In the rich and symbolic world of tarot, each card and its placement in a spread offer insights into the complex tapestry of human experience. Among the many facets of tarot reading that intrigue both novices and seasoned practitioners alike is the concept of card reversals—when tarot cards appear upside down in a reading. This article delves into the nuanced interpretation of reversals in tarot, a practice that adds depth and complexity to the messages conveyed through the cards.
Tarot reversals can evoke a range of emotions and questions for readers.
Do they signify the opposite of the card’s upright meaning, or do they carry a different message entirely?
Should every reader consider reversals in their readings, and if so, how can they be accurately interpreted?
This exploration will guide you through the history, meaning, and practical aspects of reading tarot reversals, offering insights and techniques to enrich your tarot practice. Whether you’re curious about incorporating reversals into your readings or seeking to deepen your understanding of their significance, this article will provide a comprehensive overview of how these inverted cards can unlock new dimensions of insight in a tarot spread.
Where Did Tarot Reading Originate?
Tarot reading, with its intricate imagery and symbolic depth, traces its origins back to the 15th century in Europe, initially emerging as a form of card game among the Italian nobility. These early tarot decks were not used for divination but for playing a game called Tarocchi. It wasn’t until the 18th century that tarot cards began to be seen as a tool for divination, with their rich symbolism offering insights into personal and spiritual matters.
The transformation of tarot from game to divinatory tool is largely attributed to occultists and mystics of the 18th and 19th centuries, who imbued the cards with esoteric meanings and associations with ancient wisdom traditions, astrology, and Kabbalah. This period marked the beginning of tarot’s association with the mystical and the secretive, turning it into a powerful medium for seeking guidance and understanding the unseen forces that shape our lives.
The practice of reading reversals in tarot—a technique where the cards that appear upside down in a spread are interpreted with a different nuance than their upright counterparts—developed alongside the evolution of tarot as a divinatory system. While there is no definitive point in history when tarot reversals were introduced, their use has become a common practice among many tarot readers, offering additional layers of meaning and insight. Some traditions view reversals as merely the opposite of the upright meaning, while others interpret them as a sign of delayed or internalized energies of the card’s archetypal qualities.
What Do Reversals Mean In Tarot?
When a tarot card is drawn and placed in a spread upside down, it’s identified as a reversal. The appearance of reversed cards can enrich a reading by introducing a spectrum of meanings that diverge from their upright positions. Understanding these reversed meanings can significantly enhance the depth and nuance of a tarot reading. Here are some common interpretations associated with reversals in tarot:
The Opposite of the Card’s Upright Meaning: One of the most straightforward interpretations of a reversed card is to consider it as indicating the opposite of its upright meaning. This can signal an imbalance or a contradiction in the area of life the card represents. For example,
In its upright position, The Lovers represents harmony, choices made with the heart, and meaningful relationships. When reversed, however, it can signify discord, imbalance in a partnership, or difficulty in making a connection. This reversal might suggest a misalignment of values or a choice that goes against one’s true desires or needs, indicating a contradiction to the unity and decision-making process symbolized by the card in its upright form.
Too Much of the Card’s Energy Present: Sometimes, a reversal indicates an excess of the card’s energy. For example, the Strength card, when upright, symbolizes inner courage, compassion, and moral fortitude, suggesting a harmonious balance between power and kindness. When reversed, it might point to an overabundance of force or control exerted in a situation. This could manifest as bullying, trying to dominate others through sheer will, or even an internal struggle where one’s own strength becomes a source of conflict, overpowering one’s ability to empathize or connect with others. The reversal calls for a reevaluation of how strength is being applied, urging a shift towards a more balanced and compassionate approach.
