Understanding Reversed Tarot Cards
One of the most debated topics among tarot readers is how to handle reversed cards — cards that appear upside down during a reading. Some readers incorporate reversals as an essential part of every reading, while others choose to read all cards upright. Neither approach is wrong, and understanding the different perspectives on reversals will make you a more versatile and confident reader.
What Are Reversed Tarot Cards?
A reversed tarot card is simply a card that appears upside down when you turn it over during a reading. This happens naturally when you shuffle the deck — some cards rotate 180 degrees and end up in the reversed position. When a reader chooses to use reversals, the orientation of each card adds an additional layer of meaning to the interpretation.
Reversals effectively double the vocabulary of your tarot deck. Instead of 78 possible card meanings, you now have 156 — each card carrying both an upright and a reversed interpretation. This expanded range allows for more nuanced and specific readings, but it also requires a deeper understanding of each card's energy spectrum.
Different Schools of Thought
There is no single "correct" way to read reversed cards. Over the centuries, several approaches have developed, and many experienced readers blend elements from multiple methods.
The Opposite Meaning Approach
The simplest method treats a reversed card as the opposite of its upright meaning. If The Sun upright represents joy and success, The Sun reversed would indicate temporary sadness or setbacks. While this approach is easy to learn, many readers find it overly simplistic. It can reduce the rich spectrum of each card to a binary of "good" and "bad," which misses much of tarot's subtlety.
The Blocked Energy Approach
This popular method interprets reversed cards as indicating that the card's energy is present but somehow blocked, delayed, or struggling to express itself fully. The Eight of Pentacles upright represents dedicated work and craftsmanship; reversed, it might suggest that you have the skills but something — procrastination, self-doubt, external obstacles — is preventing you from applying them effectively.
The Internal Energy Approach
Some readers interpret reversed cards as the internalized version of the upright energy. While the upright card may describe external events or outward expression, the reversed card points to internal processes. The Emperor upright might represent authority and leadership in the outer world; reversed, it could indicate an internal need to develop self-discipline or examine your relationship with control.
The Excess or Deficiency Approach
This nuanced method reads reversals as either too much or too little of the card's energy. The Hermit upright suggests healthy introspection; reversed, it could mean excessive isolation (too much Hermit energy) or an inability to be alone with your thoughts (too little). The reader uses context and surrounding cards to determine which end of the spectrum applies.
The No-Reversals Approach
Many respected tarot readers do not use reversals at all. They believe that the full range of a card's meaning — including challenging aspects — is always accessible from the upright position, and that surrounding cards and positional meaning provide sufficient nuance. If you are a beginner, starting without reversals and adding them later as your confidence grows is a perfectly valid path.
Reversals Are Not Always Negative
One of the most important things to understand about reversed cards is that they are not inherently negative. A card that carries challenging upright energy can actually become more positive when reversed.
The Tower Reversed: Upright, The Tower represents sudden, dramatic upheaval. Reversed, it can indicate that you are avoiding a necessary breakdown, or it can suggest that the worst is over and you are beginning to rebuild. In many contexts, The Tower reversed is a relief — the catastrophe you feared may be averted or softened.
Ten of Swords Reversed: Upright, the Ten of Swords depicts a figure lying facedown with ten swords in their back — a card of painful endings and betrayal. Reversed, it often signals recovery, the lifting of despair, and the first light of hope after a dark period.
Five of Cups Reversed: Upright, this card shows a figure mourning over three spilled cups. Reversed, the Five of Cups suggests you are beginning to move past your sorrow, finding acceptance, and redirecting your attention toward what remains and what is possible.
Examples with Popular Cards
The Fool Reversed: Where the upright Fool leaps forward with trust, the reversed Fool may indicate recklessness, naivety, or fear of taking a risk.
The Empress Reversed: The Empress reversed can point to creative blocks, neglecting self-care, difficulty nurturing yourself or others, or dependence on external validation for self-worth.
The Magician Reversed: Upright, The Magician wields all four elements with mastery. Reversed, this card may indicate wasted potential, manipulation, or a lack of follow-through.
The Star Reversed: One of the tarot's most hopeful cards, The Star reversed can indicate a loss of faith, disconnection from your purpose, or a period where inspiration feels out of reach.
Tips for Reading Reversals
Start gradually. If you are new to reversals, begin by incorporating them into just the Major Arcana while reading the Minor Arcana upright only.
Use context. The meaning of a reversed card is always shaped by its position in the spread and the cards surrounding it.
Trust your intuition. When you turn over a reversed card, notice your first emotional reaction before consulting any reference.
Whether you choose to read with reversals or without them, what matters most is consistency and intentionality. Decide on your approach before you begin a reading and stick with it. Over time, you will develop a personal relationship with reversed cards that enriches every reading you do.