When first we learn to read the Tarot we are focused on reading the cards in front of us. But it can also be helpful to look for the cards that aren’t there. Here’s an example. You are trying to get an impression of how soon an event is likely to happen. Timing is always tricky, so you need all the help you can get! Are there a lot of cards in the spread suggesting that patience will be required (Temperance; the Seven of Pentacles; The Hanged Man etc)? If they are NOT there, then the outcome is likely to happen sooner rather than later.

 

Here’s another example. The querent asks if they are going to get the job they have just interviewed for. You are not getting a clear impression. What should you look for? If there are no cards suggesting disappointment (the Four, Five and Nine of Cups, for example) then the outcome is more likely to be positive than not. Looking for the cards that aren’t there can be a helpful indicator in a reading.