Using Reversed Cards in a Tarot Reading

Step 1: Understand What a Reversed Card Represents

Reversed tarot cards, also known as "upside down cards," may indicate a blocked or repressed energy in the querent or the situation. Alternatively, they may suggest an aspect that the querent needs to pay attention to, or they could signify the opposite interpretation of the upright card. It's important to remember that these are just some of the ways to interpret reversed cards, and meanings can vary based on the deck and the reader.

Step 2: Decide If You Want to Use Reversed Cards

Some tarot readers choose not to use reversed cards in their readings, either because they don't connect with them or because they believe they can gain all the insight they need from upright cards. If you're a beginner, you might want to start with upright cards and then incorporate reversed cards as you gain more confidence.

Step 3: Shuffle the Cards

If you decide to use reversed cards, ensure that some of your cards are upside down when you shuffle. This can be as simple as taking half the deck, flipping it, and then shuffling it back into the deck.

Step 4: Draw and Read the Cards

Just like with a standard reading, draw your cards and lay them out. The position of the card in the spread can also help guide your interpretation. For example, if a reversed card appears in a past position, it might suggest that the energy of that card was blocked or not fully expressed in the past.

Step 5: Interpret the Reversed Cards

Interpreting reversed cards depends largely on your intuition and the context of the question or the reading. Some possible ways to interpret reversed cards include:

  • Blocked Energy: The energy of the upright card is there, but it's being blocked or repressed in some way.
  • Excess Energy: The energy of the upright card is being overexpressed or misused.
  • Internal Energy: The energy of the upright card is being expressed internally rather than externally.

Opposite Meaning: he reversed card carries the opposite meaning of the upright card.

For example, if you get a reversed Strength card, it could mean that you're feeling weak, or it could suggest that you're demonstrating strength internally but not showing it to the world.