Beginners query- reversed cards????

La La · 08-08-2002

Hello friends,
I'm a relative newbie and am wading in with what I hope is not a dumb question.
I was reading Angeline's thread "anyone else new to tarot" and checked out Thirteens posting "tarot basics" to get an over view but noticed there was no explanation of reversed meanings.
Most of the books I've read show meanings for reversals - is this strictly correct - reversing the cards sometimes reverses their meaning or enhances it in some way.
Curious

Jenny-Li · 08-08-2002

The only stupid questions are the ones that are never asked!

Reversed meanings refer to a way of working with the cards assuming a reversed/upside down card shows some sort of blockage and/or altered meaning. The energy and meaning of the card is the same, but it shows itself in a different way.

I say "a way of working with the cards" because not all of us use reversals at all, so if you give it a shot, or two, and find that reversals don't seem to agree with you, you don't HAVE to work with them. My belief is that both sides of the coin is in every one of the cards at all times, including what others may call reversed meanings, and use my intuition to determine how to read the card in every specific case.

Welcome to the forum, don't be shy to ask any question you like, and participate in any discussions, because that is just such a great way to learn and grow! See you around!

Light and love,
Jenny

***Minderwiz*** · 10-08-2002

I'm also relatively new to the Tarot and I haven't really used reversed meanings up to now. I agree with Jenni-Li that the cards carry all the shades of meaning within themselves. Using reversals in effect directs the reader to one shade rather than another but the pattern of the spread might also do the same, coupled with intuition. Using reversals therefore is not necessarily 'better' than not using them.

However as Jenni-Li says it may well be worth trying it out just to see how you feel and whether it works for you. I'm going to experiment with reversals to see if it improves my readings but if not I'll go back to upright cards only. Trying out something different helps you develop as a reader and to establish your own style.

Minderwiz.

amyel · 10-08-2002

There are two schools of thought on this, and really, it comes down to personal preference.

I don't use reversals. This was because when I first learned tarot, I used a deck that believed all cards had a positive/negative aspect to them, and it had more to do with the querents reaction to the card, and/or it's position in the spread then whether or not it was reversed. For example, if your qyerent (or you, if you are reading for yourself) has a deep fear of committment, then the 9 cups is not going to be a welcome card for them. You see?

I think when you are just starting, you've got enough on your plate to consider. My 12 y.o. step-daughter is just learning tarot, and this is what I've advised her, too.

the hermit · 10-08-2002

Quote:

Originally posted by La La
Hello friends,
I'm a relative newbie and am wading in with what I hope is not a dumb question.
I was reading Angeline's thread "anyone else new to tarot" and checked out Thirteens posting "tarot basics" to get an over view but noticed there was no explanation of reversed meanings.
Most of the books I've read show meanings for reversals - is this strictly correct - reversing the cards sometimes reverses their meaning or enhances it in some way.
Curious

Take a peek for lots of opinions on reversals. I think you may find it an interesting and useful discussion of your question.

Umbrae · 28-08-2002

Excellent question!

When you are new, reversals may be difficult. Especially if you stick to the meanings in the little white books, or the trash that passes as expert author's pathetic attempts to write.

Go easy on the reversals at first. You may even want to ignore them for a while. Essentially you double your deck size.

Another member did a thread a bit ago that rocked. I highly suggest it.

For your reading pleasure:

http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread...&threadid=6582

Jewel · 29-08-2002

I would also like to recommend Mary Greer's book "Tarot Reversals" as a resource.

Alissa · 29-08-2002

Wow Umbrae, thank you for reviving that thread! Absolutely fascinating new ways of relating to my reversals are tickling my brain now.

La La, my own reversal approach is a blending of things I've picked up along the way that seem to work for me and my Cards. I do encourage you, like everyone says, to devlop at your own pace and go with your own intuition. For years I did not read reversals. It's only been in the past few that I've started incorporating them into my readings. I just felt like I found ways that they finally made sense, when before they simply confused me.

