Tarot Reversals: To Read or Not to Read?

BY NICOLE LAU

Introduction: The Reversal Dilemma

You're shuffling your deck when a card falls out upside down. Do you read it reversed or turn it upright? You pull a spread and half the cards are inverted. Do you interpret them differently or ignore the reversal? You watch two tarot readers on YouTube—one reads reversals with complex shadow meanings, the other flips everything upright and reads only one meaning per card. Who's right?

The question of whether to read reversals is one of the most debated topics in tarot. Some readers swear reversals add essential nuance and depth. Others insist they're unnecessary complications that muddy clear readings. Beginning students often feel pressured to choose a side before they understand what reversals actually are or how they function.

Here's the truth: there is no universal right answer. Reading reversals is a personal choice, and both approaches—reading them and not reading them—can produce powerful, accurate readings. What matters is understanding your options, experimenting with different systems, and developing a consistent approach that serves your reading style and your querents.

This guide explores everything you need to know about tarot reversals: what they are, different systems for interpreting them, the pros and cons of reading them, how to decide what's right for you, and how to implement your choice consistently.

What Are Tarot Reversals?

Before deciding whether to read reversals, let's clarify what they actually are—and dispel some common misconceptions.

The Basic Definition

Reversed Card: A card that appears upside down when you turn it over in a reading. The imagery is inverted from its usual orientation.

Upright Card: A card that appears right-side up, in its standard orientation.

The Question: Does the reversal (upside-down orientation) change the card's meaning, and if so, how?

Common Misconceptions About Reversals

Myth 1: Reversals Always Mean the Opposite
Reality: While some readers interpret reversals as opposites, this is only one system among many. Reversals can mean blocked energy, internalized energy, shadow aspects, delays, or simply emphasis—not necessarily the opposite.

Myth 2: You Must Read Reversals to Be a "Real" Reader
Reality: Many expert readers don't read reversals and produce profound, accurate readings. There's no tarot police enforcing reversal reading.

Myth 3: Reversals Are Always Negative
Reality: A reversed "negative" card can actually be positive (blocked challenge = relief). A reversed "positive" card isn't necessarily bad (internalized joy is still joy).

Myth 4: Reversals Double Your Workload
Reality: If you choose to read reversals, you're not memorizing 156 separate meanings. You're applying a consistent interpretive framework to 78 cards.

Myth 5: Not Reading Reversals Means You're Missing Information
Reality: Readers who don't use reversals access the same information through card combinations, positions, and intuition. There are multiple paths to the same insight.

The History of Reversals in Tarot

Understanding the historical context helps you see that reversals are a choice, not a requirement.

Early Tarot Practice

18th-19th Century: Early tarot texts show inconsistent approaches to reversals. Some readers used them; others didn't. There was no universal standard.

Golden Dawn Influence: The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (late 1800s) systematized reversal meanings, which influenced many modern tarot books. But even within Golden Dawn, not all members read reversals consistently.

Rider-Waite-Smith Deck (1909): Arthur Edward Waite's book included reversal meanings, which became widely adopted because the RWS deck became the standard. But Waite himself noted reversals were optional.

Modern Practice

Diverse Approaches: Contemporary tarot shows enormous variety. Professional readers use every possible approach—reading reversals, not reading them, or using them selectively.

No Consensus: There is no tarot governing body declaring one approach correct. The diversity of practice proves reversals are a tool, not a rule.

Cultural Differences: Some tarot traditions (particularly European) emphasize reversals more than others. This is cultural preference, not universal truth.

Different Systems for Reading Reversals

If you choose to read reversals, there are multiple interpretive frameworks. Understanding your options helps you choose consciously rather than defaultly.

System 1: Blocked or Delayed Energy

How It Works: The upright meaning is present but blocked, delayed, or not fully manifesting.

Example: Three of Pentacles Reversed
Upright: Collaboration, teamwork, skill-building
Reversed: Collaboration is blocked—perhaps team dysfunction, lack of cooperation, or skills not being recognized

Pros: Intuitive and easy to apply. Doesn't require memorizing new meanings.
Cons: Can feel repetitive (everything is just "blocked"). Doesn't always fit the situation.

System 2: Internalized or Private Energy

How It Works: The card's energy is turned inward, private, or not yet externalized.

