How to Read Reversed Cards in Tarot Readings

Reversed cards intimidate many beginner tarot card readers because they're not sure how to handle them. Some readers avoid this problem by simply turning all the cards in the deck to an upright position, while others just go with the upright meaning even when the cards fall in a reversed position. There is nothing wrong with doing tarot card readings in this manner, but I've found that paying attention to reversed cards lends much more depth and nuance to my readings.

There are several ways to handle reversed cards, and none of them are any better than the others. Choose a way that feels most comfortable for you, or feel free to mix them up and let your intuition guide you in your handling of reversed cards.

Here are some possible ways to handle reversed cards in tarot readings:

See Reversed Cards as an Opposite Meaning

One thing many tarot readers do is to consider a reversed card to be the opposite meaning from the upright position. For example, if The Star card means faith, hope and inspiration in its upright position, in its reversed position it would mean cynicism, doubt, and despair. The Strength card would mean strength and empowerment in its upright position, but it might mean weakness or intimidation in its reversed position.

See Reversed Cards as a Lessening of the Card's Energy

You can also choose to see a reversed card not so much as a complete opposite, but rather a weakening of the card's energy. Using the Strength card as an example again, the message might be that the seeker (person the reading is being done for) has the inner strength they need, but they doubt it, or don't rely on it or express it enough. Another good example of a reversed card showing a lessening of energy would be a card like the Ten of Cups, which in its upright position means success and accomplishment. If this card were to fall in a reversed position, it might indicate that the seeker will be successful, but maybe not as successful as they'd like.

See Reversed Cards as Blockages

Reversed cards in tarot readings can also be great indications of blockages that might be interfering with the seeker's aspirations. For example, the Six of Staffs often represents taking a very concentrated approach to a problem or challenge. If it falls in a reversed position, it might indicate that the seeker isn't being proactive enough in their approach.

See Reversed Cards as a Prompt to Start or Stop Certain Behaviors

Reversed cards can also provide insight about how our own actions are helping or hurting our goals. If the Queen of Swords appears upright in a reading, it might mean that we need to be a bit more aggressive and strong-willed, but if it falls in a reversed position, it might mean that we need to ease back and take a softer approach.

As you can see, reversed cards in your tarot readings can be a good thing because they provide a lot of depth and insight that you might not get with upright cards. The position of the card in the spread can also make a difference as to its meaning, whether it falls in the home, family, career, financial, or goals position. Again, it doesn't matter so much which way you choose to handle reversed cards, as long as you choose a way that works for you personally. Have fun with it and let your intuition guide you!