I sometimes approach reversed cards in the way author Gail Fairfield discusses : Reversed cards are dealing with your inner world (thoughts, feelings, emotions) and regular cards your external world (action, material existence).

I sometimes find a card that suggests a reversal interpreation that doesn't fit that though, and I am only beginning to find what each card is trying to say in that case. So I'm still learning, and it's subjective.

Which is good! Go with what you feel, and keep asking questions! I've learned from it as well, and so do others....

Fuzzmello · 09-09-2002

Thanks for your post. I really got some good suggestions!

Fuzz

rupadupa · 11-10-2005

I have looked upon reversals in a reading as an unfavourable sign. So the first thing that i try to gather when I deal out a spread is the proportion of reversals in the spread.. I take a reversal free spread as a good sign i.e lessened obstacles, delays..
Is that a good way to look at reversals? The reason why I am asking is cos i did a spread for my frd who has applied for a new job..There were some indicative card such as two aces, a page of wands in the reading..There were no reversals.. So I have taken it as a gd sign... She got a two of pentacles in the final outcome, i think it will be a good change way as far her finances are concerned.. However, I'm only able to predict if it's a good move or not..I am unable to answer the question if she will get the job..Is it possible to predict if she will get the job or not?
In an earlier reading on a new job, most of the cards were reversed and there were no promising cards, so I deduced that there were too many obstacles..That reading worked. Due to some merger issues, they could'nt hire her.

La La Resident Join Date: 05 Jul 2002 Location: Newcastle, Australia Posts: 25	Beginners query- reversed cards???? Hello friends, I'm a relative newbie and am wading in with what I hope is not a dumb question. I was reading Angeline's thread "anyone else new to tarot" and checked out Thirteens posting "tarot basics" to get an over view but noticed there was no explanation of reversed meanings. Most of the books I've read show meanings for reversals - is this strictly correct - reversing the cards sometimes reverses their meaning or enhances it in some way. Curious __________________ La La

08-08-2002	Ask a Professional Tarot Reader Top #1

Jenny-Li Citizen Join Date: 31 Mar 2002 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Posts: 937	The only stupid questions are the ones that are never asked! Reversed meanings refer to a way of working with the cards assuming a reversed/upside down card shows some sort of blockage and/or altered meaning. The energy and meaning of the card is the same, but it shows itself in a different way. I say "a way of working with the cards" because not all of us use reversals at all, so if you give it a shot, or two, and find that reversals don't seem to agree with you, you don't HAVE to work with them. My belief is that both sides of the coin is in every one of the cards at all times, including what others may call reversed meanings, and use my intuition to determine how to read the card in every specific case. Welcome to the forum, don't be shy to ask any question you like, and participate in any discussions, because that is just such a great way to learn and grow! See you around! Light and love, Jenny __________________ Aurum nostrum non est aurum vulgi.

08-08-2002	Ask a Professional Tarot Reader Top #2

*Minderwiz* Student of Astrology Moderator Join Date: 20 Apr 2002 Location: Wigan, UK Posts: 6,060	I'm also relatively new to the Tarot and I haven't really used reversed meanings up to now. I agree with Jenni-Li that the cards carry all the shades of meaning within themselves. Using reversals in effect directs the reader to one shade rather than another but the pattern of the spread might also do the same, coupled with intuition. Using reversals therefore is not necessarily 'better' than not using them. However as Jenni-Li says it may well be worth trying it out just to see how you feel and whether it works for you. I'm going to experiment with reversals to see if it improves my readings but if not I'll go back to upright cards only. Trying out something different helps you develop as a reader and to establish your own style. Minderwiz. __________________ Minderwiz Wer meines Speeres Spittze furchtet durchschreite das Feuer nie! Wotan, Die Walkure, Act III, Scene 3

