How to Interpret Reversed Tarot Cards

If you’ve ever pulled a tarot card upside down during a reading, you’ve encountered a reversed tarot card.

For many beginners, reversed cards can feel confusing or even intimidating.
Do they always mean something bad? Should you even read reversals at all?

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to interpret reversed tarot cards, understand why they happen, and decide when and how to use them to deepen your readings in 2025 and beyond.

What Are Reversed Tarot Cards?

A reversed tarot card simply means that when you draw the card from the deck, it appears upside down — the artwork is flipped from its normal upright position.

But what does that mean?
In tarot, reversals usually suggest a shift in the card’s energy. Instead of moving outward, the energy could be blocked, internalized, delayed, weakened, or exaggerated.

It’s important to know:

• Reversals aren't always negative.

• They often invite a deeper or more personal interpretation.

• Not all readers use reversals — it’s a personal choice.

Common Ways to Interpret Reversed Tarot Cards

There isn’t just one way to read a reversal. Here are the most common interpretations:

1. Blocked Energy

The natural energy of the upright card is stuck or not flowing.

• Example: The Lovers upright suggests harmony and connection.
  The Lovers reversed could suggest a blockage in communication or emotional disconnect.

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2. Internalized Energy

The energy is happening internally rather than externally.

• Example: Strength upright shows outward courage.
  Strength reversed may point to internal struggles with self-doubt or patience.

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3. Delayed Outcome

The upright meaning still applies but is postponed or slowed.

• Example: The Chariot upright signals forward momentum.
  The Chariot reversed suggests delays, obstacles, or lack of clear direction.

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4. Opposite Meaning

Sometimes, reversals show the opposite meaning of the upright card.

• Example: The Sun upright means happiness and success.
  The Sun reversed could suggest sadness, disappointment, or lack of clarity.

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5. Exaggerated Energy

The energy is too much or has gone to an extreme.

• Example: The Emperor upright shows leadership and control.
  The Emperor reversed may reveal over-controlling, rigid, or abusive behaviors.

Should You Use Reversals in Your Tarot Readings?

Not every tarot reader uses reversals — and that’s okay!
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide:

Use Reversals If You:

• Want more layers and nuance in your readings

• Feel comfortable with more complex interpretations

• Like seeing subtle energies, blocks, and internal struggles

Skip Reversals If You:

• Feel overwhelmed as a beginner

• Prefer a clear and straightforward message

• Want to focus only on upright meanings for now

Tip:
If you don't use reversals, you can still interpret blocked or delayed energy based on surrounding cards and intuition.

How to Prepare Your Deck for Reversals

If you decide to read reversals, you need to allow cards to naturally appear upside down. Here’s how:

1. Shuffle Vertically and Horizontally:
   After a few traditional shuffles, turn half the deck 180 degrees and shuffle again.

2. Messy Shuffle Method:
   Place all the cards on the table and mix them around randomly before stacking them back up.

3. Intuitive Flip Method:
   During your normal shuffle, occasionally flip a card in your hand upside down.

Over time, reversals will start showing up naturally without overthinking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Interpreting a Reversed Card

When you pull a reversed card, follow these steps:

Step 1: Pause and Observe

• Notice your immediate emotional reaction.

• Don’t assume it’s bad — stay neutral.

Step 2: Recall the Upright Meaning

• Think about the traditional upright meaning first.

Step 3: Ask Questions About the Energy

• Is this energy blocked?

• Is it being turned inward?

• Is it delayed or excessive?

Step 4: Trust Your Intuition

• Sometimes the reversal’s meaning will pop into your mind without effort.

• Your intuition is often more accurate than trying to "memorize" meanings.

Step 5: Look at Surrounding Cards

• Are nearby cards positive, negative, fast, slow?

• The story told by multiple cards together will shape the reversal's final message.

Quick Cheat Sheet for Reversal Interpretations

Card Type	Possible Reversal Meanings
Major Arcana	Spiritual blockages, life path delays
Cups (Emotions)	Emotional suppression, heartbreak, healing needed
Swords (Thoughts)	Mental confusion, lies, self-doubt
Wands (Actions)	Lack of motivation, scattered energy
Pentacles (Material)	Financial delays, unstable foundations

Examples of Reversed Card Interpretations

Example 1: Two of Cups Reversed

• Upright: Union, partnership, love

• Reversed: Disconnection, emotional imbalance, unresolved tensions

Example 2: Nine of Swords Reversed

• Upright: Anxiety, sleepless nights, guilt

• Reversed: Gradual healing, releasing worry, beginning recovery

Example 3: Ace of Pentacles Reversed

• Upright: New financial opportunity, prosperity

• Reversed: Missed opportunities, financial instability, poor investments

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Reversals

• Automatically assuming negativity:
  Reversals can also reveal inner growth or unseen blessings.

• Forcing a reversal when unsure:
  If the reversed meaning doesn’t resonate, read it upright instead.

• Ignoring your intuition:
  Books are helpful, but your intuition knows your situation better.

Conclusion

Learning how to interpret reversed tarot cards adds a rich, complex layer to your tarot readings.
Reversals aren't just "bad omens" — they reveal hidden patterns, internal struggles, and opportunities for growth that upright cards alone might miss.

Whether you decide to embrace reversals now or later, always trust your process. Tarot is about self-discovery, not perfection.

As you grow more confident, reversed cards will become trusted allies in your spiritual and intuitive journey.

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