Example: Six of Wands Reversed
Upright: Public victory, recognition, external success
Reversed: Private victory, internal sense of achievement without external recognition, or success you're keeping to yourself

Pros: Adds psychological depth. Honors that not all experiences are external.
Cons: Can be subtle and hard to articulate clearly to querents.

System 3: Shadow or Unconscious Aspect

How It Works: The reversal reveals the shadow side, unconscious expression, or what's being denied about this energy.

Example: The Empress Reversed
Upright: Nurturing, creativity, abundance, mothering
Reversed: Smothering, creative blocks, neglecting self-care, the shadow mother (controlling or absent)

Pros: Excellent for psychological and shadow work readings. Adds depth.
Cons: Requires understanding of shadow work. Can feel heavy or negative.

System 4: Opposite or Contrary Meaning

How It Works: The reversal means the opposite of the upright meaning.

Example: Ten of Cups Reversed
Upright: Emotional fulfillment, happy family, lasting joy
Reversed: Family dysfunction, emotional dissatisfaction, broken relationships

Pros: Clear and straightforward. Easy to remember.
Cons: Often too simplistic. Not all cards have clear opposites. Can feel forced.

System 5: Excessive or Deficient Energy

How It Works: The reversal indicates too much or too little of the card's energy.

Example: King of Swords Reversed
Upright: Clear thinking, fair judgment, intellectual authority
Reversed: Either too much (cold, harsh, overly critical) or too little (unclear thinking, poor judgment, intellectual weakness)

Pros: Nuanced and flexible. Accounts for different manifestations.
Cons: Requires intuition to determine which (excess or deficiency). Can be confusing for beginners.

System 6: Timing or Process Indicator

How It Works: Reversals indicate timing—the energy is coming, going, or in process rather than fully present.

Example: Ace of Wands Reversed
Upright: New creative beginning happening now
Reversed: Creative beginning is approaching but not yet here, or a creative project is ending/fading

Pros: Useful for timing questions. Adds temporal dimension.
Cons: Doesn't work well for all question types. Can be vague.

System 7: Emphasis or Attention

How It Works: Reversals simply draw extra attention to the card—"pay special attention to this energy."

Example: The Tower Reversed
Meaning: The Tower's energy (upheaval, revelation, destruction) is especially important in this reading. Look closely at where transformation is needed.

Pros: Simple. Doesn't require learning new meanings.
Cons: Doesn't add much interpretive value. Why not just read it upright?

The Case FOR Reading Reversals

Let's explore the legitimate benefits of incorporating reversals into your practice.

Benefit 1: Increased Nuance and Depth

Reversals allow you to express subtle variations in energy. The difference between "collaboration is flowing" (Three of Pentacles upright) and "collaboration is blocked" (reversed) can be crucial information.

Benefit 2: Shadow Work and Psychological Depth

If you use the shadow system, reversals provide a built-in framework for exploring unconscious patterns, denied aspects, and psychological complexity.

Benefit 3: More Specific Guidance

Reversals can make readings more specific. Instead of just "The Lovers" (choice, relationship), you can distinguish between "healthy choice-making" (upright) and "avoiding necessary choices" (reversed).

Benefit 4: Validation of Intuition

Sometimes a card feels "off" even though it's technically positive. Reversals give you permission to honor that feeling—the reversed Ten of Cups validates your sense that family happiness is blocked or false.

Benefit 5: Richer Storytelling

In complex spreads, reversals add texture to the narrative. A spread with all upright cards can feel one-dimensional; reversals create contrast and complexity.

Benefit 6: Traditional Practice

If you value connecting to historical tarot practice, many traditional systems include reversals. Using them links you to that lineage.

The Case AGAINST Reading Reversals

Now let's explore the legitimate reasons many skilled readers choose not to use reversals.

Reason 1: Unnecessary Complexity

Every card already contains its own shadow, opposite, and blocked energy within its upright meaning. The Five of Cups upright already includes both grief and the possibility of moving past it. Reversals can feel like adding a layer that's already present.

Reason 2: Inconsistent Shuffling

If you shuffle the same way every time, you'll get roughly the same proportion of reversals. If reversals appear randomly based on shuffling technique rather than meaningful energy, are they actually providing information?

