Complete Yes or No Tarot List: All 78 Cards Explained
This yes or no tarot list shows which of the 78 cards mean yes, which mean no and which mean maybe, both upright and reversed. Find your card in the tables below; a printable version is linked at the end.
Want an answer right away? Get one with our yes or no tarot reading.
Quick Reference: Yes or No Tarot Summary
Before the detailed list, here is how the 78 cards break down when they land upright:
| Category | Yes Cards | No Cards | Maybe/Conditional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Arcana (22) | 14 | 4 | 4 |
| Wands (14) | 11 | 1 | 2 |
| Cups (14) | 10 | 3 | 1 |
| Swords (14) | 4 | 8 | 2 |
| Pentacles (14) | 12 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 51 | 17 | 10 |
Key Insight: The tarot deck naturally leans positive: 51 of the 78 cards, about two thirds, read as "Yes" when upright. However, context matters enormously - always consider your specific question when interpreting any card.
How this list was made: Each answer follows the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith meaning of the card. Cards about progress, success, or joy read as "Yes". Cards about blockage, loss, or endings read as "No". Cards whose meaning turns on the question or the people involved read as "Maybe".
Major Arcana Yes or No Meanings
The Major Arcana represents significant life themes and spiritual lessons. When these cards appear in yes/no readings, pay close attention - they carry extra weight.
| Card | Upright | Reversed | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0. The Fool | Yes | Maybe | New beginnings favor action; reversed suggests recklessness |
| I. The Magician | Yes | No | You have the power to manifest; reversed indicates manipulation or wasted potential |
| II. The High Priestess | Maybe | Maybe | Trust your intuition; the answer lies within, not outside |
| III. The Empress | Yes | No | Abundance and growth support your path; reversed shows neglect or dependency |
| IV. The Emperor | Yes | Maybe | Structure and authority favor you; reversed warns of rigidity |
| V. The Hierophant | Yes | Maybe | Traditional approaches work; reversed suggests questioning conventions |
| VI. The Lovers | Yes | No | Alignment and authentic choice; reversed indicates disharmony |
| VII. The Chariot | Yes | No | Victory through determination; reversed shows lack of direction |
| VIII. Strength | Yes | No | Inner courage prevails; reversed reveals self-doubt |
| IX. The Hermit | Maybe | No | Time for reflection first; not the moment for action |
| X. Wheel of Fortune | Yes | Maybe | Fate favors you; reversed warns of resistance to change |
| XI. Justice | Maybe | No | Depends on fairness of your intention; reversed indicates injustice |
| XII. The Hanged Man | Maybe | No | Surrender brings clarity; timing isn't right yet |
| XIII. Death | No | Maybe | Major transformation needed first; reversed shows resistance to necessary change |
| XIV. Temperance | Yes | No | Balance and moderation succeed; reversed warns of excess |
| XV. The Devil | No | Yes | Attachments and limitations block you; reversed means breaking free |
| XVI. The Tower | No | Maybe | Upheaval ahead; avoid this path. Reversed may indicate avoiding disaster |
| XVII. The Star | Yes | No | Hope and healing support you; reversed shows despair |
| XVIII. The Moon | No | Maybe | Illusions cloud judgment; reversed brings clarity through confusion |
| XIX. The Sun | Yes | Yes | Emphatic yes - success and joy await; reversed still positive but delayed |
| XX. Judgement | Yes | No | Renewal and awakening; reversed indicates self-doubt or stagnation |
| XXI. The World | Yes | No | Completion and achievement; reversed shows unfinished business |
Major Arcana Key Insights
Strongest Yes Cards: The Sun, The World, The Star, Wheel of Fortune, The Chariot
Strongest No Cards: The Tower, Death, The Devil, The Moon
Most Context-Dependent: The High Priestess, Justice, The Hanged Man, The Hermit
Wands Yes or No Meanings
The suit of Wands represents passion, action, creativity, and ambition. This suit generally leans positive for yes/no questions involving career, projects, and personal growth.