Too Little, or Not Enough of the Card’s Energy Present: Conversely, a reversal might mean that there’s a deficiency of the card’s energy in the querent’s life. For example, when upright, the Four of Pentacles typically emphasizes security and control over resources, suggesting a cautious approach to finances and material possessions. However, a reversal can signal that there’s too little of this card’s energy present, pointing to financial insecurity or a lack of control in managing one’s resources. This deficiency might manifest as overspending, an inability to save, or a general sense of instability concerning material well-being. The reversed Four of Pentacles calls for a reassessment of how we handle our resources, encouraging a more balanced and prudent approach to financial and material security.
Delays and Blocked Energy, Resistance: Reversed cards can point to areas where energy is stuck or progress is being hindered, often due to resistance or external challenges. These blockages can pertain to personal goals, relationships, or projects that are not advancing as expected. Let’s consider the Eight of Wands. When the Eight of Wands appears reversed in a reading, it typically highlights swift action, quick changes, or the rapid advancement of projects in its upright position. However, as a reversal, it suggests delays, blocked energy, or resistance. This could manifest as projects that suddenly hit a standstill, plans that are fraught with communication breakdowns, or an overall sense of momentum being lost. The reversed Eight of Wands is a signal to reassess the forces at play, whether they’re internal hesitations or external obstacles, and to find new strategies to overcome these challenges and restore progress.
Completion (Coming Out of That Period/Moment/Situation Indicated on the Card): In some cases, a reversal may signify the resolution or conclusion of an issue that has been troubling the querent, suggesting that they are moving out of a challenging phase.
The Eight of Swords in its upright position typically signifies a feeling of being trapped or restricted, often by one’s own thoughts or perceptions. It suggests a situation in which the querent feels powerless and unable to see a way out of their predicament. However, when this card is reversed, it can indicate the querent is beginning to recognize that these bindings are not as tight as previously believed and that the power to free themselves has been within reach all along. The reversal of the Eight of Swords might, therefore, symbolize the completion of a period of self-imposed limitation or mental anguish. It suggests an awakening to new possibilities for liberation and a realization that the path to freedom requires challenging one’s own limiting beliefs and perceptions. This shift marks the end of a cycle of feeling stuck and the beginning of a more empowered phase, where the querent actively seeks solutions and embraces their agency in changing their circumstances.
Internalized Energy of the Card: Unlike upright cards, which typically represent external influences, reversed cards can highlight internal processes, thoughts, and feelings. This shift in perspective invites the querent to look inward, examining how their own perceptions or behaviors might be influencing their situation.
The Queen of Cups in her upright position is often seen as a nurturing, intuitive, and emotionally open figure, offering compassion and understanding to those around her. She represents the epitome of emotional depth and empathy. However, when the Queen of Cups appears reversed, it may point to a time where these qualities are turned inward or become blocked. The reversal can indicate that the querent is experiencing a phase of emotional introspection, where feelings and intuition are not being expressed outwardly but are instead being internalized.
The interpretation of reversals in tarot is not fixed; much depends on the context of the reading, the question at hand, and the intuition of the reader. By considering these varied meanings, readers can use reversals to gain deeper insights into the querent’s life and the forces at play.
Should You Read Reversals In Tarot?
The decision to include reversals in tarot readings is a personal one and varies among readers based on their reading style, experience, and the goals of their tarot practice. While some readers find that reversals add valuable layers of meaning and insight, others prefer to stick with upright cards for clarity and simplicity. Here are some considerations to help you decide whether reading reversals is right for you:
Pros of Reading Reversals
- Increased Depth and Nuance: Reversals can introduce a broader spectrum of meanings to a reading, offering a more detailed exploration of the querent’s situation and potential challenges.
- Greater Precision: By adding reversals, you effectively double the number of possible interpretations for each card, allowing for more specific and nuanced readings that can resonate more deeply with the querent.
- Highlighting Inner Processes: Reversals are particularly adept at pointing to internal dynamics, offering insights into the querent’s subconscious motivations, fears, and desires.
- Identifying Blockages and Imbalances: The appearance of reversed cards can signal areas of resistance, blockage, or imbalance that need attention, guiding the querent towards areas of their life that may require healing or adjustment.
