I can't stress enough how one of the most important components of a successful reading is the question and how it's asked. The more targeted a question is, the more likely it is the answer will be useful.

I really dislike the term "proactive," but it aptly describes the type of question that will yield the best results. Here are ten examples that you can use singly or in combination:

1. What do I need to know about . . . ?
2. What is the next step I need to take to achieve . . . ?
3. What can I do to help . . . ?
4. What is standing in the way of my . . . ?
5. How can I best overcome the obstacle of . . . ?
6. How can I be a better . . . ?
7. Which is the best choice between . . . ?
8. What can I do to support myself while . . . ?
9. When is the best time to . . . ?
10. Who am I?

Question #9 requires some knowledge of timing techniques in order to best answer it.

Question #10 is not so easy to answer but I wanted to include it because as far as we're concerned, it's the most important question you can ask the cards. Finding the answer is a lifelong process of discovery, and the more you study Tarot, the better you'll be able to answer it.

Happy readings!

Excerpted from Tarot Tips, by Ruth Ann and Wald Amberstone