How to Interpret Reversed Tarot Cards

Visit any of those free Tarot reading websites andfor clients, and is an easy way for new Tarot
you will often find the descriptions of the reversedreaders to interpret reversed cards. The basic tenet
cards are peppered with dramatic words and phrasesis that the client must return to the lesson of the
such as 'deceit', 'betrayal', 'divorce' and 'trickery andprevious card before they can move forward. For
fraud'. With these negative interpretations, it is littleexample, the Two of Pentacles reversed indicates
wonder why people fear reversed cards and oftenthat in order for the client to effectively manage
choose not to use them at all. Thankfully, there is atheir financial commitments, they need to return to
lot more to reversed Tarot cards than these sites letthe Ace of Pentacles and identify their financial goals
on.and put into place appropriate plans.
To avoid anxiety-filled Tarot readings riddled withStrengthened or weakened energy. In this method,
negative and dramatic meanings of the reversedthe energy of the upright card is either strengthened
Tarot cards, it is important to understand moreor weakened. For example, the Ten of Swords
about the many ways in which the reversed cardsupright signifies a painful ending, betrayal and being
can be interpreted. In this way, you can effectivelystabbed in the back. If the energy is weakened, the
use reversed Tarot cards to provide your clients withreversed Ten of Swords may indicate that a difficult
deep insight, constructive feedback and advice, andperiod is over and the client is beginning to heal from
renewed hope.past wounds. If the energy is strengthened, the
There are many methods of interpreting a reversedclient may be struggling to move on from a difficult
Tarot card - I have listed seven of what I believeperiod and continues to feel hurt and betrayed.
are the most useful and common.Blocked energy. The energy of the upright card is
Traditional meanings. Traditional meanings are typicallyblocked or repressed in some way. For example, the
what you will find in the LWB (Little White Book)reversed Six of Wands can suggest that a lack of
which accompany your Tarot cards. For example, theself-esteem and self-promotion is impacting your
Three of Wands reversed - "Ulterior motives.ability to be successful.
Distrust, treachery, deceit. Interrupter by misfortune.Delays. Reversed cards can indicate delays related to
Reward for labours."the card itself. For example, the reversed Eight of
The opposite of the upright card. This is perhaps oneWands suggests that plans which were once
of the most common (and simple) ways offast-moving are now coming to a standstill and you
interpreting reversed Tarot cards and involves simplyare beginning to feel frustrated.
taking the opposite of the upright meaning for that"No." In a yes/no reading, a reversed card may
card. For example, the Ten of Pentacles uprightsimply mean 'no'.
represents financial security, an established familyKnowing which method to use and when will come
home and a successful career. The opposite of this isdown to personal preference and experience. If you
financial insecurity, a broken home or a job underare just starting to learn the Tarot, I recommend
threat.selecting one method only and working with it until
A need to return to the lesson of the previous card.you feel confident. If you are more experienced, I
This method originates from Paul Fenton-Smith in hisrecommend working with each of these methods,
book Mastering the Tarot and is personally one ofdepending on what 'feels' right and what makes
my favourites. It creates hope and a way forwardsense for the reading.