How to Speak to the Dead with Tarot
Step 1: State your question.
Speaking aloud while shuffling the cards, ask your higher power to use your deck as a conduit between you and your loved one on the other side. Then state the question you would like to ask the dead.
Step 2: Ask for permission.
Draw and lay the first six cards of the Celtic Cross.
Ace of Cups – The Reason
Why does the querent want to speak to the dead?
Do not choose this card yourself. Your deck will pick it for you. It will have listened to you while you were shuffling.
The High Priestess – The Doubt
What does the querent want the dead to shed light on?
Again, let your deck pick this card.
Four of Wands – The Confirmation
What kind of relationship did the querent and the dead have?
If you had a harmonious relationship, and the card does not reflect this, stop. There is someone else present. Not the one you wish to speak to. Try again later.
Nine of Swords – The Problem
What does the querent need help with from the dead?
Your deck will pick this card for you.
The Chariot – The Permission
Is the dead willing to speak to the querent at this moment?
Cards that show movement, such as The Chariot, count as yes. Stagnant cards, such as The Hanged Man, mean no. Your loved one could be preoccupied or uninterested in your question. Respect their decision.
Temperance – The Initial or Final Message
If the answer is yes to the previous question, what is the first thing the dead wishes to tell the querent? If it is no, is there anything at all that the dead wishes to tell the querent?
If permission is not given, stop here. Say thank you, and try again the next day. If it is given, proceed.
Step 3: Finish the reading.
Six of Swords – The Advice
What advise does the dead impart regarding the querent’s question?
If the outcome later on is negative, taking this advice can improve it. If it is positive, following this advise will ensure it.
The Hermit – The Environment
What does the dead say is surrounding the querent?
The querent will usually agree. If it seems to not resonate, it only means the querent was not aware. It could be a pleasant prediction or a friendly warning.
Seven of Swords – The Hope or Fear
What does the dead believe the querent is hoping for or fearing?
If the card is positive, it is the hope. Otherwise, it is the fear.
Page of Wands, Knight of Cups, Three of Cups – The Ultimate Outcome
What is the dead’s answer to the querent’s question?
These cards are read as one. See how they interact. Look at it as a scene.
Ace of Wands – The Underworld
What does the dead believe can help or hinder the querent?
If the card is positive, it can help. Otherwise, it can hinder.
Step 4: Express your gratitude.
Thank your loved one on the other side for the conversation… your higher power for the permission… and your cards for the connection.
Step 5: Remember the answers.
Note down the cards, or even better, take a picture of the spread to remember your loved one’s messages for you. It is not an option to restart the conversation and ask the same question because you forgot the answers. Tarot does not enjoy it, and the dead downright hate it.