10-08-2002	Ask a Professional Tarot Reader Top #3

Jewel Citizen Join Date: 25 Oct 2001 Location: Somewhere in the Sea Posts: 6,158	I would also like to recommend Mary Greer's book "Tarot Reversals" as a resource. __________________ Jewel Entity of the Water/West Corner

29-08-2002	Ask a Professional Tarot Reader Top #7

Alissa Citizen Join Date: 13 Aug 2002 Location: Perched with ravens, New Mexico Posts: 4,668	Wow Umbrae, thank you for reviving that thread! Absolutely fascinating new ways of relating to my reversals are tickling my brain now. La La, my own reversal approach is a blending of things I've picked up along the way that seem to work for me and my Cards. I do encourage you, like everyone says, to devlop at your own pace and go with your own intuition. For years I did not read reversals. It's only been in the past few that I've started incorporating them into my readings. I just felt like I found ways that they finally made sense, when before they simply confused me. I sometimes approach reversed cards in the way author Gail Fairfield discusses : Reversed cards are dealing with your inner world (thoughts, feelings, emotions) and regular cards your external world (action, material existence). I sometimes find a card that suggests a reversal interpreation that doesn't fit that though, and I am only beginning to find what each card is trying to say in that case. So I'm still learning, and it's subjective. Which is good! Go with what you feel, and keep asking questions! I've learned from it as well, and so do others.... __________________ Will Tarot for couture

29-08-2002	Ask a Professional Tarot Reader Top #8

amyel Citizen Join Date: 04 Jan 2002 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 1,120	There are two schools of thought on this, and really, it comes down to personal preference. I don't use reversals. This was because when I first learned tarot, I used a deck that believed all cards had a positive/negative aspect to them, and it had more to do with the querents reaction to the card, and/or it's position in the spread then whether or not it was reversed. For example, if your qyerent (or you, if you are reading for yourself) has a deep fear of committment, then the 9 cups is not going to be a welcome card for them. You see? I think when you are just starting, you've got enough on your plate to consider. My 12 y.o. step-daughter is just learning tarot, and this is what I've advised her, too.

10-08-2002	Ask a Professional Tarot Reader Top #4

Umbrae Citizen Join Date: 20 Mar 2002 Location: Upper Left-Coast, USA Posts: 8,847	Excellent question! When you are new, reversals may be difficult. Especially if you stick to the meanings in the little white books, or the trash that passes as expert author's pathetic attempts to write. Go easy on the reversals at first. You may even want to ignore them for a while. Essentially you double your deck size. Another member did a thread a bit ago that rocked. I highly suggest it. For your reading pleasure: http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread...&threadid=6582

28-08-2002	Ask a Professional Tarot Reader Top #6

Fuzzmello Citizen Join Date: 25 Aug 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 179	Thanks for your post. I really got some good suggestions! Fuzz __________________ "The greatest wisdom is to make the enjoyment of the present the supreme object of life because it is the only reality, all else being the play of thought." - Schopenhauer

09-09-2002	Ask a Professional Tarot Reader Top #9

rupadupa Resident Join Date: 25 Aug 2005 Location: India Posts: 55	On reversals I have looked upon reversals in a reading as an unfavourable sign. So the first thing that i try to gather when I deal out a spread is the proportion of reversals in the spread.. I take a reversal free spread as a good sign i.e lessened obstacles, delays.. Is that a good way to look at reversals? The reason why I am asking is cos i did a spread for my frd who has applied for a new job..There were some indicative card such as two aces, a page of wands in the reading..There were no reversals.. So I have taken it as a gd sign... She got a two of pentacles in the final outcome, i think it will be a good change way as far her finances are concerned.. However, I'm only able to predict if it's a good move or not..I am unable to answer the question if she will get the job..Is it possible to predict if she will get the job or not? In an earlier reading on a new job, most of the cards were reversed and there were no promising cards, so I deduced that there were too many obstacles..That reading worked. Due to some merger issues, they could'nt hire her.

11-10-2005	Ask a Professional Tarot Reader Top #10

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