Considerations Against Reading Reversals
- Complexity: For beginners, the addition of reversed meanings can be overwhelming, potentially complicating the learning process and making readings more difficult to interpret.
- Reader’s Intuition: Some readers find that their intuitive connection to the cards is stronger when not distinguishing between upright and reversed positions, feeling that the energy of the cards can convey the necessary insights without the need for reversals.
- Simplification: Sticking to upright cards can streamline readings, making the messages clearer and more straightforward, which might be preferable in certain contexts or for certain querents.
Ultimately, the choice to use reversals in tarot readings should align with what feels most comfortable and effective for you as a reader. If you’re new to tarot, you might start by familiarizing yourself with the upright meanings of the cards and gradually introducing reversals as you gain confidence and experience. While for seasoned readers, experimenting with and without reversals can provide valuable insights into how best to connect with the cards and deliver meaningful readings.
Tarot Reversals Cheatsheet
This cheatsheet offers quick-reference keywords for the reversed meanings of all 78 tarot cards, Major Arcana and Minor Arcana, providing a handy tool for interpreting the nuanced messages they may carry in readings.
Major Arcana
The Fool – Recklessness, Naivety, Foolhardy
The Magician – Manipulation, Poor Planning, Untapped Potential
The High Priestess – Secrets, Disconnected Intuition, Confusion
The Empress – Dependence, Smothering, Creative Block
The Emperor – Tyranny, Rigidity, Loss of Control
The Hierophant – Rebellion, Dogmatism, Conformity
The Lovers – Disharmony, Imbalance, Misaligned Values
The Chariot – Lack of Direction, Aggression, Loss of Control
Strength – Weakness, Self-Doubt, Insecurity
The Hermit – Loneliness, Isolation, Lost Inner Guidance
Wheel of Fortune – Bad Luck, Resistance to Change, Out of Control
Justice – Injustice, Unaccountability, Dishonesty
The Hanged Man – Stalling, Indecision, Need to Let Go
Death – Stagnation, Fear of Change, Holding On
Temperance – Imbalance, Excess, Lack of Long-term Vision
The Devil – Break free, Overcome, Rejection of Materialism
The Tower – Disaster Avoided, Fear of Change, Delayed Destruction
The Star – Disappointment, Lack of Faith, Disillusionment
The Moon – Confusion, Fear, Misinterpretation
The Sun – Negativity, Depression, Sadness
Judgement – Self-Doubt, Failure to Learn Lessons, Stagnation
The World – Incompletion, Lack of Closure, Unfulfilled Goals
Minor Arcana
Ace of Wands: Lack of Passion, Boredom, Missed Opportunities
Two of Wands: Fear of Unknown, Lack of Planning, Loss
Three of Wands: Delays, Obstacles, Frustration
Four of Wands: Lack of Support, Home Conflict, Instability
Five of Wands: Avoiding Conflict, Fear of Competition, Tension Relief
Six of Wands: Delayed Success, Ego Problems, Lack of Recognition
Seven of Wands: Overwhelmed by Challenges, Giving Up, Insecurity
Eight of Wands: Slow Progress, Delays, Miscommunication
Nine of Wands: Stubbornness, Paranoia, Refusal to Compromise
Ten of Wands: Overburdened, Burnout, Unnecessary Sacrifices
Page of Wands: Lack of Direction, Unfocused, Pessimism
Knight of Wands: Haste, Impatience, Recklessness
Queen of Wands: Jealousy, Overbearing, Vengefulness
King of Wands: Tyranny, High Expectations, Ruthlessness
Ace of Cups: Emotional Loss, Blocked Creativity, Emptiness
Two of Cups: Break-up, Misalignment, Strained Connection
Three of Cups: Overindulgence, Gossip, Isolation
Four of Cups: Missed Opportunities, Apathy, Ungratefulness
