Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced tarot reader, there’s a high chance that you’ve either flipped over a reversed card during a reading and thought, “Oh no, what now?” or maybe you’ve been avoiding them altogether because they feel a little... complicated? Mysterious? A bit like uncharted waters?

Hey, no judgment! The idea of reversed tarot cards can feel intimidating—even for experienced readers. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and it’s not as scary as it seems. In fact, once you get the hang of it, reversals can open up entirely new layers of meaning in your readings.

what are reversed tarot cards anyway?

Okay, let’s start with the basics. Reversed tarot cards are simply cards that show up upside down during a reading. Sounds simple at first, right? But then comes the big question: does being upside down change the meaning of the card? The short answer is yes—but not in the way you might think. Reversals aren’t automatically negative or ominous. Instead, they add nuance, depth, and sometimes even unexpected positivity to a reading.

(this is from our newest deck: Tarot of Sacred Kingdoms: Talisman Edition on Kickstarter)

For example, let’s say you pull The Sun upright. It’s all about joy, clarity, and success. If it’s reversed, does that mean doom and gloom? Not at all. A reversed Sun might suggest you’re struggling to see the bright side or you’re keeping your light hidden. The energy is still there; it’s just operating a little differently—maybe inwardly rather than outwardly.

See? Not so bad, right?

But, why even bother with these reversals? Aren’t they just…cards pulled upside down?

That’s a great question! Why do we add an extra layer of complexity to tarot readings when the upright meanings are already so rich? The answer is because life itself is complex. Reversals help reflect that. They’re like the shadows that make the highlights pop, the depth that turns a sketch into a masterpiece (not all of us gets to understand this from the start, but this really shows that these aren’t just playing cards and that it actually mirrors life, even the messy and complex parts of it)

Reversals can:

• Highlight internal struggles or blocks you might not be consciously aware of.
• Add insight into delays or challenges.
• Point out areas where you need to dig deeper or shift your perspective.

Think of it this way: upright cards are like what’s happening out in the open, while reversals are what’s going on beneath the surface. Both are valuable. Both are worth exploring.

How to interpret reversals without losing your mind

Okay, now that introductions are done, we can get into the practical stuff. How do you actually read reversals? There are a few techniques you can try, depending on what feels right to you:

Opposite Meaning:

 

 

(this is from our newest deck: Tarot of Sacred Kingdoms: Talisman Edition on Kickstarter)

Some readers interpret reversals as the opposite of the upright meaning. For example, upright The Devil might indicate being trapped, while reversed suggests liberation.

Blocked Energy: A reversal might mean the card’s energy is present but obstructed. Think of it like a river hitting a dam. The flow is there; it just needs some help breaking through.

Too Much or Too Little: Reversals can indicate an imbalance—either an overwhelming flood of energy or not enough of it. For instance, the reversed Queen of Wands might point to being overly domineering or too timid.

Internal Energy: 

 

 

 

 

(this is from our newest deck: Tarot of Sacred Kingdoms: Talisman Edition on Kickstarter)

Upright cards often reflect external events, while reversed cards might point to what’s happening inside. Reversed The Empress, for instance, could suggest the need for self-care rather than nurturing others.

And here’s the thing: There’s no one “right” way to read reversals. It’s about finding what resonates with you and the context of the reading.

a shift in how reversals are understood

For years, reversals were often seen as a binary: upright = positive, reversed = negative. But this black-and-white view has started to shift in favor of a more holistic approach.

Many modern readers now see reversals as part of a spectrum of possibilities. Rather than simply being the opposite of an upright card, a reversal might:

• Represent energy that’s internalized or still developing. For instance, The Hanged Man reversed could suggest you’re resisting a new perspective rather than embracing it.

(this is from our newest deck: Tarot of Sacred Kingdoms: Talisman Edition on Kickstarter)

• Offer a “prescription” for growth. Some readers interpret reversals as guidance on what needs attention or healing, rather than an obstacle to overcome.
• Highlight hidden opportunities. A reversed Ace of Pentacles might suggest untapped potential rather than a lack of abundance.

(this is from our newest deck: Tarot of Sacred Kingdoms: Talisman Edition on Kickstarter)

There’s also been a growing trend to interpret reversals even when the card appears upright. (Wait, what???) Yes, some readers believe the full spectrum of a card’s energy should always be considered, regardless of orientation. This approach emphasizes intuition and context over rigid rules.

These shifts show how tarot is evolving with its readers. It’s not just about memorizing meanings anymore; it’s about engaging with the cards on a deeper, more intuitive level.

I’ll never forget one of my early experiences with reversals. I was doing a reading for a friend, and the reversed Three of Swords popped up. My gut reaction was to think, “Oh no, heartbreak!” But as I sat with it, something clicked. This wasn’t about fresh pain—it was about healing. My friend had been working through some old wounds, and the reversed card was a sign that the intensity of that hurt was fading.

The look on her face when I shared this? Pure relief. That’s the magic of reversals. They’re not there to scare you; they’re there to guide you.

tips for beginners

If you’re new to reversals, here are a few tips to make the process less daunting:

• Start Simple: Begin by using one technique, like focusing on blocked energy. Add more layers as you grow comfortable.
• Pay Attention to Surrounding Cards: Reversals rarely stand alone. The other cards in the spread can provide important context.
• Trust Your Intuition: Sometimes, you’ll just know what a reversal means when you pull that card. Trust that feeling.
• Don’t Stress About Memorizing: You don’t need to learn 78 new meanings. Just build on what you already know about the upright cards.

Let’s also add it here: Reversals aren’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. Some readers prefer to stick with upright cards, and they still get incredible insights. The most important thing is to do what feels right for you. Tarot is a personal journey, not a rigid set of rules.

And if this conversation about tarot—and all its twists, turns, and upside-down surprises—has sparked something in you, I’ve got just the thing. Our newsletter, La Sorcière Gazette, is like a little newspaper of magick delivered straight to your inbox.

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