Why I Don’t Use Reversals in Tarot Readings
Tarot reversals involve shuffling cards upside down so they can be drawn reversed, usually casting the card in a negative or blocked light. This method effectively doubles the potential meanings of a reading by adding 78 "reversed" interpretations, often seen as distortions of the upright meanings.
However, I choose not to read reversals. When you return to the astrology-centric roots of tarot, there's already immense complexity within the upright meanings of each card. Forcing a negative or skewed interpretation onto a card without considering the full context of your question can limit your growth as a reader.
People often ask why I don’t use reversals, especially since I started out reading them with the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. But as I studied the astrological correspondences, I began to question their necessity. My turning point came when one of my long-term clients rejected reversed cards, dismissing them as "negative" or "lesser" outcomes. That experience made me realize how limiting reversals could be, and ever since I stopped using them, my readings have become clearer and more insightful.
Upright Meanings Cover the Full Spectrum
Relying on reversals for "negative" meanings can lead to a dangerous habit of rejecting the messages you don’t want to hear. One of my clients, for example, would keep drawing cards until they found an upright one, bypassing uncomfortable truths. This creates a loop of seeking only what you want to hear, rather than what you need to understand, preventing you from seeing the full context of a situation and blocking critical thinking.
Tarot is meant to open up perspectives you may not have considered, showing different paths and how they might unfold. But this only works if you're willing to look at all possibilities—even the uncomfortable ones. Reversals can oversimplify a card’s message or distort it to the point that you miss its nuanced advice.
Take the Three of Cups as an example. In one context, it might represent celebration, friendship, or community. But under Saturn’s influence, it could indicate exclusion or feeling restricted by a group. The astrological associations, like Mars and Saturn, bring layers of tension to a card typically seen as positive. These complexities are already present in the upright meanings—reversals just strip away that depth.
Reversals Feel Unnecessary or Limiting
Reversals often push readers to avoid or ignore "negative" meanings, making them feel unnecessary. Many people see upright cards as “positive” and reversed cards as “negative,” but tarot isn’t meant to be divided into simple categories like this.
Rather than relying on reversals, exploring the astrological associations of each card provides a more complete and balanced interpretation. For example, Mars can bring tension and conflict into a card’s interpretation, while Jupiter might expand its meaning into a more spiritual or philosophical direction. Reversals, by contrast, tend to flatten these rich interpretations into something more black and white.
Astrology naturally adds layers of complexity that allow for deep, nuanced readings, without forcing a card to lose its inherent balance or meaning through an arbitrary reversal.
The Natural Complexity of Tarot
Tarot cards are inherently complex, thanks to their astrological roots. Each card contains both positive and shadow aspects, especially the court cards, which are often misunderstood. The Knight of Swords, for example, is more than just a decisive, action-driven figure—its astrological associations reveal much more.
The Knight of Swords represents the Air of Air, embodying the intellectual nature of the Swords suit. It rules the first and second decans of Aquarius, influenced by Venus and Mercury, which bring elements of connection and communication. However, the card’s shadow aspect is represented by the third decan of Capricorn, ruled by the Sun, and can introduce rigidity, control, or an overly practical approach. As my tarot database notes, this influence can lead to a focus on authority and power, but it may also foster authoritarian behavior and difficulty in collaboration.
This natural balance of light and shadow exists within the upright card itself. You don’t need a reversal to access the shadow side of a card like the Knight of Swords—it’s already there, embedded in its astrological associations. By diving into these layers, you gain a more complete understanding of the card’s energy and how it might manifest in different situations.
Tarot offers enough depth and complexity when you reconnect with its roots. If you find yourself wanting more from your readings, it may be because you've strayed from the foundations. Instead of relying on reversals, return to the basics and relearn the language of tarot, including its astrological associations. The cards contain layers of insight and meaning if you know where to look.
Intentions are also key. The clarity of your tarot reading depends on how focused your questions are and how deeply you engage with the cards. If you're ready to explore tarot's true complexity, I invite you to learn more here.