Five of Cups: Clinging to the Past, Inability to Move On, Pessimism
Six of Cups: Stuck in the Past, Naivety, Unrealistic Nostalgia
Seven of Cups: Delusion, Temptation, Overwhelmed by Choice
Eight of Cups: Fear of Moving On, Stagnation, Clinging to Comfort
Nine of Cups: Dissatisfaction, Materialism, Smugness
Ten of Cups: Disrupted Harmony, Family Strife, Disillusionment
Page of Cups: Emotional Immaturity, Moodiness, Escapism
Knight of Cups: Unrealistic, Disappointment, Disingenuous Feelings
Queen of Cups: Overly Emotional, Insecurity, Manipulation
King of Cups: Emotional Manipulation, Unreliability, Moodiness
Ace of Swords: Confusion, Misuse of Power, Lack of Clarity
Two of Swords: Indecision, Stalemate, Blocked Emotions
Three of Swords: Prolonged Grief, Unwillingness to Heal, Holding onto Pain
Four of Swords: Restlessness, Burnout, Lack of Progress
Five of Swords: Escalating Conflicts, Vindictiveness, Unresolved Tension
Six of Swords: Delayed Transition, Resistance to Change, Incomplete Healing
Seven of Swords: Paranoia, Dishonesty to Self, Missed Warning Signs
Eight of Swords: Victim Mentality, Self-imposed Restrictions, Fear of Liberation
Nine of Swords: Unending Anxiety, Despair, Ignoring Help
Ten of Swords: Resistance to Endings, Denial of Betrayal, Prolonged Suffering
Page of Swords: Gossip, Hastiness, Misdirected Actions
Knight of Swords: Recklessness, Misguided Aggression, Impulsiveness
Queen of Swords: Cynicism, Harshness, Isolation
King of Swords: Manipulation, Tyranny, Abuse of Intellectual Power
Ace of Pentacles: Missed Opportunity, Financial Loss, Lack of Planning
Two of Pentacles: Imbalance, Overwhelmed, Loss of Control
Three of Pentacles: Lack of Teamwork, Mediocrity, Disregard for Skills
Four of Pentacles: Greediness, Materialism, Fear of Change
Five of Pentacles: Prolonged Hardship, Neglect, Fear of Scarcity
Six of Pentacles: Financial Dependency, Inequality, Misuse of Charity
Seven of Pentacles: Frustration, Impatience, Lack of Reward
Eight of Pentacles: Lack of Focus, Unrewarded Efforts, Mediocrity
Nine of Pentacles: Over-Dependency, Lack of Discipline, Superficial Success
Ten of Pentacles: Instability, Broken Home, Financial Insecurity
Page of Pentacles: Procrastination, Lack of Progress, Pessimism
Knight of Pentacles: Stagnation, Boredom, Fear of Risk
Queen of Pentacles: Overbearing, Neglectful, Materialistic
King of Pentacles: Corruption, Stubbornness, Materialism
Conclusion
The journey through the reversed cards of the tarot deck unveils a landscape rich with insights, challenges, and opportunities for growth. Reversals in tarot serve as mirrors, reflecting the complexities and nuances of our lives and offering perspectives that might remain hidden in upright readings. Whether you’re a seasoned tarot reader or new to the practice, considering reversals in your readings invites a more comprehensive exploration of the questions at hand. It encourages a balanced view of situations, highlighting areas of resistance, internal conflicts, and external challenges, while also pointing towards potential for change and growth. The reversed cards remind us that every aspect of our experience—be it perceived as positive or negative—holds valuable lessons and opportunities for transformation.
As you integrate reversals into your tarot practice, remember that the true power of tarot lies in its ability to prompt reflection, foster self-awareness, and catalyze personal development. The tarot, with its rich symbolism and capacity to touch on every aspect of human life, serves as a tool for navigating the journey of self-discovery and growth. Whether upright or reversed, each card in the tarot deck is a key to unlocking deeper understanding and insight.
