In tarot readings, the reversed position of a card often carries a different meaning than when it is upright. This can be confusing for beginners, so in this blog post we will explore the meanings of reversed tarot cards. We'll discuss what it means when a particular card appears in reverse, and offer some tips on how to interpret reversed tarot readings.
Understanding upright cards in your tarot deck
Upright cards in a tarot deck typically represent a positive message. The card's meaning can range from happiness and joy to new beginnings. In general, upright cards are associated with optimistic messages.
Tarots decks have 22 Major Arcana cards, which are usually considered the most important cards in the deck. The Major Arcana cards often represent major life events or milestones.
The other 56 Minor Arcana cards are divided into four suits: Cups, Wands, Pentacles, and Swords. Each suit is associated with a different element and represents a different aspect of life, such as love, work, or finances. The Minor Arcana cards often offer more specific guidance than the Major Arcana cards.
When you are reading tarot for yourself or someone else, it is important to pay attention to whether the card is upright or reversed. An upright position typically signifies a positive meaning, while a reversed position often indicates a more challenging message. With practice, you will begin to get a feel for the energy of each position and how it affects the overall meaning of the card.
How do I interpret reversed tarot cards?
Many people believe that a tarot reading can provide valuable insights into their past, present, and future. Each card can be upright or reversed, and the meaning of a reversed card is often said to be the opposite of its upright counterpart. For example, the upright Emperor card suggests stability and authority, while the reversed Emperor card suggests chaos and anarchy.
However, some tarot scholars believe that a reversed tarot card can also indicate personal growth or transformation. So, if you come across a reversed tarot card in your reading, don't be too quick to interpret it as a negative omen. Instead, take a moment to consider what message reversed cards might be trying to send you.
Common tarot cards reversed meaning(s)
In general, reversed cards can indicate that the querent is experiencing an issue or challenge related to the card's meaning. For example, The Fool card reversed may represent a period of doubt or confusion in the querent's life. Alternatively, The Empress card reversed may represent a time when the querent is feeling creative blocks or self-doubt. It is important to remember that there is no single, definitive interpretation of reversed cards. Rather, the meaning of reversed cards will vary depending on the context of the reading. With that said, here are some common reversed meanings for some of the most popular tarot cards:
- The Fool: Doubt, confusion, indecision
- The Magician: Lack of focus, lack of direction
- The High Priestess: manipulated by others, feeling lost or alone
- The Empress: Creative blocks, self-doubt
- The Emperor: Control issues, rigidity
- The Hierophant: Conformity, stagnation
- The Lovers: Relationship problems, choices to make
- The Chariot: Conflicts, struggles
- Strength: Fear, weakness
- The Hermit: Isolation, withdrawal
- The Wheel of Fortune: Bad luck, setbacks
- Justice: Injustice, imbalance
- The Hanged Man: Stuck in a rut, feeling lost
- Death: Change, transformation
- Temperance: Imbalance, excess
- The Devil: Addiction, obsession
- The Tower: Chaos, downfall, end of something
- The Star: Hope, guidance
- The Moon: Deception, illusion, fear
- The Sun: Success, happiness, truth
- Judgement: Redemption, awakening, change
- The World: Completion, wholeness, integration
Reversed cards can offer valuable insights into the querent's life. However, it must be taken in context in the whole reading. Tarot reversals are twists, not end-of-life for tarot readers.
Connecting with your tarot deck
A tarot deck is not just a regular deck of cards. It is a tool that can be used for guidance, self-reflection, and understanding. In order to get the most out of your tarot cards, it is important to connect with it on a personal level. One way to do this is to choose a deck that speaks to you visually. The images and symbols on the cards should resonate with you on a deep level.
Another way to connect with your tarot deck is through meditations and visualization exercises. This will help you to clear your mind and open yourself up to the messages that the cards have for you. With a little time and effort, you can develop a strong connection with your tarot deck that will provide you with years of insight and guidance.
Exercise: purposefully reading reversed tarot cards
Tarot cards are full of meaning, and they can be used for purposes beyond just telling your fortune. One way to deepen your understanding of tarot is to practice reading the cards in reverse. When you interpret reversed tarot cards in practice, it's going to give you a deeper meaning of their upright meaning. Many tarot readers spend time practicing tarot card meanings with their deck.
A reversed tarot card often takes on a different meaning than when it is right-side up. For example, the upright Tower card can represent sudden chaos or upheaval, while the reversed Tower may represent a chance to rebuild after a difficult period. But you won't know this unless you practice how you interpret reversed tarot cards.
By reading tarot cards in both directions, you can get a fuller understanding of their potential meanings. You may even find that some of the reversed meanings make more sense to you than the traditional interpretations. So don't be afraid to experiment with your tarot readings – you may be surprised at what you discover.