Notes from a Tarot Reader: Reversals
I wrote about ways to interpret card reversals earlier, but I left a little something out.
I’ll let you in on the secret: I don’t read with reversals.
You might think that seems shifty. Why write my suggestions for a reading style I don’t even practice? Well, the thing is, I first learned to read tarot using reversed cards. I’ve been around the block, so to speak.
But as my practice evolved and as I spent more time learning the deeper symbolism and history behind the cards I realized that reversals just aren’t for me.
One thing I love about tarot is how flexible it is. Once you learn the traditions behind the cards you can go in many different directions: Numerology, astrology, Kabbalah, divination, Hermeticism. I could go on.
For me, once I started down just a few of these paths I realized that I had a wealth of information to use in my readings. Plus, I found that I like the intuitive challenge of interpreting the direction or connotation of a card (negative or positive? Emerging or receding? Etc.) without reversals.
Many readers use reversals and I enjoy learning about their methods. They just aren’t for me. The beauty of tarot is each reader develops their own unique style. The form is constantly evolving.
And I’m far from a purist. I believe that variety and creativity only add to the magic of tarot. So I encourage you to explore the world of reversals. Take a peek, get to know the meanings, and, most importantly, see how it feels for you.
Love the clarity and excitement? Integrate it into your practice! Not feeling it? Take what you’ve learned and leave the rest.
4 Ways to Interpret Reversed Tarot Cards
Pick up any tarot book and you’ll find two meanings for each card: upright and reversed. With 78 cards in the typical deck, that brings the tally up to 156 meanings to familiarize yourself with.
Worried you'll spend your readings with your nose buried in a book? Fear not - once you get to know the upright major and minor arcana meanings, you'll be able to put the book aside and experiment with reversals on your own. And, naturally, you can return to the written interpretations as you enrich and grow your tarot practice.
There are lots of ways to look at reversals and many are tied to the upright meaning of the card and/or intuition. That's to say, there is no one way to read reversals, and you certainly don't need to commit a definition to memory in order to gain proficiency.
The more you read, the more you practice, and the more techniques you try, the closer you get to mastery and discovering your own personal style.
Here are some ways to explore reversals as you get started:
1. Energy Coming In/Energy Receding
With the meaning of the card you’ve learned so far in your mind, look at the position. If upright, consider the energy coming into your/the querent’s life. If reversed, see it as receding in influence.
2. Strong/Weak Forces
Look at upright cards as traits, people, or factors that have a powerful sway on the situation at hand. Reversed, the card signifies something with a weak influence.
3. Stable Areas/Places to Improve
Consider upright cards as fully developed aspects of a situation, topic, or personality. Reversed cards indicate a facet of life or the personality that needs development.
4. Smooth Sailing/Sticky Spots
Upright cards tend to speak to the positive areas of life that are proceeding with little effort. Reversals can indicate troubled areas or challenging aspects.
Things to Keep in Mind When Looking at Reversals
The Topic: Reversals often act to clarify the situation at hand. For example, if you're doing a reading for self-improvement, consider interpreting reversals as places you need to work on or traits you need to encourage.
The Context: Look at the surrounding cards. What supports the card in question and what detracts from it?
The Position: Is the reversed card in a position that indicates the past or future? Or a quality to embrace? Use this information to guide your interpretation.
Suits: Is there a dominant suit in the reading? What might that say about the reversed card(s)?
What is your experience with reversals? How do they fit in with your tarot practice?
Share your experience in the comments below or hop over to the Incandescent Tarot Mighty Network to start a new conversation. Curious about my current stance on reversals? Check out my post Why I Don’t Read with Reversals. (Yes, I realize that title is quite the spoiler!)