Should I Read Tarot Reversals?

BY NICOLE LAU

Short Answer

It's entirely up to you—both approaches are valid. Reading reversals adds nuance and depth but also complexity. Some readers love them, others never use them, and both get accurate readings. If you're a beginner, start with uprights only to learn the cards first. If you're experienced and want more layers, try reversals. If they confuse you or don't resonate, skip them. Your readings work either way. There's no right or wrong answer—only what works for your reading style and intuition.

The Long Answer

What Are Reversals?

Reversed cards are:

• Cards that appear upside down in a spread
• Interpreted differently than upright
• Can mean blocked, opposite, internal, or lessened energy
• Add another layer of meaning
• Optional interpretation method

Arguments FOR Reading Reversals

More nuance:

• Adds depth and complexity
• More specific meanings
• Captures subtlety
• Richer interpretations

Expanded vocabulary:

• 156 possible meanings (78 upright + 78 reversed)
• More ways to express messages
• Greater precision

Shows blocks or challenges:

• Indicates where energy is stuck
• Highlights obstacles
• Shows internal vs. external
• Useful diagnostic tool

Traditional practice:

• Many readers use reversals
• Part of tarot tradition
• Widely taught method

Arguments AGAINST Reading Reversals

Adds complexity:

• Doubles what you need to learn
• Can be overwhelming for beginners
• More to remember
• Can confuse readings

Upright cards contain everything:

• Each card has full spectrum of meaning
• Context provides nuance
• Surrounding cards show blocks
• Don't need reversals for depth

Can be negative-focused:

• Reversals often interpreted as "bad"
• Can make readings feel heavy
• May miss positive aspects
• Not always helpful

Mechanical issues:

• Cards can flip accidentally
• Shuffling affects orientation
• May not be intentional
• Adds randomness

When to Use Reversals

Consider using reversals if:

• You're experienced with upright meanings
• You want more nuance
• They enhance your readings
• You find them helpful
• Your intuition says yes

When to Skip Reversals

Skip reversals if:

• You're a beginner
• They confuse you
• They don't resonate
• Your readings work fine without them
• You prefer simplicity
• Your intuition says no

Different Ways to Interpret Reversals

Blocked energy:

• The card's energy is stuck or unavailable
• Something preventing full expression
• Common interpretation

Opposite meaning:

• Reverse of upright meaning
• Traditional approach
• Can be limiting

Internal vs. external:

• Upright = external situation
• Reversed = internal experience
• Useful distinction

Lessened or excessive:

• Too little or too much of the card's energy
• Imbalance
• Nuanced approach

Delayed or emerging:

• Energy coming or going
• Timing indicator
• Process-oriented

Choose the method that resonates.

Alternatives to Reversals

If you don't read reversals:

• Use card position for context
• Read surrounding cards for nuance
• Use dignities (elemental relationships)
• Trust your intuition for depth
• Ask clarifying questions
• Pull additional cards

You can get depth without reversals.

For Beginners

Recommendation: Start without reversals

• Learn upright meanings first
• Build confidence
• Master the basics
• Add reversals later if desired

Don't overwhelm yourself at the start.

Trying Reversals

If you want to experiment:

• Try them for a month
• See how they feel
• Notice if they help or hinder
• Compare to non-reversal readings
• Decide based on experience

What Other Readers Say

Common practices:

• "I always read reversals—they add so much depth"
• "I never read reversals and my readings are accurate"
• "I read reversals for myself but not for clients"
• "I tried reversals but went back to uprights only"
• "I use reversals sometimes, depending on the reading"

All approaches work.

Handling Reversed Cards

If you read reversals:

• Shuffle to allow reversals
• Keep cards oriented as they fall
• Interpret reversed meanings

If you don't read reversals:

• Turn all cards upright before reading
• Or shuffle in a way that prevents reversals
• Ignore orientation

You Can Change Your Mind

Remember:

• You can start using reversals later
• You can stop using them
• You can use them selectively
• Your practice can evolve
• No permanent commitment

Trust Your Readings

Whether you:

• Always read reversals
• Never read reversals
• Sometimes read reversals

Your readings are valid and accurate.

Final Thoughts

Should you read tarot reversals? It's entirely up to you—both approaches are valid.

Reading reversals adds nuance but also complexity. Some readers love them, others never use them, and both get accurate readings.

If you're a beginner, start with uprights only. If you're experienced and want more layers, try reversals. If they don't resonate, skip them. Your readings work either way.

Reversals are optional. Both approaches work. Choose what resonates. Your readings are valid.

Whether you choose to read reversals or not, the most important guide is your own intuition, and deepening that connection can be beautifully supported by tools like the 30 day tarot practice workbook to build consistent habits, or the tarot journaling prompts 100 questions for self discovery to explore the subtle meanings behind each card's shadow. For a more structured exploration of both upright and reversed energies over time, the the 52 week tarot journey a year of weekly spreads daily pulls deep reflection offers a gentle, year-long path to discovering what resonates most with your practice.