How to Interpret Reversed Tarot Cards
By Brigit EsselmontVisit any of those free Tarot reading websites and you will often find the descriptions of the reversed cards are peppered with dramatic words and phrases such as 'deceit', 'betrayal', 'divorce' and 'trickery and fraud'. With these negative interpretations, it is little wonder why people fear reversed cards and often choose not to use them at all. Thankfully, there is a lot more to reversed Tarot cards than these sites let on.
To avoid anxiety-filled Tarot readings riddled with negative and dramatic meanings of the reversed Tarot cards, it is important to understand more about the many ways in which the reversed cards can be interpreted. In this way, you can effectively use reversed Tarot cards to provide your clients with deep insight, constructive feedback and advice, and renewed hope.
There are many methods of interpreting a reversed Tarot card - I have listed seven of what I believe are the most useful and common.
Traditional meanings. Traditional meanings are typically what you will find in the LWB (Little White Book) which accompany your Tarot cards. For example, the Three of Wands reversed - "Ulterior motives. Distrust, treachery, deceit. Interrupter by misfortune. Reward for labours."
The opposite of the upright card. This is perhaps one of the most common (and simple) ways of interpreting reversed Tarot cards and involves simply taking the opposite of the upright meaning for that card. For example, the Ten of Pentacles upright represents financial security, an established family home and a successful career. The opposite of this is financial insecurity, a broken home or a job under threat.
A need to return to the lesson of the previous card. This method originates from Paul Fenton-Smith in his book Mastering the Tarot and is personally one of my favourites. It creates hope and a way forward for clients, and is an easy way for new Tarot readers to interpret reversed cards. The basic tenet is that the client must return to the lesson of the previous card before they can move forward. For example, the Two of Pentacles reversed indicates that in order for the client to effectively manage their financial commitments, they need to return to the Ace of Pentacles and identify their financial goals and put into place appropriate plans.
Strengthened or weakened energy. In this method, the energy of the upright card is either strengthened or weakened. For example, the Ten of Swords upright signifies a painful ending, betrayal and being stabbed in the back. If the energy is weakened, the reversed Ten of Swords may indicate that a difficult period is over and the client is beginning to heal from past wounds. If the energy is strengthened, the client may be struggling to move on from a difficult period and continues to feel hurt and betrayed.
Blocked energy. The energy of the upright card is blocked or repressed in some way. For example, the reversed Six of Wands can suggest that a lack of self-esteem and self-promotion is impacting your ability to be successful.
Delays. Reversed cards can indicate delays related to the card itself. For example, the reversed Eight of Wands suggests that plans which were once fast-moving are now coming to a standstill and you are beginning to feel frustrated.
"No." In a yes/no reading, a reversed card may simply mean 'no'.
Knowing which method to use and when will come down to personal preference and experience. If you are just starting to learn the Tarot, I recommend selecting one method only and working with it until you feel confident. If you are more experienced, I recommend working with each of these methods, depending on what 'feels' right and what makes sense for the reading.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brigit (AKA Biddy) is a certified professional Tarot reader (Tarot Guild of Australia) and provides ethical and personal online Tarot readings for thousands of clients worldwide at her website Biddy Tarot. Learn Tarot with Biddy's detailed upright and reversed Tarot card meanings for each of the 78 Tarot cards.