All the time, I get asked, “How do you read reversed tarot cards?” It’s such a common question, especially for beginners. I completely understand why it can be a bit confusing at first!
When a card shows up upside down in a reading, it’s easy to think it’s a bad sign, but that’s not always the case. In fact, reversals can add more depth to a reading and give us a better understanding of the situation at hand.
Today, I want to break it down and show you how to read reversed tarot cards in a way that’s simple and practical.
When it comes to reading reversed tarot cards, there are a few common approaches you can use to guide your interpretation, and I’m going to walk you through those. From literal reversals to focusing on blocked or internal energy, these methods will give you a strong foundation.
But here’s the thing to remember—no single approach is set in stone. The true meaning of a reversed card will always depend on the context of the reading, the surrounding cards, and the overall energy you’re picking up. So, while these guidelines are helpful, trust your intuition and let the cards speak to the specific situation at hand!
Sometimes, reading a reversed card is as simple as flipping the upright meaning on its head. This is what I call a “literal reversal,” where the card’s message is the opposite of what it typically represents.
For example, the upright Ten of Cups is all about happiness, fulfillment, and emotional harmony. But when it’s reversed, it might suggest disharmony or a disruption in that happiness—maybe there’s tension in the family or relationship. This approach is pretty straightforward and can be helpful, but it’s just one way to look at reversed cards.
Another common interpretation of reversed cards is that they point to blocked or delayed energy. The card’s message is still there, but something is standing in the way, making it harder to reach the desired outcome.
For example, if you pull the Chariot reversed, instead of full-speed-ahead success, it might be showing you that progress is slower or stalled for now. It’s not saying it won’t happen, just that you might need to work through some obstacles or be more patient.
Reversals can also shift the focus inward, signaling that the energy of the card is playing out on a personal or emotional level. When you see a reversed card, it might be asking you to do some self-reflection or address something happening internally.
Take the Hermit reversed, for instance—it could mean you’re avoiding solitude or ignoring an inner call for introspection. Instead of focusing on external events, it’s nudging you to pay attention to what’s going on within, whether it’s a suppressed emotion or something you haven’t fully processed yet.
In some cases, a reversed card doesn’t change the meaning completely but softens or weakens its energy. The card’s upright message still applies, but it’s just not as strong.
For example, if you draw the Sun reversed, it could still be a positive sign—just maybe not as bright and shining as usual. You’re still experiencing success or joy, but maybe it’s a little harder to see right now, or it’s coming in smaller doses. This approach is all about subtlety and recognizing that the message is still there, just in a more muted form.
Sometimes, a reversed card is like the Universe waving a big flag, saying, “Hey, look over here!” Instead of changing the meaning, it’s calling your attention to an issue that needs to be addressed urgently. It’s like an exclamation point, emphasizing that the energy of this card is important right now.
For example, if you pull The Devil reversed, it’s not just about breaking free from unhealthy patterns—it’s saying, “You need to deal with this NOW!” The reversal is drawing your focus to something that can no longer be ignored, whether it’s a toxic situation, a limiting belief, or a behavior holding you back. In this case, the card isn’t just showing up—it’s demanding your attention.
Major Arcana cards reversed can pack a punch. These cards represent big life lessons, and when they appear reversed, they often suggest deep internal shifts or lessons that haven’t fully sunk in yet.
For instance, The Hermit reversed could mean you’re avoiding much-needed introspection or feeling isolated in a way that’s blocking your personal growth.
Or take The Hanged Man—upright, it’s all about surrender and seeing things from a new perspective, but reversed, it might signal that you’re resisting this process and staying stuck in old ways of thinking.
Reversed Major Arcana often invite you to look inward and do some soul-searching to see what’s really going on beneath the surface.
When it comes to the Minor Arcana, reversals usually highlight day-to-day challenges or emotional blocks. Think of these cards as showing how energy flows (or doesn’t) in your everyday life.
For example, a reversed Three of Cups could point to disharmony in friendships or feeling disconnected from your social circle. Or the Eight of Pentacles reversed might suggest that your hard work isn’t paying off just yet, or that you’re struggling to focus.
