Upright vs. Reversed: A Complete Guide to Reversed Tarot Card Meanings

If you’ve ever shuffled your deck and noticed a tarot card appear upside down, you’ve encountered what readers call a reversed card. For many beginners, this moment sparks confusion: Does it mean the opposite of the upright meaning? Is it a bad omen? Should I even read tarot cards reversed at all?

Here’s the truth: reversed tarot card meanings are not bad omens. They are invitations—gentle nudges from your subconscious to look at energy in a different way. A reversed card asks you to pause, reflect, and notice where something may be blocked, intensified, or asking for inward focus.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn exactly how to read reversed cards with confidence. We’ll explore the philosophy behind reversals, examples in readings, and a breakdown of both Major Arcana reversed and Minor Arcana reversed meanings. By the end, you’ll see that reversals aren’t scary at all—they’re doorways into deeper wisdom.

What Do Reversed Tarot Card Meanings Really Tell You?

Think of each tarot card as an energy spectrum. Upright, the card’s energy is flowing freely and harmoniously. Reversed, that same energy is still present—but its flow may be blocked, excessive, or directed inward.

Here are the three main ways tarot cards reversed can be read:

1. Blocked Energy

• The energy of the card is being held back or resisted.

• Example: The Lovers upright represents harmony and connection. Reversed, it might show fear of commitment, miscommunication, or an emotional block in a relationship.

2. Excessive Energy

• The card’s influence is too strong, manifesting as extremes.

• Example: The Emperor upright stands for healthy structure. Reversed, it may point to rigid control, authoritarianism, or inflexibility.
  

3. Inner Reflection

• The card directs you inward, highlighting self-awareness.

• Example: The Hermit reversed could suggest it’s time to step out of isolation and re-engage with the world.

Instead of memorizing one fixed “bad” definition, remember: reversals highlight where energy is unbalanced or misunderstood.

How to Read Reversed Cards with Intuition

There’s no single right way for how to read reversed cards. Some readers choose not to read them at all, while others consider reversals a crucial part of their practice. If you choose to use them, let your intuition guide you.

Ask yourself questions like:

• What’s my first gut reaction to seeing this card reversed?

• How could this card’s message feel blocked, exaggerated, or inward?

• Is this card inviting me to reflect instead of act?

By asking these, you allow the tarot to become a dialogue with your subconscious. You’re not just flipping through definitions—you’re uncovering living wisdom.

Examples of Tarot Cards Reversed in Readings

Let’s make this more practical with a few real-world examples.

Example 1: Relationship Reading

Question: “What is the energy of my relationship right now?”
Card Drawn: Two of Cups reversed.

Interpretation: Upright, the Two of Cups symbolizes harmony and union. Reversed, it might suggest communication issues, emotional imbalance, or values not fully aligning. It’s not a breakup sign—it’s an invitation to nurture honesty and reconnection.

Example 2: Self-Discovery Reading

Question: “What subconscious pattern is holding me back?”
Card Drawn: Eight of Swords reversed.

Interpretation: Upright, the Eight of Swords shows mental entrapment. Reversed, it signals release. You may finally be breaking free from self-limiting beliefs or even a karmic cycle from a past life.

Example 3: Career Reading

Question: “What energy is influencing my work?”
Card Drawn: The Magician reversed.

Interpretation: While upright, the Magician empowers you with skills and resources, reversed it might point to self-doubt, manipulation by others, or untapped potential waiting for focus.

These examples show that reversed tarot card meanings don’t predict doom—they guide you toward awareness and transformation.

Reversed Major Arcana: The Big Soul Lessons

The Major Arcana reversed carries extra weight. These cards represent life’s deepest themes, and when reversed, they shine light on resistance, avoidance, or hidden lessons.

Here are a few key examples:

• The Fool reversed → Hesitation, recklessness, or fear of starting anew.

• The Magician reversed → Misuse of power, feeling blocked, or scattered focus.

