Reversed Tarot Cards

A "reversed" card is one that appears upside-down in a reading. It doesn't simply mean "bad" — it shifts or deepens the card's meaning. Here are the main ways readers interpret reversals.

Four ways to read a reversal

• Blocked or delayed. The card's energy is stuck or not yet flowing.
• The opposite. The upright meaning, inverted (e.g., The Star reversed = lost hope).
• Internal / private. The theme is playing out inwardly rather than in the world.
• Lessened or excessive. A weaker — or overblown — version of the upright card.

Pick whichever reading makes the most sense in context; you don't apply all four at once.

Should beginners use reversals?

It's optional. Many readers start with upright only to learn the 78 cards, then add reversals later. Others read every card upright and find nuance through position and combinations instead. There's no wrong choice — just be consistent within a reading.

See reversals in a reading →