Reason 3: Confusion for Querents

Explaining "this card means X, but reversed it means Y" can confuse clients, especially beginners. Upright-only readings are often clearer and more accessible.

Reason 4: Card Combinations Provide the Same Information

Skilled readers access nuance through card combinations and positions rather than reversals. The Three of Pentacles next to the Five of Swords tells you collaboration is challenged—you don't need a reversal to see that.

Reason 5: Intuition Provides Nuance

Intuitive readers can sense when a card's energy is blocked, excessive, or shadow without needing the visual cue of reversal. The information comes through feeling, not orientation.

Reason 6: Simplicity Allows Depth

Paradoxically, reading only upright can create deeper readings because you're not distracted by reversal systems. You engage more fully with each card's complete meaning.

Reason 7: Deck Design Issues

Some decks aren't designed to be read reversed—the imagery doesn't work upside down, or the deck creator explicitly states reversals aren't intended. Forcing reversals on these decks feels wrong.

How to Decide What's Right for You

The decision to read reversals or not is deeply personal. Here's how to choose consciously.

Questions to Ask Yourself

1. What's your learning stage?
Beginners often benefit from starting upright-only to avoid overwhelm. You can always add reversals later once you know the upright meanings well.

2. What's your reading style?
Intuitive readers often don't need reversals—they sense nuance without visual cues. Structured readers might appreciate the framework reversals provide.

3. What types of readings do you do?
Shadow work and psychological readings benefit from reversals. Simple daily guidance often doesn't need them.

4. How do reversals feel to you?
Do they feel like helpful information or confusing noise? Trust your gut response.

5. What do your querents need?
If you read professionally, consider your clients. Do reversals help or confuse them?

6. What does your deck want?
Some decks feel like they "want" to be read with reversals; others don't. Notice the deck's energy.

The Experiment Approach

Don't decide theoretically—experiment practically:

Month 1: Read only upright. Notice what information you access, how readings feel, what's easy or difficult.

Month 2: Read with reversals using one system (start with "blocked energy" as it's simplest). Notice what changes.

Month 3: Try a different reversal system. Compare experiences.

Month 4: Return to upright-only with your increased experience. What do you notice now?

Decision: After experimenting, choose the approach that produced the most accurate, helpful, comfortable readings for you.

The Hybrid Approach

You don't have to be all-or-nothing. Some readers use reversals selectively:

Selective by Deck: Read reversals with some decks but not others
Selective by Reading Type: Use reversals for deep psychological work but not for daily pulls
Selective by Intuition: Usually read upright, but honor reversals when they feel significant
Selective by Card: Read reversals for Major Arcana but not Minor (or vice versa)

Hybrid approaches are valid if they're conscious and consistent within their own framework.

How to Implement Your Choice Consistently

Whatever you decide, consistency is key. Here's how to implement each approach.

If You Choose to Read Reversals

1. Choose One System
Don't mix multiple reversal systems in the same reading. Pick one framework (blocked, shadow, opposite, etc.) and stick with it.

2. Shuffle Intentionally
Shuffle in a way that allows reversals to occur naturally. Overhand shuffling or mixing cards on a table works well.

3. Be Consistent About When Cards Reverse
Decide: Do cards that fall out during shuffling count as reversed? Do you reverse cards when laying them out? Be consistent.

4. Study Reversal Meanings
If using a specific system, study how it applies to each card. Create your own reversal keywords.

5. Explain to Querents
When reading for others, briefly explain your reversal system so they understand why you're interpreting cards differently.

6. Track Accuracy
Notice if your reversed interpretations prove accurate. If they consistently miss, reconsider your system.

If You Choose NOT to Read Reversals

1. Turn Everything Upright
When a card appears reversed, simply turn it upright before interpreting. Do this consistently, not selectively.

2. Shuffle Carefully
You can shuffle in ways that prevent reversals (riffle shuffling keeps cards oriented), or you can shuffle normally and just turn reversed cards upright.

3. Access Nuance Through Other Means
Develop skill in reading card combinations, using spread positions, and trusting intuition to provide the nuance reversals would offer.

4. Embrace the Full Spectrum
Remember that each upright card contains its full spectrum—positive and negative, upright and shadow. Read the whole card.

