Tarot Reversals: Should You Read Them? (Pros & Cons)
One of the most debated topics in tarot is whether or not to read reversed cards. When a card appears upside down in a spread, does it carry a different meaning? Should you even acknowledge it? Or is it just a distraction from the card's core message?
If you're learning to read tarot, you'll quickly discover that readers are split on this issue. Some swear by reversals as essential nuance; others ignore them entirely. This guide explores both perspectives so you can make an informed choice for your own practice.
What Are Tarot Reversals?
A reversed card (also called an inverted or upside-down card) appears when a tarot card is drawn in the opposite orientation from its upright position. In a 78-card deck, this means you technically have 156 possible card meanings—78 upright and 78 reversed.
Reversals are most commonly interpreted as:
- Blocked or internalized energy of the upright meaning
- The shadow side or opposite of the card's traditional interpretation
- A weakened or delayed version of the upright message
- A call to look inward rather than outward
But here's the thing: there is no universal rule. Different readers interpret reversals differently, and some don't read them at all.
The Case FOR Reading Reversals
Pro #1: Adds Nuance and Depth
Reversals allow for more subtle, layered readings. Instead of a binary "this card means X," you get a spectrum: upright might mean confidence, while reversed could indicate self-doubt or overconfidence. This granularity can make readings feel more accurate and personalized.
Pro #2: Highlights Blockages and Resistance
Reversed cards often point to internal obstacles, repressed emotions, or energy that's stuck. If you're doing shadow work or therapeutic tarot, reversals can reveal what's being avoided or denied.
Example: The upright Three of Swords might indicate heartbreak you're actively experiencing. Reversed, it could suggest you're in denial about the pain, or that healing is beginning.
Pro #3: Encourages Intuitive Reading
When a card appears reversed, it forces you to pause and think beyond the memorized meaning. This can deepen your intuitive connection to the cards and make you a more flexible, creative reader.
Pro #4: Reflects Real-Life Complexity
Life isn't black and white, and reversals honor that. They acknowledge that energy can be blocked, misdirected, or internalized—just like in real human experience.
The Case AGAINST Reading Reversals
Con #1: Adds Unnecessary Complexity
Learning 78 card meanings is already a lot. Doubling that to 156 can feel overwhelming, especially for beginners. Many experienced readers argue that the upright meanings are rich enough to cover all situations without needing reversals.
Con #2: Can Lead to Negative Bias
Some readers fall into the trap of interpreting all reversals as "bad" or "blocked," which can skew readings toward pessimism. This can create anxiety for querents and limit the empowering potential of tarot.
Con #3: Upright Cards Already Contain Duality
Every tarot card has light and shadow within it. The upright Ten of Cups can mean blissful family harmony or superficial happiness masking dysfunction. You don't need reversals to access the card's full range—context and intuition do that work.
Con #4: Mechanical Randomness
Cards can flip during shuffling for purely physical reasons—a slippery deck, a clumsy hand, a gust of wind. Some readers feel that treating these accidents as spiritually significant dilutes the integrity of the reading.
Different Approaches to Reversals
If you're unsure whether to read reversals, here are some middle-ground approaches:
1. Read Reversals Selectively
Only interpret a card as reversed if it feels significant. If a reversed card doesn't "speak" to you, read it upright. Trust your intuition over rigid rules.
2. Use Reversals for Specific Question Types
Some readers only use reversals for shadow work, psychological readings, or yes/no questions, but ignore them for general guidance spreads.
3. Reorient All Cards Before Reading
Deliberately turn all cards upright before interpreting them. This eliminates reversals entirely and keeps your focus on the card's core archetype.
4. Let the Deck Decide
Shuffle with intention. If you want reversals to appear, shuffle in a way that allows cards to flip. If you don't, shuffle in a way that keeps all cards upright (e.g., overhand shuffling without rotating the deck).
How to Interpret Reversals (If You Choose To)
If you decide to read reversals, here are some common interpretive frameworks:
Blocked Energy
The card's energy is present but obstructed. Something is preventing the upright meaning from manifesting fully.
Internalized or Private
The energy is turned inward rather than expressed outwardly. A reversed King of Wands might indicate leadership qualities you're not yet showing the world.
Excess or Deficiency
Too much or too little of the card's energy. A reversed Empress could mean smothering overcare or neglect of nurturing.
Opposite Meaning
The card's traditional meaning is inverted. This is the most literal approach but can feel reductive.
Shadow Work Invitation
The card is asking you to examine the unconscious, repressed, or denied aspects of the situation.
What Do Professional Readers Do?
There's no consensus. Some of the most respected tarot teachers read reversals; others don't. Here's a quick survey:
- Mary K. Greer (author of The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals) is a strong advocate for reversals and offers 12 different methods for interpreting them.
- Benebell Wen reads reversals but emphasizes that they're optional and context-dependent.
- Lindsay Mack (Tarot for the Wild Soul) does not read reversals, believing the upright cards contain all necessary information.
- Brigit Esselmont (Biddy Tarot) teaches reversals but encourages students to experiment and find their own approach.
The takeaway? There is no "right" way. Your tarot practice is yours to define.
How to Decide What's Right for You
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do reversals feel intuitive to me, or forced? If they resonate, use them. If they feel like mental gymnastics, skip them.
- Am I a beginner or experienced reader? Beginners might benefit from mastering upright meanings first before adding reversals.
- What kind of readings do I do? Psychological or shadow work readings may benefit from reversals; quick daily draws might not.
- Do I prefer structure or fluidity? If you like clear systems, reversals add structure. If you prefer intuitive flow, they might feel restrictive.
You can also experiment: try reading with reversals for a month, then without them for a month, and see which feels more accurate and meaningful.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Practice
The debate over tarot reversals isn't about right or wrong—it's about what serves your connection to the cards and the clarity of your readings. Some readers find reversals indispensable; others find them distracting. Both approaches are valid.
The beauty of tarot is that it's a living, evolving practice. You're allowed to change your mind, adapt your methods, and honor what feels true for you. Whether you read reversals or not, the cards will speak—because the magic isn't in the orientation. It's in your willingness to listen.
