I've been reading a lot of blog posts lately about answering yes/no questions using an image-based deck like tarot. Some say it can't be done. Some say it can. Some find ways to do it by assigning cards a positive (yes) spin or a negative (no) spin.
I say if you have an image-based deck all you need to do is look at the picture and say what you see. This is the story method of interpretation. The questioner or subject of the reading becomes the main character in the image and you simply describe what's happening.
For example, what if you are asking, Will I get a promotion? Imagine that someone is getting a promotion. What do they look like?
Happy, sad, angry? Imagine the scene -- What are they doing?
Celebrating? Relaxing? What kind of body language would we see? Tight
and tense or relaxed and open? Now, look through the cards in your deck. What cards would verify a yes answer? What cards verify no?
Let's look at examples using
Over the Moon Oracle Cards. I'm using the non-captioned version of the deck so we can see the entire image clearly.
Will I pass my test?
 |
| Status | 8 of Diamonds |
Look at you! You've got your feet up, chillaxin at home with your needlepoint. I'd say you passed your test.
 |
| Rejection | Ace of Spades |
You are leaving a school dragging a book on the ground. This looks more like a walk of shame than a victory march so I would say NO you don't pass the test.
 |
| Forgiveness | 6 of Hearts |
Yes, you will pass the test but with a little help, maybe a tutor or study aid. Or perhaps some help from above -- divine help -- in the form of prayer!
Will my finances improve by next month?
 |
| Empty | 4 of Diamonds |
You're starving! You've got no money for food so you've resorted to eating plates! It doesn't look good financially.
 |
| Fun | 5 of Hearts |
You're playing and having fun, without a care in the world, so yes it looks like your finances improve.
 |
| Waiting | 2 of Clubs |
You are waiting for something, perhaps a check in the mail. It looks like things will still be tense on the financial horizon but you may be in a position of expecting money.
Will I get a new job soon?
 |
| Gift | 6 of Diamonds |
You are giving or receiving money. Either way, this is a good sign. It looks like you may receive a job offer or at least have enough extra money to hold you over.
 |
| Traveler | Jack of Clubs |
You're getting out of the house and looking for a job. It could also mean that you will get a job that will require you to travel or move.
 |
| Security | Ace of Diamonds |
You're sitting at home by the fireplace, so no job.
Does he like me?
 |
| Interference | 3 of Spades |
Since the question is does HE like me we'll focus on the male in the image. He appears annoyed at being set up. But perhaps once he gets to know you better, he'll warm up to you.
 |
| Romantic| Jack of Hearts |
He definitely likes you. He's trying to win you over.
 |
| Restriction | 8 of Spades |
He is more concerned with his own predicament than a relationship right now. I'd say he's just not that into you.
What if the question is posed negatively instead of positively as in the above examples? This is one of the reasons the story method works so well. If we had randomly assigned yes and no for each card, how would we interpret positive cards in a negatively worded question like the ones below?
Is my boyfriend cheating?
 |
| Commitment | 4 of Hearts |
No, you two are like an old married couple and he still only has eyes for you.
 |
| Troublemaker | Jack of Spades |
Well, he looks like he stole something and is trying not to get caught. So, I would say yes, he's probably cheating.
 |
| Delay | 4 of Spades |
He may not be cheating but he appears disappointed with the relationship. He's not having any fun.
Is the relationship over?
 |
| Partnership | 2 of Hearts |
You two are still infatuated with each other. Look at the close body language -- I'd say no, the relationship is not over.
 |
| Loss | 10 of Spades |
Unfortunately, yes. Like Humpty Dumpty, it's fallen and it can't get up. As the story goes, no one can put Humpty Dumpty (or the relationship) back together again.
 |
| Rest | 4 of Clubs |
Maybe, but this might just be a time out period where both of you need a break from each other.
Do you use this method of interpretation?
