Using reversed cards is a considerable step for Tarot readers from all different skill and ability levels as it opens a new door to a wide area of study. This article attempts to suggest when to use reversed cards and the benefits involved; demonstrate how to introduce reversed cards into one's Tarot deck; and discuss the various ways in which to interpret these cards in a reading.
It can be quite over-whelming starting with both upright and reversed meanings when you are new to Tarot, so it is usually best to learn the upright cards first until you have a firm understanding of the numerous dimensions and aspects involved in a card. It is also helpful to understand the many facets of that card in different positions and different spreads. This allows you to add your own meaning to the card through your experience, rather than simply following the often dogmatic meanings from a Tarot book.Introducing reversed cards to your Tarot spreads can be extremely beneficial for a number of reasons. Firstly it opens your readings up to another seventy-six new meanings, thus increasing the breadth and depth of your reading ability. Secondly, using reversed cards can open a new door to Tarot study, especially enlightening when you feel you have learnt all you need to know already. Lastly, most Tarot boards, such as the Tarot Certification Board, require readers to be able to read reversed cards in order to progress in certification and recognition.
There are a number of ways you can introduce reversed cards to your Tarot deck. Firstly, you can shuffle, then split the deck in two and turn one half upside-down. Continue doing this until you are satisfied the cards are well reversed. When doing readings, you can also use this method to ensure that different cards get reversed for different readings. The querent themselves can also cut the pack and decide which half gets turned upside-down.Alternatively, you can place your cards in a messy heap and shuffle them around until some are upside-down. Gather them up again to form a neat pack.
If you want to take a more passive approach, you can allow your cards to naturally reverse themselves. For example, a card may fall out and you place it back without checking it is the right way up, or the client may accidentally place the cards back upside-down. However, it will take a longer time for your cards to reversed themselves, and the same cards may stay reversed for a long time.
Interpreting reversed cards is no easy task! As with a lot of aspects in the Tarot, interpreting reversed cards depends on what you feel is right and on the surrounding cards. It would be foolish to apply a single meaning to each particular reversed card, or to say that all reversed cards reflect one particular aspect. Instead, it is important to understand all the possible interpretations that can be applied to reversed cards, so that you can read accurately for each unique situation.For positive cards, which, if they appeared upright, would reflect something beneficial to the querent, the reversed card often indicates a blockage of some sort. For example, Temperance reversed often suggests that the querent lacks patience and has difficulty in doing everything in moderation. In simpler terms, there is a blockage on the upright meaning (balance, patience, moderation).
For negative cards, which, if they appeared upright, would reflect something harmful to the querent, the reversed card amplifies this danger or negative attribute. For example, the reversed Four of Cups would often indicate the querent has closed herself off from others and is failing to see the opportunities presented. This is an extension of the upright meaning of surpassing opportunities.
For court cards, where personality and characteristics play an important role, the reversed interpretation often points to the negative qualities held in these personalities. For example, the upright Queen of Swords portrays a strong and intelligent woman, but reversed it shows the side of the same woman where she will step on anyone to get ahead. Alternatively, the reversed court card can show a deficiency in the more positive characteristics of the card. Using the Queen of Swords again, the querent may be lacking in assertiveness and drive.
Basically, the reversed card will be highlighting a blockage or a deficiency in the querent's life, or it will be accentuating a negative situation or tendency.
Another perspective on reversed cards is that they represent shadow qualities - qualities which the individual possesses but does not identify with, or projects onto others or the world. Therefore, these qualities remain in the unconscious mind.
Some writers on the Tarot suggest plainly that the reversed card indicates the opposite meaning of the upright card. For example, the reversed Three of Swords suggests happiness and success in relationships. Personally, I find this to be too simplistic. While on occasion the opposite meaning may have relevance, more often than not, there is much more to the card that needs to be explored.