Quick answer
In the usual convention, the Major Arcana cards that mean yes are the Fool, the Magician, the Empress, the Emperor, the Lovers, the Chariot, Strength, the Star, the Sun and the World. The Hermit, Death, the Devil, the Tower and the Moon are read as no. The rest (the High Priestess, the Hierophant, Wheel of Fortune, Justice, the Hanged Man, Temperance and Judgement) are maybe. These are reading traditions, and lists differ between readers. A card can only answer the question you asked; it cannot see what will happen.
The 22 Major Arcana as yes, no or maybe
Many readers use only the 22 Major Arcana for a yes or no draw because each card carries a strong, simple theme. The table below follows the most common assignments. Fix your list before you shuffle, draw one card, and treat the “why” column as the useful part: a no from the Hermit (not yet) and a no from the Tower (the plan is not sound) call for very different next steps.
| Card | Answer | Why, in a line |
|---|---|---|
| 0 The Fool | Yes | Take the leap, with your eyes open |
| 1 The Magician | Yes | What you need is already in your hands |
| 2 The High Priestess | Maybe | Something is unknown; wait for more |
| 3 The Empress | Yes | It can grow if you look after it |
| 4 The Emperor | Yes | Yes if you bring structure and discipline |
| 5 The Hierophant | Maybe | Depends on whether you follow the accepted route |
| 6 The Lovers | Yes | Choose what matches your values |
| 7 The Chariot | Yes | Yes through effort and focus |
| 8 Strength | Yes | Steady patience wins this one |
| 9 The Hermit | No | Not now; think it through alone first |
| 10 Wheel of Fortune | Maybe | Things are still moving; too early to call |
| 11 Justice | Maybe | The answer depends on what is fair and what you have done |
| 12 The Hanged Man | Maybe | Pause; a different angle is needed |
| 13 Death | No | Not in its present form; something must end |
| 14 Temperance | Maybe | Yes in time, if you go gently |
| 15 The Devil | No | A habit or attachment is driving the question |
| 16 The Tower | No | The foundation will not hold |
| 17 The Star | Yes | A hopeful yes that arrives slowly |
| 18 The Moon | No | Too unclear to act on; some readers say maybe |
| 19 The Sun | Yes | The clearest yes in the deck |
| 20 Judgement | Maybe | Yes once you have taken honest stock |
| 21 The World | Yes | Completion; the cycle closes well |
If you draw the full 78-card deck instead, most readers count the Aces, the Three, Six, Nine and Ten of Cups, the Four, Six and Eight of Wands and the Three, Eight, Nine and Ten of Pentacles as yes, and the Five, Eight and Ten of Cups, the Five, Nine and Ten of Wands, the Four and Five of Pentacles and the Three, Five, Nine and Ten of Swords as no. Court cards are often set aside because they describe people rather than outcomes.
Keep in mind: Tarot is a structured way to reflect and decide. A yes or no draw is a prompt for your own judgement, not a prediction, and these assignments are conventions attached to the Rider-Waite-Smith deck of 1909 rather than findings. Health, legal, money and safety questions belong with a qualified professional, never with a single card.
Read the full guide
The hub explains how to set up a yes or no reading, which questions suit it, which never should, and how to read the answer as a decision aid.
I absolutely loved this article! It really highlights how tarot can provide clarity in chaotic times. The way it connects with our subconscious is fascinating and offers a fresh perspective on decision-making. 🌟
I don’t get it. How can cards tell you what to do? Seems silly to me.
It’s not about telling you what to do, but helping you understand your feelings and choices better!
This article does a great job explaining the psychological benefits of tarot readings, especially when it comes to reducing stress related to indecision. It’s interesting how something ancient still holds relevance today! 🃏
‘Ancient’ doesn’t mean effective! We have science now; why look back?
If only life decisions came with clear yes or no cards! Can I pull one for my next meal too? This could revolutionize dinner planning! 😂
‘Yes or No’ tarot sounds like a fun gimmick, but isn’t life much more complex than that? If it were that simple, we wouldn’t need therapists or friends for advice! 🙄
@Brutus But sometimes a simple answer can lead us towards deeper understanding! Not everything has to be complicated.
‘Complexity’ is exactly why people turn to tarot! It provides insight where traditional methods may fail.
While I see the appeal of tarot, I can’t help but feel skeptical about its effectiveness. It’s just a deck of cards at the end of the day, right? People should rely on their own judgment instead.
‘Maybe’ answers in tarot sound like my love life—full of uncertainty and indecision! 😂 Seriously though, this article made me think about using tarot for fun decisions too!
I think this article nicely encapsulates how tarot can serve as a tool for self-reflection rather than just predicting outcomes. As someone who’s tried it myself, I appreciate the depth it offers beyond surface-level answers.
Self-reflection through cards sounds nice, but isn’t that just talking to yourself with extra steps?
I find this concept amusing yet intriguing. Using cards for answers seems absurd but also kinda magical in its own way! 🎴 What if the universe is just trying to communicate through these cards?
Or maybe it’s just random chance? Sounds like wishful thinking!