These cards tend to reflect smaller, more immediate issues, but their messages are just as important. Reversed Minor Arcana remind us to pay attention to the little things that might be throwing us off balance.
It’s easy to see a reversed card and think, “Oh no, this must be bad!” But that’s not always the case. Reversals don’t automatically mean something negative—they just show a different perspective.
Instead of worrying when you see a reversed card, take a breath and remind yourself that it could be highlighting an area of growth, offering advice, or pointing out something that’s happening beneath the surface. Not every reversal is a red flag—sometimes it’s more like a gentle nudge in the right direction.
When it comes to reading reversed cards, your intuition is your best friend. While it’s great to know the traditional meanings and approaches, sometimes a card might speak to you in a way that doesn’t fit neatly into a guidebook. Trust those gut feelings!
If a reversed card feels like it’s telling you something unique for that moment, go with it. The more you practice, the more you’ll notice that your intuition often picks up on details that the logical mind might miss. Every reading is a little different, so let your intuition guide you to what feels most relevant.
Reversed cards don’t exist in isolation—their meaning can shift depending on the other cards around them.
Let’s say you pull the Two of Swords reversed, which might suggest confusion or indecision. But if it’s surrounded by cards like the Ace of Swords or The Sun, it could mean that clarity is just around the corner.
On the flip side, if more challenging cards are nearby, it could reinforce the idea of being stuck. Pay attention to the bigger picture—the entire spread helps shape the story, so reversals become more about the flow of the energy rather than just being “good” or “bad.”
One of the best ways to understand reversed cards is by tuning into the querent’s situation. Ask questions, listen carefully, and feel out what’s going on in their life. Often, their energy will give you clues about how to interpret the card.
For example, if they’re struggling with a decision and a reversed card shows up, it might represent their internal battle rather than an external block. The more you connect with their story, the clearer the reversed meanings will become. Tarot is as much about connection and conversation as it is about the cards themselves!
A great way to get comfortable with reversals is by doing daily draws where you allow both upright and reversed cards to come through. Pull one card each day and take note of whether it’s upright or reversed. Think about how its meaning shifts based on its position and how it applies to your day.
Over time, you’ll start to see patterns and gain a deeper understanding of how reversals work. It’s a simple practice, but it really helps you get familiar with the energy that reversed cards bring to a reading.
Keeping a tarot journal is an awesome way to track how you interpret reversed cards. After your daily draw, write down the card you pulled, whether it was upright or reversed, and what it meant to you that day.
As you revisit your entries over time, you’ll notice how your understanding of reversals deepens and evolves. You might even find that certain cards, when reversed, tend to show up during particular phases of your life. Journaling helps you see the bigger picture and connect the dots between the cards and your personal growth.
The best way to build confidence with reversed cards is through experimentation—don’t be afraid to play around with different interpretations I’ve provided above!
Try pulling a reversed card and see how it feels when you interpret it as delayed energy versus an internal block. See if a reversal represents a weakened influence in one reading and a major call to action in another.
Tarot is flexible, and the more you experiment, the more confident you’ll become in reading reversals. Remember, your intuition is always key, so trust yourself to adapt as needed.
Reversed cards add a whole new layer of meaning to your tarot readings. They aren’t just obstacles or challenges—think of them as deeper insights into what’s really going on, whether it’s internally or in the world around you.
Reversals give us a more complete picture and help us understand the subtle dynamics at play. Instead of thinking of them as bad or difficult, try to see them as an extra tool in your tarot toolkit—one that helps you look beyond the surface and dig into what needs attention.
The beauty of reversed cards is that they often push us to grow and reflect in ways we might not have considered. They can shine a light on areas we’ve overlooked, whether it’s a personal block, a situation that needs more time, or an internal struggle that requires healing.
Embracing reversals means embracing the opportunity for self-awareness and clarity. The more open you are to working with reversed cards, the more they’ll guide you toward meaningful insights—both in your readings and in your own life.
Don’t shy away from them—lean in and let them lead you to a deeper understanding.