• The High Priestess reversed → Ignoring intuition, secrets revealed, or disconnection from inner wisdom.

• The Tower reversed → Delaying inevitable change, resisting a breakthrough.

• The World reversed → Unfinished lessons, lack of closure, or resistance to growth.

When major arcana reversed cards appear, take them seriously. They’re highlighting soul-level lessons asking for attention.

For a deeper look into all the Major Arcana cards, you can explore my guide on Major Arcana Tarot Card Meanings.

Reversed Minor Arcana: The Everyday Nudges

While the majors focus on big karmic themes, the minor arcana reversed brings subtle, everyday insights. Each suit has its own flavor when reversed:

• Wands reversed → Burnout, lack of direction, or scattered energy.

• Cups reversed → Emotional imbalance, repression, or over-sensitivity.

• Swords reversed → Miscommunication, mental fog, or overthinking.

• Pentacles reversed → Financial imbalance, lack of grounding, or resistance to practical steps.

Think of these reversals as gentle whispers rather than shouts—they’re guiding you back toward balance.

You can dive deeper into these meanings by exploring my guides on the Wands Tarot Card Meanings, Cups Tarot Card Meanings, Pentacles Tarot Card Meanings, and Swords Tarot Card Meanings.

Should You Use Reversals in Your Tarot Practice?

Some readers love them, others don’t. Both approaches are valid. Here are pros and cons to consider:

Pros of Using Reversals:

• Adds nuance and depth to readings.

• Highlights blocks or hidden patterns.

• Encourages self-reflection.

Cons of Using Reversals:

• Can overwhelm beginners with too much information.

• Risk of misinterpreting as purely negative.

• Upright meanings already include shadow aspects.

Tip: If you’re new, you might start by reading upright only. Once you’re comfortable, introduce reversals slowly.

Common Myths About Tarot Cards Reversed

Let’s clear up a few misconceptions:

• ❌ Myth: Reversals are always bad.
  ✅ Truth: They highlight imbalance, not doom.

• ❌ Myth: Reversals mean the opposite of upright.
  ✅ Truth: They show blocked, excessive, or inward energy.

• ❌ Myth: You must read reversals.
  ✅ Truth: Some readers skip them and still get accurate readings.

Practical Tips for Reading Reversed Tarot Card Meanings

• Journal: Keep notes of reversed cards that show up in your readings and how they play out.

• Look at context: Reversals gain meaning from the cards around them.

• Trust your intuition: Sometimes your first impression matters more than textbook meanings.

• Practice spreads: Try three-card spreads where one position is specifically “blockage” to practice with reversals.

Your Path to Tarot Clarity

Learning reversed tarot card meanings transforms your tarot practice. Instead of fearing upside-down cards, you’ll start to welcome them as invitations to look deeper. Whether it’s a major arcana reversed lesson, a minor arcana reversed nudge, or guidance on how to read reversed cards, each offers clarity and wisdom.

By embracing tarot cards reversed, you enrich your readings with depth, honesty, and transformative insight. The next time a card appears upside down, smile—you’re being guided into a deeper conversation with your soul.

To learn more about the meanings of all 78 cards, I invite you to explore my comprehensive guide: Tarot Card Meanings: Unlocking the Magic of All 78 Cards.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reversed Tarot Cards

Q: Do reversed cards always mean negative outcomes?
No. They’re invitations to notice imbalance, reflection, or hidden aspects.

Q: How do I decide if I should use reversals in my readings?
Start simple. If you feel drawn to them, experiment. If they overwhelm you, stick to upright meanings.

Q: Do reversed cards work differently in Major vs. Minor Arcana?
Yes. Major Arcana reversed often points to deeper karmic lessons, while Minor Arcana reversed nudges you toward everyday adjustments.

Q: Can reversals ever mean something positive?
Absolutely. The Eight of Swords reversed, for example, can signal freedom and release from old limitations.