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Reversed Tarot Cards: Should You Panic? (Spoiler: No.)
Reversals can throw you off. You pull a card, and suddenly it’s upside down, staring at you like it knows something you don’t. Does it mean something bad? Do you flip it the right way up and pretend it never happened? Have you ever panicked and frantically Googled ‘how to read reversals’ at 2 AM?
First things first—reversed cards aren’t scary. They don’t automatically mean doom, failure, or that your deck hates you. But they do change the reading.
Some tarot readers ignore reversals entirely. Others see them as the key to unlocking the deeper layers of a reading. Either way, the important thing to know is that reversals don’t have just one meaning.
They don’t always mean ‘opposite,’ and they don’t always mean ‘bad.’ They can represent delays, internal struggles, blocks, or even overdoing something. The trick to understanding them? Context. What’s the question? What’s going on in the rest of the reading? What does your gut say?
If you’re wondering whether you should start reading reversals (or if you just want to get better at them), this guide is for you. In this article, we’re going to explore how to read reversals, breaking down different approaches so you can find a method that works for you. We’ll break down different ways to interpret reversed tarot cards, debunk some common myths, and—most importantly—help you read them in a way that actually makes sense.
Should I Read Reversed Tarot Cards?
Why Some Readers Love (or Hate) Reversals
Some tarot readers ignore reversals completely. Others think they add depth, nuance, and clarity. There’s no right or wrong—just what works for you.
If you’re new to tarot, reversals can feel overwhelming. Learning 78 upright meanings is already a lot, and adding on how to read reversals can feel like doubling the workload. Many beginners skip them until they feel more confident, and that’s totally fine.
But if you want to dig deeper, reversals can help. They don’t just add meaning—they shift the focus. They highlight what’s stuck, hidden, or off balance in a reading.
Reversals Reveal What’s Beneath the Surface
Reversals come in handy when a reading feels too simple. Maybe everything looks fine on the surface, but a reversal signals something deeper.
Let’s say you pull the Ten of Cups upright in a love reading. That’s the ‘happily ever after’ card—emotional fulfilment, connection, deep love. If it’s reversed? That doesn’t mean the relationship is doomed. It might mean tension beneath the surface, emotional distance, or an unspoken issue that needs addressing.
Reversals Show Where Energy is Blocked
Reversals can also indicate delays or internal resistance. The energy of the card is there, but something is preventing it from flowing freely.
For example, if you pull a reversed Chariot, it doesn’t mean you’re completely off track. It might mean progress is slower than expected, or that hesitation or doubt is creating unnecessary obstacles.
Reversals Can Highlight Internal vs. External Struggles
Another reason to use reversals? They help differentiate between external situations and internal struggles.
An upright card might show something happening around you. A reversed card can shift the energy inward, pointing to fears, doubts, or subconscious beliefs.
For example, a reversed Queen of Swords might not mean someone else is being cold or harsh—it might mean you’re holding back your own voice or struggling to think clearly.
Using Reversals in Yes/No Readings
Some readers use reversals in yes/no readings, where upright = yes, reversed = no. It’s a simple method, but tarot is rarely that black and white.
Even if a reversal suggests a ‘no,’ it’s worth asking, why is this a no? What’s the card trying to show me?
So, should you read reversals? Maybe. Maybe not. If they don’t feel right, ignore them. If they intrigue you, experiment and see what happens.
The important thing is that you’re reading in a way that makes sense to you. Now, let’s get into how to actually interpret them.
What Is the Difference Between Upright and Reversed Tarot Cards?
Reversals aren’t just about flipping meanings upside down. Sometimes they do mean the opposite of an upright card, but other times, they point to blocked energy, imbalance, internal struggles, or a shift in focus. Understanding these differences makes readings much clearer and helps you figure out how to read reversals and what the cards are really trying to tell you.
Sometimes a Reversal Means the Exact Opposite
The easiest way to interpret reversals is to read them as the direct opposite of the upright meaning. This approach works well for external situations where things are either happening or not happening.
For example, the Two of Cups upright represents connection and harmony, while reversed, it suggests disconnection or miscommunication. The Knight of Wands upright signals enthusiasm and drive, but in reverse, it can indicate recklessness or impulsivity. Similarly, The Sun upright represents clarity and joy, but reversed, it may suggest temporary setbacks, doubt, or hidden obstacles.
This method is simple and effective, but it’s not always the best fit for every card or situation. Some reversals offer more nuance than just flipping the meaning.
Sometimes a Reversal Means Blocked or Delayed Energy
Reversals can also indicate that the energy of the card wants to manifest but is being blocked. This often appears in personal growth, emotional healing, or career stagnation.
Take the Queen of Cups reversed—her deep intuition is still there, but something is stopping her from trusting it. The Three of Swords reversed suggests that healing from heartbreak is happening, but at a slow pace. The Fool reversed still holds the energy of new beginnings, but fear or hesitation may be preventing progress.
When a reversal indicates a block, it doesn’t mean something is impossible. It’s often a sign that there’s resistance to work through before things move forward.
Sometimes a Reversal Means Too Much or Too Little
Some reversals highlight imbalances, where energy is either excessive or lacking. These cards can point to situations where something is being overdone or completely avoided.
The Hierophant reversed can suggest rejecting tradition so strongly that it creates unnecessary rebellion, or on the other hand, blindly following outdated rules without question. The Empress reversed may indicate a lack of self-care and creativity, or it could mean an overbearing, smothering energy. Meanwhile, The Devil reversed can show a person breaking free from unhealthy attachments, or in some cases, spiraling into reckless indulgence.