| Card | Upright | Reversed | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ace of Wands | Yes | No | New creative opportunity; reversed shows delays or blocks |
| Two of Wands | Yes | No | Planning pays off; reversed indicates fear of the unknown |
| Three of Wands | Yes | No | Expansion and progress; reversed warns of lack of foresight |
| Four of Wands | Yes | No | Celebration and stability; reversed shows instability |
| Five of Wands | No | Maybe | Competition and conflict present; reversed suggests resolution |
| Six of Wands | Yes | No | Victory and recognition await; reversed indicates failure |
| Seven of Wands | Maybe | No | Success if you stand your ground; reversed shows giving up |
| Eight of Wands | Yes | No | Rapid movement forward; reversed indicates delays |
| Nine of Wands | Maybe | No | Persist despite challenges; reversed warns of exhaustion |
| Ten of Wands | Yes | No | Success through hard work; reversed shows overwhelming burden |
| Page of Wands | Yes | No | Enthusiastic new beginning; reversed brings disappointing news |
| Knight of Wands | Yes | No | Bold action succeeds; reversed indicates recklessness |
| Queen of Wands | Yes | No | Confidence and charisma prevail; reversed shows jealousy |
| King of Wands | Yes | No | Visionary leadership wins; reversed warns of impulsiveness |
Wands Summary
- Yes Cards: 11
- No Cards: 1
- Maybe Cards: 2
The Wands suit strongly favors action and movement. If your question involves starting something new, pursuing a passion, or taking initiative, Wands cards generally support a "yes" answer.
Cups Yes or No Meanings
The suit of Cups represents emotions, love, relationships, and intuition. It leans positive, especially for questions about love and friendship.
| Card | Upright | Reversed | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ace of Cups | Yes | No | New love or emotional beginning; reversed indicates emotional repression |
| Two of Cups | Yes | No | Partnership and connection; reversed shows separation |
| Three of Cups | Yes | No | Celebration and friendship; reversed warns of excess or isolation |
| Four of Cups | No | Maybe | Apathy or dissatisfaction; reversed means seizing opportunities |
| Five of Cups | No | Maybe | Grief and disappointment; reversed indicates moving on |
| Six of Cups | Yes | No | Nostalgia and joy; reversed shows living in the past |
| Seven of Cups | Maybe | No | Too many options cloud judgment; reversed brings clarity |
| Eight of Cups | No | Maybe | Time to walk away; reversed indicates fear of leaving |
| Nine of Cups | Yes | No | Wishes fulfilled; reversed shows disappointment |
| Ten of Cups | Yes | No | Emotional fulfillment and family harmony; reversed indicates conflict |
| Page of Cups | Yes | No | Good emotional news; reversed shows immaturity |
| Knight of Cups | Yes | No | Romantic pursuit; reversed warns of moodiness |
| Queen of Cups | Yes | No | Emotional maturity guides you; reversed indicates instability |
| King of Cups | Yes | No | Emotional wisdom and control; reversed shows emotional manipulation |
Cups Summary
- Yes Cards: 10
- No Cards: 3
- Maybe Cards: 1
For love and relationship questions, the Cups suit provides especially meaningful answers. Cards like the Two of Cups, Ten of Cups, and Ace of Cups are among the strongest "yes" indicators for romantic matters. For deeper relationship insights, explore our love tarot readings.
