| The tarot is an ancient method of divination, which | | | | Many of the most experienced and competent |
| means divining the future with predictions. The tarot | | | | readers do not use reversed cards at all in their tarot |
| cards and their meanings have intrigued and fascinated | | | | readings. Some believe that there is no need to use |
| many people over the centuries. | | | | reversals since the entire spectrum of emotion and |
| The tarot consists of 78 cards divided into two | | | | action is already covered in the 78 cards. Others |
| sections, the Major and Minor Arcana. The word | | | | maintain that a reversed card signals that the energy |
| Arcana means secret. The cards, therefore, are a | | | | of the upright card is blocked or may be delayed in |
| collection of the secrets that can be revealed in a | | | | some way. Others still, believe that a reversed card |
| tarot reading. The cards convey many messages | | | | has the same meaning as an upright card but special |
| because of the richness of their images and | | | | attention should be paid to it. |
| connections. | | | | Whether or not to use reversals is a decision you |
| A tarot reader will interpret the cards based on their | | | | must make for yourself. But if you are just starting to |
| meaning in relation to their position in the spread and | | | | learn the tarot, it is better to stick with the traditional |
| the psychic connection with the subject. The reader | | | | upright meaning until you have a good understanding of |
| will then verbalise these messages to pass onto | | | | the cards. |
| others in tarot readings. | | | | Once you are confident with the meaning of the cards, |
| When laying out a spread, some cards may be | | | | you may wish to introduce reversed cards to your |
| revealed upside down to the reader. This can happen | | | | tarot spreads. There are numerous ways you can |
| as if by accident, during the process of shuffling for | | | | introduce reversed cards to your tarot deck. Firstly, |
| example. Some readers purposefully mix the cards in | | | | you can shuffle, then split the deck in two and turn one |
| such a way so as to cause some unknown cards to | | | | half upside-down. Continue doing this until you are |
| be reversed. | | | | satisfied the cards are well reversed. When doing |
| When learning the tarot, most people begin by learning | | | | readings, you can also use this method to ensure that |
| the traditional upright meaning for each card. Most are | | | | different cards get reversed for different readings. |
| unaware that a reversed card has a different | | | | You can also ask the person receiving the reading to |
| meaning. | | | | cut the pack and decide which half gets turned |
| Whether to incorporate reversed tarot meanings is a | | | | upside-down. Or you can simply allow your cards to |
| matter for the reader. Many choose not to offer | | | | naturally reverse themselves, by mixing them face |
| reversed tarot meanings and if a card is reversed will | | | | down on the table. |
| give the traditional upright meaning. Deciding to | | | | Whatever you decide, using reversed meanings |
| incorporate the meanings of reversed tarot cards is | | | | provides an intriguing aspect to tarot meanings, and |
| entirely down to the tarot reader. | | | | readings you provide and conduct. |