These kinds of reversals often appear in readings about balance, decision-making, and relationships, encouraging a closer look at where adjustments need to be made.
Sometimes a Reversal Means It’s All in Your Head
If most of a spread is reversed, the issue might be internal rather than external. This often points to mindset, perception, or subconscious blocks.
I once did a Romance Autopsy reading where every single card was reversed. Straight away, I knew the querent’s love life problems weren’t really about their relationship—they were about their own perspective and mindset. When The Hanged One is reversed, it can mean resistance to reflection or avoiding a necessary pause. The Seven of Wands reversed can signal feelings of being under attack, but often, the real battle is internal.
This type of reversal is especially useful for shadow work, self-reflection, and major life transitions. Instead of looking for external problems, it prompts you to turn inward and examine how your own thoughts and beliefs might be shaping your experience.
Reversals don’t have just one meaning. The key is looking at the surrounding cards, the question being asked, and trusting your intuition to figure out what the reversal is really trying to tell you.
How to Read Reversals in Different Types of Readings
Reversals don’t have a single fixed meaning. How you interpret them depends on the type of reading, the surrounding cards, and what feels right in the moment. In different contexts, reversals can show emotional blocks, misalignment, inner struggles, or even patterns that need to be broken.
How to Read Reversals in Love and Relationship Insight Readings
When reading reversals in love readings, it’s important to consider emotional dynamics, personal growth, and relationship patterns. Reversals don’t always mean something negative—sometimes they point to what’s hidden or what’s being worked through behind the scenes.
One way to interpret reversals in love readings is by looking at connection vs. disconnection. For example, the Two of Cups upright usually represents emotional harmony and deep connection. If it’s reversed, that doesn’t necessarily mean a breakup—it could indicate that emotional energy isn’t flowing properly, like one person holding back their feelings or a relationship where communication is strained.
Another approach is to examine blocked emotional energy. I often see reversed Cups cards as emotions being poured out rather than contained. The Ace of Cups upright is an overflow of love, but reversed, it might suggest someone has nothing left to give emotionally. The Ten of Cups reversed can indicate a feeling of emptiness in a relationship—things might look fine from the outside, but something is missing.
Reversals in love readings can also highlight imbalances in effort or attachment. A reversed Lovers card, for example, might mean someone is struggling to make a decision about commitment, while The Devil reversed can point to someone breaking free from toxic patterns in love. It’s all about looking at how the card’s message is being shifted and whether the reversal suggests something is being blocked, drained, or transformed.
How to Read Reversals in Career and Creativity Readings
Career readings often focus on ambition, progress, and personal fulfilment, and reversals can show where things are stuck or out of alignment. When interpreting a reversal in a work or creative reading, it helps to ask: is something holding you back, or are you pushing too hard?
Reversed Wands and Swords in career readings can suggest burnout, lack of motivation, or rushing into things without a plan. The Knight of Swords reversed, for example, can indicate someone charging ahead recklessly in their career without thinking things through. On the flip side, The Chariot reversed can show hesitation—knowing what you want but feeling paralysed when it comes to taking action.
Pentacles in reverse often highlight issues around money, job security, or self-worth. The Ace of Pentacles reversed can mean an opportunity isn’t coming through as expected, while the Eight of Pentacles reversed can show dissatisfaction with work or a loss of focus. Instead of just seeing a reversal as a ‘bad sign,’ consider whether the energy is being blocked by fear, lack of effort, or external circumstances.
How to Read Reversals in Life Changes and Shadow Work Readings
When reversals appear in shadow work or major life transitions, they often point to resistance, avoidance, or deeper subconscious struggles. These readings tend to go beyond external circumstances and focus on internal growth, healing, and transformation.
A common theme in reversed cards during life change readings is fearing or resisting transformation. The Death card reversed often appears when someone knows they need to let go of something but is struggling to do so. The Tower reversed can mean an unavoidable change is coming, but there’s an attempt to delay it or soften the impact. Reversals in this context often highlight the emotional and mental process of change, rather than the event itself.
Shadow work reversals can also reveal hidden fears or repressed emotions. The Moon reversed, for example, can show that subconscious fears or self-deception are being brought to the surface. The Hanged One reversed can mean someone is refusing to see a different perspective, staying stuck in an outdated way of thinking. When working with reversals in these readings, it’s important to pay attention to what is being resisted and why.
How to Read Reversals in Self-Love and Empowerment Readings
Reversals in self-care and empowerment readings often point to where someone is holding themselves back or where energy needs to be redirected. These readings are about confidence, self-trust, and personal alignment.
Reversed Wands and Cups frequently appear when self-doubt or emotional exhaustion is at play. The Queen of Wands reversed might suggest someone who has lost confidence in themselves and needs to reclaim their power. The Ace of Cups reversed can indicate that emotional healing needs to take priority before new beginnings can flourish.
In some cases, reversed cards can highlight where someone is giving too much of themselves to others. The Empress reversed, for example, can mean someone is neglecting their own needs while taking care of everyone else. The Nine of Pentacles reversed can suggest struggling to feel independent or secure in oneself, even if there’s external success.
Reversals in these readings are often a sign to refocus on personal growth, boundary-setting, and self-reflection. They don’t mean failure—they just show where attention and energy need to shift.
Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Read Reversals? Stay Curious.
Reversals aren’t something to fear or overcomplicate. They offer another layer of meaning, helping you see where energy is blocked, shifting, or out of balance. There’s no single right way to read them—experiment, trust your instincts, and find an approach that works for you.
If you want to deepen your understanding of reversals and document your own interpretations, check out my Simply Tarot Journal. Or, if you want personalised guidance, book a tarot reading with me and let’s explore what your cards are saying together.
