Guide to Reversed Cards #

What Are Reversed Cards? #

When a card appears upside-down in a reading, it’s called “reversed.” This happens naturally when you shuffle—some cards turn over. The question is: what do we do with this?

There’s no single right answer. Different readers handle reversals differently, and some don’t use them at all. This guide explores multiple approaches so you can find what works for your practice.

Do You Have to Use Reversals? #

No. Many excellent readers use only upright meanings. If reversals complicate your readings without adding value, you can:

Keep all cards facing the same direction while shuffling
Read all cards upright regardless of how they appear
Use reversals only sometimes, based on the question

The choice is yours. Reversals are one tool among many, not a requirement.

Approaches to Reversed Meanings #

1. The Blocked or Weakened Approach #

The most common interpretation: a reversed card shows the upright energy blocked, weakened, or struggling to express.

Example: The Sun reversed might show joy that’s blocked, vitality that’s diminished, or success that’s delayed.

When to use: When something feels stuck or struggling to manifest.

2. The Internal/Private Approach #

Reversals indicate the energy is operating internally rather than externally—private rather than public, unconscious rather than conscious.

Example: The Empress reversed might show nurturing directed inward (self-care) rather than outward, or creative energy that hasn’t yet externalized.

When to use: When exploring inner versus outer expression.

3. The Opposite/Shadow Approach #

The reversed card shows the shadow side or opposite of the upright meaning.

Example: The Emperor reversed might show tyranny instead of healthy authority, or chaos instead of structure.

When to use: When examining problematic expressions of archetypes.

4. The “No” or Resistance Approach #

The reversal indicates resistance, refusal, or a “no” to the upright energy.

Example: The Chariot reversed might show refusing to move forward, resisting the call to action.

When to use: In yes/no readings or when exploring resistance.

5. The Excess or Deficiency Approach #

Reversals show either too much or too little of the upright quality.

Example: The Eight of Wands reversed might show either stagnation (too little movement) or chaos (too much, uncontrolled).

When to use: When exploring balance and proportion.

6. The Returning/Releasing Approach #

The reversed card shows energy that’s completing, returning, or being released.

Example: The Ace of Cups reversed might show emotional energy returning to source, or a chapter of feeling closing.

When to use: When exploring endings and completions.

Which Approach to Use? #

Context determines meaning. No single approach works for every reversal. Consider:

The question being asked
Surrounding cards
Your intuitive sense
The querent’s situation

You might use different approaches for different cards in the same reading. Trust your judgment.

Reading Major vs. Minor Reversals #

Major Arcana Reversed #

When a Major card reverses, the archetypal lesson is usually:

More challenging to access
Operating in shadow
Being resisted or avoided
Needing conscious attention

Major reversals often indicate where conscious work is needed to integrate an archetypal lesson.

Minor Arcana Reversed #

Minor reversals typically show:

Everyday expressions of blocked or challenged energy
Practical obstacles in the suit’s domain
Temporary conditions more than deep lessons

Minor reversals are often more situational and practical than Major ones.

Court Cards Reversed #

Court reversals might indicate:

Someone not expressing their potential
An aspect of self that’s underdeveloped
A person behaving in the shadow of their archetype
Energy that’s present but misdirected

Common Patterns in Reversals #

All or Many Cards Reversed #

When most cards in a spread are reversed, consider:

A general sense of being stuck or blocked
Energy moving inward (internal process)
Major transition or transformation underway
Need for patience—timing isn’t right

No Reversals #

When all cards are upright, energy is flowing relatively freely. The reading may be more straightforward.

Key Card Reversed #

When the central or final card is reversed while others are upright, that position may hold the key to the reading—where attention is most needed.

Examples by Card #

The Fool Reversed #

Blocked: Fear preventing the leap, not starting
Internal: Inner exploration before external adventure
Shadow: Recklessness, foolishness without wisdom
Excess/Deficiency: Either complete stagnation or chaotic recklessness

Ten of Cups Reversed #

Blocked: Family happiness struggling, emotional fulfillment delayed
Internal: Finding the rainbow within rather than externally
Shadow: Dysfunctional family patterns, false happiness
Releasing: A chapter of emotional fullness completing

Knight of Swords Reversed #

Blocked: Action without thinking, words without consideration
Internal: Mental energy directed inward, private analysis
Shadow: Cruelty, cutting words, destructive mental energy
Deficiency: Unable to take decisive action, mental paralysis

Developing Your Approach #

Start Simple #

Begin with one approach (blocked/weakened is easiest) and practice until comfortable.

Notice Patterns #

Track your readings. Which interpretations prove accurate? Learn from experience.

Trust Intuition #

The “right” meaning often announces itself. Trust what arises.

Stay Flexible #

Be willing to use different approaches for different readings or cards.

If Reversals Confuse You #

It’s okay to:

Not use them until you’re more experienced
Ask the deck specifically about the reversal
Draw a clarifying card
Note the reversal for later reflection without interpreting it immediately
Use upright meaning but with the understanding that this area needs attention

The Gift of Reversals #

Reversals add nuance and depth to readings. They show:

Where energy is stuck and needs movement
Where shadow work might be valuable
Where internal process precedes external manifestation
Where the “easy” upright answer isn’t the full story

Far from being “bad” cards, reversals are teachers pointing toward where growth is available.

The decision to use reversals—and how to interpret them—is part of developing your unique relationship with the tarot. There’s no wrong choice, only your choice, refined through practice and attention.