Swords Yes or No Meanings
The suit of Swords represents thoughts, communication, conflict, and mental clarity. This suit tends toward more challenging interpretations, often indicating obstacles or the need for careful consideration.
| Card | Upright | Reversed | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ace of Swords | Yes | No | Mental clarity and breakthrough; reversed shows confusion |
| Two of Swords | No | Maybe | Stalemate - decision needed first; reversed indicates information overload |
| Three of Swords | No | Maybe | Heartbreak and sorrow; reversed suggests healing |
| Four of Swords | No | No | Rest needed before action; not the time to proceed |
| Five of Swords | No | No | Conflict and defeat; avoid this path |
| Six of Swords | Yes | No | Transition to better times; reversed means stuck |
| Seven of Swords | No | Maybe | Deception present; reversed indicates exposure of lies |
| Eight of Swords | No | Maybe | Trapped by limiting beliefs; reversed shows liberation |
| Nine of Swords | No | No | Anxiety and worry dominate; address fears first |
| Ten of Swords | No | Maybe | Rock bottom reached; reversed suggests recovery beginning |
| Page of Swords | Maybe | No | Gather information first; reversed shows gossip |
| Knight of Swords | Maybe | No | Hasty action - think carefully; reversed indicates recklessness |
| Queen of Swords | Yes | No | Clear judgment guides you; reversed warns of bitterness |
| King of Swords | Yes | No | Logic and authority prevail; reversed shows abuse of power |
Swords Summary
- Yes Cards: 4
- No Cards: 8
- Maybe Cards: 2
The Swords suit is the most challenging for yes/no readings. When multiple Swords appear, expect mental blocks, communication issues, or conflicts that need resolution before proceeding.
Pentacles Yes or No Meanings
The suit of Pentacles represents material concerns, finances, health, work, and practical matters. This suit generally supports yes/no questions about career, money, and tangible goals.
| Card | Upright | Reversed | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ace of Pentacles | Yes | No | New financial opportunity; reversed shows lost chance |
| Two of Pentacles | Yes | No | Balance achievable; reversed indicates overwhelm |
| Three of Pentacles | Yes | No | Collaboration succeeds; reversed shows lack of teamwork |
| Four of Pentacles | Maybe | No | Security but possible stagnation; reversed warns of greed |
| Five of Pentacles | No | Maybe | Financial hardship; reversed indicates recovery |
| Six of Pentacles | Yes | No | Generosity and sharing; reversed shows debt or selfishness |
| Seven of Pentacles | Yes | No | Patience rewarded; reversed indicates impatience |
| Eight of Pentacles | Yes | No | Skill and dedication succeed; reversed shows lack of ambition |
| Nine of Pentacles | Yes | No | Independence and abundance; reversed warns of overindulgence |
| Ten of Pentacles | Yes | No | Legacy and lasting success; reversed indicates family disputes |
| Page of Pentacles | Yes | No | Practical opportunity; reversed shows procrastination |
| Knight of Pentacles | Yes | No | Steady progress; reversed indicates stagnation |
| Queen of Pentacles | Yes | No | Nurturing practical wisdom; reversed shows neglect |
| King of Pentacles | Yes | No | Material mastery and security; reversed warns of greed |
Pentacles Summary
- Yes Cards: 12
- No Cards: 1
- Maybe Cards: 1
Pentacles strongly favor positive outcomes for questions about money, career, and material goals. This suit represents the rewards of patience, hard work, and practical planning.
Most-Asked Cards: Quick Answers
These are the cards people look up most often for a yes or no answer.
Knight of Cups: yes or no?
Yes when upright. An offer, an invitation or a romantic gesture is on its way. Reversed it turns to no: the feeling is there but the follow-through is not.
Wheel of Fortune: yes or no?
Yes when upright. Luck and timing are turning in your favor. Reversed it is a maybe: the turn is coming, but resisting change slows it down.
The Moon: yes or no?
No when upright. You do not have the full picture yet, so wait before you act. Reversed it is a maybe, as the confusion starts to clear.
The World: yes or no?
Yes when upright, one of the strongest in the deck: the matter completes successfully. Reversed it is a no for now, because something is still unfinished.
Temperance: yes or no?
Yes when upright, as long as you go patiently and in moderation. Reversed it is a no: things are out of balance or being rushed.
The Hermit: yes or no?
Maybe when upright. The card asks you to step back and think before deciding. Reversed it is a no: withdrawing further will not help.
The Emperor: yes or no?
