; the warning the tarot cards are sending to the querent. This tells about what consequences may lie in the future; the repercussions of leaving the problem unchecked.
Card 7 shows a suggestion; the suggestion the tarot cards are sending to the querent. This tells how the consequences of card 6 may be avoided; what the querent can do to fix the problem before they end up facing the repercussions.
If you can’t seem to get a clear answer from your reading, try again once more. If neither reading is making any sense, put the deck away for the day and try again at a later date.
*NOTE: remember that any reading showing what will happen in the future is not set in stone – this is simply what will happen if the querent remains on their current path without making any changes.
Example Reading
Here is a reading I did as an example:
I did this reading about a querent’s situation with their family and finances. For this reading, I kept all the cards upright, since this oracle deck has more cards than a standard tarot deck and does not include an interpretation booklet. I started by saging my deck, shuffling it, and cutting the deck three times. I then laid all the cards out face up before beginning. Since this deck does not include an interpretation booklet, for the meanings, I used my own intuition.
My Reading
Card 1: situation
This position shows the querent’s situation/problem; the current atmosphere surrounding their situation. I drew First Light. This card is about the breaking of the storm, the light after the darkness, the light at the end of the tunnel, the bright side of things.
Interpretation: Things have been tough for you lately, but now you have made it through the hard part. Things are starting to look up. You are strong and capable, so enjoy the sunshine a little. There is still work to be done, but the hardest is behind you. You can do this.
Card 2: past
This position shows the querent’s past; how the situation/problem happened in the first place. I drew Deception. This card is about unreliable guidance, misrepresented truths, being taken advantage of, being lied to.
Interpretation: You ended up here because you were led astray. The question is, by whom? Not everyone has been honest with you in the past, including yourself. Be more open and honest about your own feelings. Don’t lie to others about how you feel; let them help you. On the other hand, don’t take everything at face value. Be wary.
Card 3: feelings
This position shows the querent’s feelings; how the querent is currently feeling about the problem they are facing. I drew Exigency. This card is about the unpleasant but necessary, urgency, demand, sacrifice.
Interpretation: Just like card 1 said, you are not quite out of the weeds yet even though things are looking up. There is more to be done and it’s not something you are particularly looking forward to. You may be feeling like you’re sacrificing a lot and yes, it’s unpleasant, but you are strong enough to prevail. You’ll be feeling less than ideal for a while, but it’s a necessity you have to face.
Card 4: fear
This position shows the querent’s fears; what the querent is afraid of regarding the situation. I drew Sangfroid. This card is about confronting demons, composure when facing danger, being cool under pressure, courage.
Interpretation: You have trouble staying cool under pressure. You know you have demons to confront, but you’re afraid you might not have what it takes. You don’t want to show weakness, but you’re starting to crumble under the pressure you’re facing. Remember, you are strong and you can do this. It’s ok to ask for help when you need it. Just work through the dark and you’ll be rewarded with the light.
Card 5: future
This position shows the future; what will happen with the problem in the future. I drew Magnetism. This card is about charming properties, attraction, allure, being drawn to someone or something.
Interpretation: There’s something pulling you down this path you’re on, something that piques your interest. What, or who, is at the end? Remember what the earlier cards said and be wary of what is to come. You don’t know what’s down this path. Keep your wits about you and proceed with caution. You may be rewarded at the end.
Card 6: warning
This position shows a warning; the warning the tarot cards are sending to the querent. I drew Polarity. This card is about a charged atmosphere, attraction, contradiction, growth.
Interpretation: Things are intense right now. You feel attraction, but also contradiction. You are facing a difficult situation and your judgement is clouded by your feelings. There’s friction going on in your life right now, but also growth. Be careful; this friction may cause you to grow apart from where your feelings are drawing you. If you want to grow closer and grow together, heed the advice of card 7.
Card 7: suggestion
This position shows a suggestion; the suggestion the tarot cards are sending to the querent. I drew Renewal. This card is about the mercurial soul, volatility, change, restoration, awakening.
Interpretation: You are changing, that much is clear. Just like card 6 said, you are growing. The human soul is so mercurial, always changing, growing, developing. Take some time to relax; growth can be exhausting. It’s time for a little restoration. Find someplace you can be alone and just spend some time focusing on yourself. Awaken your true self and figure out who you are, then you can start growing together, like card 6 says.
Final Takeaway:
Things have not been easy for you. You have faced some hard times and you are feeling exhausted and broken. You feel like you have sacrificed so much and although you know it is necessary, you are feeling like you have nothing left to give anymore. I know you are afraid that you will crumble under the pressure you are facing, but you are stronger than you think.
You may be facing tension right now, but you are still growing. Things are looking up for you – the hardest part is over. You have been lied to and you have lied to yourself and others. Be more open and honest and work on communicating with those who matter. You don’t have to work through this alone. You can work through this and grow together with those you care about instead of apart.
Just remember to take some time for yourself to grow and develop on your own. You need a little time to yourself to rejuvenate so you can face whatever is coming next. Something is pulling you down this path. Make sure you are prepared for whatever may be at the end.
Next time we’ll talk about some more tarot spreads, so check back soon!
Sources
Fiebig, Johannes, and Evelin Burger. Complete Book of Tarot Spreads. Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 2014.
Thornsjo, D. (2019). Arthur Rackham Oracle Instruction Booklet. Waterville, ME: Duck Soup Productions.
Northern Lights Wicca 