Almost any subject can be explored
People use tarot to reflect on relationships, choices, careers, finances, family, personal goals, uncertainty, and possible developments. There is no single universal list of “permitted” subjects that every tarot reader must follow. Some readers specialize in relationships; others focus on major life transitions or broader questions.
Rather than searching for a perfect list, consider what sort of answer you are hoping for: a picture of the present situation, a possible direction, a comparison between options, or guidance on a next step.
Why some tarot readers decline certain questions
Individual practitioners have their own ethical boundaries. Some avoid subjects because the responsibility is too great; others do not wish to engage with the emotions or, within their spiritual practice, the energy of a particular subject. Refusing a question does not mean the cards themselves have forbidden it.
For example, I do not perform readings about health. My primary reason is ethical: divination is not a 100% accurate tool, and a mistake about diagnosis, treatment, or someone's prognosis could cause serious harm. Health concerns call for medical care, not a decision based on cards.
I also do not answer questions about whether someone is alive or dead, or predict the date of death. Beyond the potential harm, this reflects a personal boundary in my practice: I do not want to work with the subject, or what I personally understand as the energy, of death.
Turning a vague topic into a useful question
Instead of “What is going on in my life?” try “What issue in my relationship deserves my attention right now?” Instead of “Will everything be fine?” ask “What factors could influence how this situation develops?” If you are choosing between two options, identify both of them.
A good tarot question need not sound mysterious. It may be personal, ordinary, or awkward. What matters is understanding why you are asking it and not treating the interpretation as an infallible instruction.