Yes when upright. A firm plan and clear structure carry this through. Reversed it is a maybe: too much control or rigidity gets in the way.
Two of Cups: yes or no?
Yes when upright, and a strong one for love and partnership questions. Reversed it is a no: the two sides are out of step.
How to Use This Yes or No Tarot List
Step 1: Frame Your Question Properly
The quality of your question determines the quality of your answer. Good yes/no questions are:
- Specific: "Should I accept the marketing manager position at Company X?" rather than "Will I be successful?"
- Action-oriented: Focus on choices you can make
- Time-bounded: Consider adding a timeframe for clarity
Step 2: Draw Your Card(s)
You can use several methods:
- Single Card Draw: Quick and direct answer - draw your cards here
- Three Card Spread: If 2+ cards indicate yes, the answer is yes
- Majority Rules: In any spread, count the yes vs. no cards
For a complete guide on yes/no spreads and techniques, check out our Yes or No Tarot Guide.
Step 3: Consider the Context
The same card can mean different things depending on your question:
- The Eight of Cups is "No" for "Should I stay in this relationship?" but could be "Yes" for "Should I leave this job?"
- Death is typically "No" but could be "Yes" for "Should I end this chapter of my life?"
Step 4: Factor in Reversed Cards
Reversed cards don't always mean the opposite. They often indicate:
- Blocked or internalized energy
- Delays rather than denials
- The need to address something before proceeding
Special Considerations for Love Questions
When asking yes/no questions about love and relationships, certain cards carry extra significance. For more detailed love spreads, see our guide on what tarot spread to use for love.
Strongest "Yes" for Love
- The Lovers - Authentic connection and choice
- Two of Cups - Partnership and mutual attraction
- Ten of Cups - Lasting emotional fulfillment
- Ace of Cups - New love beginning
- The Empress - Nurturing, fertile relationship
Strongest "No" for Love
- Three of Swords - Heartbreak ahead
- The Tower - Relationship upheaval
- Five of Cups - Disappointment and loss
- Eight of Cups - Walking away
- The Devil - Unhealthy attachment
"Wait" Cards for Love
- The High Priestess - Trust your intuition; answer unclear
- The Hermit - Focus on yourself first
- The Hanged Man - Timing isn't right
Special Considerations for Career Questions
For career and business-related yes/no questions:
Strongest "Yes" for Career
- The Chariot - Success through determination
- Six of Wands - Victory and recognition
- Ace of Pentacles - New financial opportunity
- Three of Pentacles - Collaboration and skill pay off
- The World - Achievement and completion
Strongest "No" for Career
- Five of Pentacles - Financial hardship
- Ten of Wands (Reversed) - Burden too heavy
- The Tower - Sudden upheaval
- Eight of Swords - Trapped, limited options
- Seven of Swords - Deception in workplace
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Asking the Same Question Repeatedly
If you don't like the answer, asking again won't change reality. Trust the first card you draw.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Reversed Meanings
Reversed cards contain valuable nuance. Don't skip them - they often reveal important obstacles or conditions.
Mistake 3: Forcing a Yes or No from "Maybe" Cards
Some cards genuinely indicate "not yet" or "depends on you." Honor that ambiguity instead of forcing a binary answer.
Mistake 4: Forgetting Free Will
Tarot shows current energy and likely trajectories. You always have the power to change your path through different choices.
Download This Yes or No Tarot List
For a printable version, download the free tarot card meanings PDF. It has every card's picture, upright and reversed keywords and its yes or no lean on seven pages.
Start Your Yes or No Reading Now
Ready to get answers to your burning questions? Use this comprehensive yes or no tarot list as your guide, or let our AI-powered tarot reader do the interpretation for you.
Try a Free Yes or No Tarot ReadingWhether you're seeking guidance on love, career, finances, or life decisions, the tarot is ready to illuminate your path. Trust the cards, trust your intuition, and trust yourself to make the right choice.
Looking for daily guidance? Check your daily tarot fortune for everyday insights.
