How to use tarot cards for love, according to the pros

Matters of the heart aren't always simple, and at times we need to elicit help from a third party to get us on the right track. If you find yourself in a relationship rut or struggling with a new partner, perhaps it's time to consider using tarot cards for love for a bit of guidance.

For those who are cosmically attuned—or even curious about those gifts astrology fans can't get enough of—why not open a deck of tarot cards? Ultimately, you are in control of your destiny, but there's nothing wrong with a little direction every now and then. The cards just might help you gain the realization you've been searching for. 

We talked to the pros about how tarot cards can be a source of comfort when your heart is aching, confused or simply encountering something new. Here's what they have to say.

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Tarot cards for love: everything you need to know

"Tarot cards are essential tools for divination. As such, they can aid any person who has an important question about their life, especially if they are currently experiencing some form of crisis," says astrologer and editor David Thomas of Trusted Astrology.  

Likewise, Liz Simmons, astrologer and tarot reader behind The Crone believes cards are a way to find clarity, but that does not necessarily mean they're a be-all, end-all situation. They're oftentimes used as a stepping stone to reach a conclusion.

"It’s not to replace a meaningful conversation with my partner, ex or fling," Simmons says. "If anything, I rely on my tarot to give me a more well-rounded perspective."

She adds: "Tarot becomes an important tool for me to grasp the underlying currents of my love life. Thanks to it, I often find that I have a better insight into how my relationship plays out.

What to do when you sit down for a reading

If you have some Q's about your longtime S.O. or the new person you just met from Hinge, a reading could be an interesting step to see what is in the cards (quite literally). Thomas recommends taking a breather and being open to whatever results you might encounter.

"You need to formulate questions that are NOT answerable by yes or no," he advises. "The tarot is there to give you options, and not to dictate on what you should or shouldn’t do."

A few questions to consider include: 

• How can I be sure that they are serious about our relationship?

• Why is my relationship like this?

• What can I do for them to like me better?

• What should I look out for in someone?


Simmons suggests going into a reading with a purpose in mind. 

"I also think a reading for love should have an end goal, such as ways to improve a relationship or how to find love," she suggests.

Tarot cards of note to look out for

Finally booked a reading? These upright cards could possibly mean good things for your love life, according to Simmons. 

• The Lovers
• The Magician
• The Hierophant
• The Star
• The Emperor and Empress
• Ace of Cups
• Ace of Pentacles
• 2 of Cups
• Queen and King of Cups
• 10 of Cups and/or 10 of Pentacles

"The Lovers, 2 of Cups, Queen and King of Cups, and The Emperor and Empress would all represent a true pair in love," Simmons says. "The Magician and The Star would be positive indicators of starting anew with someone who is like a wish come true. The Hierophant can represent marriage! The Aces would indicate a new chapter of love (cups) or long-term stability (pentacles). Finally, the 10 of Cups or Penalties could indicate a stable, happy relationship leading to a shared life together."

Conversely, there are likely to be cards that indicate things aren't all butterflies and roses. Here are the ones to look out for when they're turned upright. 

• 7 of Swords
• 3 of Swords
• The Moon
• The Devil
• Death
• The Fool in Reverse

"The cards listed above in the reverse would indicate being out of sync in the relationship, or even wanting different things," Simmons says. 

Keep in mind that even if you encounter a 7 of Swords or one of its negative counterparts, it's an opportunity to redirect yourself, not feel as though things have taken a turn for the worse. 

"The tarot cards and their interpretations are simply there to enlighten you of your current situation," Thomas says. "Most importantly, it must be taken as a guide for you to make the right choices."