5. Be Confident in Your Choice
Don't apologize for not reading reversals. It's a valid, professional approach used by many expert readers.

6. Stay Open to Evolution
Just because you don't read reversals now doesn't mean you never will. Remain open to changing your practice if it serves your growth.

Common Reversal Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Mixing Multiple Reversal Systems in One Reading
Fix: Choose one system and apply it consistently throughout the reading.

Mistake 2: Reading Reversals Before Mastering Upright Meanings
Fix: Learn upright meanings thoroughly first. Reversals are advanced practice.

Mistake 3: Assuming All Reversals Are Negative
Fix: Remember reversed "negative" cards can be positive (blocked challenge = relief).

Mistake 4: Being Inconsistent About When to Reverse
Fix: Decide your rules (cards that fall out? cards laid down? both?) and stick to them.

Mistake 5: Forcing Reversals on Decks Not Designed for Them
Fix: Check if the deck creator intended reversals. Honor the deck's design.

Mistake 6: Judging Others' Reversal Choices
Fix: Recognize that both approaches are valid. Don't evangelize your preference.

Mistake 7: Never Questioning Your Approach
Fix: Periodically reassess. Does your reversal practice (or lack thereof) still serve you?

Advanced Reversal Considerations

Reversals in Different Spread Positions

Some readers interpret reversals differently based on spread position:

Past Position: Reversal might indicate unresolved or unhealed past energy
Present Position: Reversal shows current blockage or challenge
Future Position: Reversal suggests potential obstacle or alternative outcome
Advice Position: Reversal indicates what NOT to do or energy to avoid

This adds another layer of complexity but can provide nuanced guidance.

Proportion of Reversals

The number of reversals in a spread can be meaningful:

No Reversals: Energy is flowing, situation is straightforward
Few Reversals (1-2): Specific blockages or challenges to address
Many Reversals (50%+): Significant resistance, internal work needed, or major blocks
All Reversals: Complete blockage, everything is inverted or opposite of what it seems

This meta-level reading adds interpretive depth.

Reversals and Elemental Dignities

Some advanced readers combine reversals with elemental dignities (how cards of different elements interact):

A reversed card might strengthen or weaken depending on surrounding cards' elements. This is complex but powerful for those who master it.

What Expert Readers Say About Reversals

Perspectives from respected tarot authorities:

Mary K. Greer (Pro-Reversal): "Reversals add psychological depth and allow for more nuanced readings. They're essential for shadow work."

Melissa Cynova (Anti-Reversal): "I don't read reversals because every card already contains its opposite. Reversals feel like unnecessary complication."

Rachel Pollack (Neutral): "Reversals are a tool, not a requirement. Use them if they enhance your readings; ignore them if they don't."

Benebell Wen (Conditional): "I read reversals for some decks and questions but not others. It depends on what the reading needs."

Notice: Expert readers disagree, and all are successful. This proves there's no one right answer.

Conclusion: Your Reversal, Your Rules

The question "Should I read reversals?" has no universal answer because it's the wrong question. The right question is: "Do reversals enhance MY readings for MY querents in MY practice?"

Only you can answer that question, and you can only answer it through experimentation, not theory. Try reading with reversals. Try reading without them. Notice what produces more accurate, helpful, comfortable readings for you. Trust your experience over anyone's dogma—including mine.

What matters isn't whether you read reversals but that you're consistent, intentional, and effective in whatever approach you choose. A reader who confidently reads only upright is more powerful than one who half-heartedly uses reversals because they think they "should." A reader who skillfully employs reversals is more effective than one who turns everything upright out of fear of complexity.

Your reversal practice (or lack thereof) should serve your readings, not complicate them. It should feel natural, not forced. It should enhance clarity, not create confusion. If it does these things, you've chosen correctly—regardless of what anyone else does.

The cards don't care if you read them upright or reversed. They care that you read them with presence, skill, and genuine desire to serve. Everything else is just technique, and technique is always personal.

Choose your approach. Commit to it. Practice it consistently. Remain open to evolution. And trust that however you choose to work with reversals (or not), you're exactly where you need to be in your tarot journey.

The cards are waiting. Upright, reversed, or however you choose to meet them—they're ready to teach you.