As a tarot reader, you’re probably familiar with the concept of tarot card reversals. For those who are new to tarot, a reversed tarot card is one that appears upside down in a tarot spread.
Reversed cards are often seen as negative or challenging, but they can also provide valuable insights into a reading. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of tarot card reversals in your readings.
What Are Tarot Card Reversals?
Tarot card reversals occur when a tarot card is drawn upside down in a reading.
In traditional tarot decks, the images on the cards are designed to be interpreted in a specific way. When a card is reversed, the image is flipped, and its meaning can change or become more complex.
The Benefits of Reading Reversed Tarot Cards
While many readers prefer to keep their tarot cards upright, reversed cards can add depth and nuance to a reading. Here are a few benefits of incorporating tarot card reversals into your practice:
1. Adds Complexity to the Reading
Tarot readings are often about uncovering hidden truths and understanding the complexity of a situation. Reversed cards can add an extra layer of complexity and reveal aspects of the situation that may have been overlooked or ignored.
2. Provides a More Balanced Reading
When tarot cards are all drawn upright, the reading can sometimes feel one-dimensional or lacking in depth. Reversed cards can provide balance and offer a more nuanced perspective.
3. Encourages Growth and Self-Reflection
Reversed cards can also challenge the reader to think outside of their comfort zone and consider new perspectives. This can encourage personal growth and self-reflection, both for the reader and the querent.
The Importance of Reversed Cards in Tarot Readings
Reversed cards can provide additional insights and clarity to a Tarot reading. They can:
- Reveal hidden aspects or challenges
- Highlight areas that require more attention or focus
- Offer alternative perspectives or solutions
By incorporating Tarot reversals into your readings, you can unveil deeper layers of meaning and unlock the full potential of the Tarot.
Decoding the Meaning of Reversed Tarot Cards
Reversed Tarot Card Interpretation Techniques
There are several techniques to interpret reversed Tarot cards, including:
1. Opposite Meaning
One popular method is to interpret the reversed card as the opposite of its upright meaning. For instance, The Magician upright represents manifestation and power, while reversed, it may indicate manipulation or lack of control.
2. Blocked Energy
Another approach is to consider the reversed card as representing blocked or stagnant energy. In this case, the card’s upright meaning is being hindered or not fully expressed.
3. Internalization
A third technique is to view the reversed card as an internal or subconscious aspect of the situation. It suggests that the card’s energy is working within the querent, rather than being expressed externally.
Remember to develop and trust your intuition in tarot.
Mastering Reversed Tarot Card Interpretations
Here are a few tips to help you master the art of interpreting reversed Tarot cards:
- Study the Upright Meaning: To effectively interpret reversals, you must first have a strong grasp of the card’s upright meaning.
- Consider the Card’s Position: The position of the reversed card in a spread can provide context and help you determine its significance.
- Use Your Intuition: Trust your intuition and allow it to guide you as you interpret the reversed card’s meaning.
- Practice: Like any skill, interpreting Tarot reversals takes practice. The more you work with reversed cards, the more confident and accurate you’ll become. Try using a Tarot Journal.
How to Interpret Reversed Tarot Cards
Interpreting reversed tarot cards can be challenging, but with practice, it can become a valuable tool in your reading practice. Here are a few tips for interpreting reversed cards:
1. Consider the Card’s Traditional Meaning
Before interpreting a reversed card, it’s important to understand the traditional meaning of the card when it’s drawn upright. Consider how the image on the card changes when it’s reversed, and how this may affect its meaning.
2. Look at the Card’s Placement in the Spread
The placement of a reversed card in a tarot spread can also affect its meaning. Consider how the card’s position in the spread relates to the question being asked, and how it may interact with the other cards in the spread.
3. Trust Your Intuition
Finally, when interpreting a reversed card, trust your intuition. What thoughts or feelings come up for you when you see the card reversed? How does this relate to the question being asked?
Conclusion
Incorporating tarot card reversals into your reading practice can provide a more balanced and nuanced perspective. While interpreting reversed cards can be challenging, it’s worth taking the time to develop this skill. By doing so, you can provide more meaningful and insightful readings for yourself and your clients.
FAQs
What if I don’t like using reversed tarot cards?
That’s okay! Tarot is a personal practice, and you should do what feels most comfortable for you. However, it’s worth considering the benefits of using reversed cards before dismissing them entirely.
Are there any tarot decks that don’t include reversed cards?
Yes, some tarot decks are designed to only be read with upright cards. If you’re interested in using reversed cards, be sure to choose a deck that includes them.
What if I don’t understand the meaning of a reversed card?
Don’t worry! It’s completely normal to struggle with interpreting reversed tarot cards, especially when you’re first starting out. Take the time to study the traditional meaning of the card, and consider how the reversed image may change or deepen its meaning.
You can also seek guidance from more experienced readers or consult tarot resources for further insight.
Are reversed cards always negative?
No, not necessarily. While reversed cards are often seen as negative or challenging, they can also indicate a need for change or offer a more nuanced perspective on a situation. It’s important to approach reversed cards with an open mind and consider all possible interpretations.
Can reversed cards completely change the outcome of a reading?
While reversed cards can add complexity and depth to a reading, they shouldn’t be viewed as completely changing the outcome of a reading. Tarot readings are meant to provide guidance and insight, but ultimately, the choices and actions of the querent will shape the outcome of the situation.
In summary, incorporating tarot card reversals into your reading practice can offer valuable insights and deepen your understanding of a situation.
While interpreting reversed cards can be challenging, with practice and patience, you can develop this skill and provide more meaningful and nuanced readings for yourself and others.
References
- Greer, M. K. (2009). Tarot for Your Self: A Workbook for Personal Transformation. Weiser Books.
- Hajo, B., & Camp, S. (2019). The Ultimate Guide to Tarot: A Beginner’s Guide to the Cards, Spreads, and Revealing the Mystery of the Tarot. Fair Winds Press.
- Virtue, D., & Valentine, R. (2015). Angel Tarot Cards: A 78-Card Deck and Guidebook. Hay House.
