Barleywine
Although I attached this material to another post on reversals, I wanted to start a discussion of some of the typical qualities you apply when using reversals ("delay, blockage, etc."). I spent some time scouring my memory for all the different "flavors" I could think of that can be squeezed out of the occurrence of reversed cards in a spread. Note that - although I should - I have not yet read any of the books specifically on reversals (Mary K. Greer, Joan Bunning, etc.) so any similarities are purely coincidental.
Reversal can highlight a sensitive or vulnerable period for the querent, perhaps a "tipping point" where the situation could go either way. There are countless variations on this theme. Numerous reversals in a spread may show an “undercurrent” that is working at cross-purposes to the main thrust of the reading, "for good or ill." This can also reflect a very complicated or difficult situation. However, the human spirit is usually inventive enough to work its way around almost any obstacle, even if there is no "perfect" solution.
The Significance of Reversed Cards in General
"Delay;" inconvenience; a missed connection or wrong turn; interrupted, inhibited or incomplete action (often our own fault).
"Detour" or “U-turn;” temporarily and unavoidably put off-course, rerouted or side-tracked (usually an external obstacle).
"Surprise;" expect the unexpected; something sneaking up behind you; being "blind-sided" by events; lesson learned. “Oblique" and “skewed” are similar ideas for "out-of-left-field" influences.
"Blockage," but more often a “difficult passage" than an insurmountable barrier; adversity; "hard truths."
“Avoidance,” as in literally “looking the other way;” "head in the sand;" a “Hanged Man moment,” sacrificing time and initiative; procrastination; "sitting on one's hands;" denial; "blame-shifting;" passive-aggressive behavior.
"Idling" or “marking time,” chronic backsliding; wasted effort; “stuck in neutral;” loss of focus or traction; “wheel-spinning;” an opportunity lost or at risk - missing "the point," the "boat" or the "big picture;" "the one that got away."
"Time-out," a pause to reassess the situation from a different angle ("take two steps back and one deep breath"); a chance to rethink or regroup; "buying time;" mitigation; "damage control;" "putting on the brakes."
“Passive,” casual, informal; indifferent; noncommittal; unenthusiastic; incurious; yielding; accepting; benign; slow-and-steady; monotonous; humdrum; uninspiring; giving up; letting go; "going with the flow."
"Diminishing" in its potency or significance, more inert than dynamic; mild, faint or weak; rudimentary or provisional; declining; fading; faltering; "out of gas;" slack; impractical; unripe; unlikely at this time.
“Internalized” or held in the subconscious; something that is suspected but not known for sure; speculation; a hunch or premonition; a subjective viewpoint; suppressed; withheld; withdrawn; private; reserved; aloof.
“Confused;” unclear; inconclusive; near-sighted, distracted; vague; fuzzy-headed; flaky; lost; "a sinking feeling;" clueless; opaque; unobservant; mistaken; insecure; inattentive; careless; obtuse; taken aback; wrong-headed; vulnerable to error.
“Contrary;” negative; unresponsive; uncooperative; unsympathetic; unyielding; obstructive; obstinate; reluctant; touchy; incorrigible; obsessive; closed-minded; critical; an open enemy; opposition; the "Devil you know."
“Subtle” or unobtrusive; “behind the scenes,” sometimes not uncovered until it's too late; implied; suggested; devious; misleading; underhanded; manipulative; evasive; furtive; reticent; illusory; imaginary; unique; concealed; latent; a hidden enemy; the "Devil you don't know."
"Ambivalent;" uncertain; indecisive; of two minds; fickle; on the fence; hedging; waffling; self-doubting; conflicted; two-faced; unreliable; vacillating; (esp. court cards); “the “horns of a dilemma” (no “right” answer).
Reversal can highlight a sensitive or vulnerable period for the querent, perhaps a "tipping point" where the situation could go either way. There are countless variations on this theme. Numerous reversals in a spread may show an “undercurrent” that is working at cross-purposes to the main thrust of the reading, "for good or ill." This can also reflect a very complicated or difficult situation. However, the human spirit is usually inventive enough to work its way around almost any obstacle, even if there is no "perfect" solution.
The Significance of Reversed Cards in General
"Delay;" inconvenience; a missed connection or wrong turn; interrupted, inhibited or incomplete action (often our own fault).
"Detour" or “U-turn;” temporarily and unavoidably put off-course, rerouted or side-tracked (usually an external obstacle).
"Surprise;" expect the unexpected; something sneaking up behind you; being "blind-sided" by events; lesson learned. “Oblique" and “skewed” are similar ideas for "out-of-left-field" influences.
"Blockage," but more often a “difficult passage" than an insurmountable barrier; adversity; "hard truths."
“Avoidance,” as in literally “looking the other way;” "head in the sand;" a “Hanged Man moment,” sacrificing time and initiative; procrastination; "sitting on one's hands;" denial; "blame-shifting;" passive-aggressive behavior.
"Idling" or “marking time,” chronic backsliding; wasted effort; “stuck in neutral;” loss of focus or traction; “wheel-spinning;” an opportunity lost or at risk - missing "the point," the "boat" or the "big picture;" "the one that got away."
"Time-out," a pause to reassess the situation from a different angle ("take two steps back and one deep breath"); a chance to rethink or regroup; "buying time;" mitigation; "damage control;" "putting on the brakes."
“Passive,” casual, informal; indifferent; noncommittal; unenthusiastic; incurious; yielding; accepting; benign; slow-and-steady; monotonous; humdrum; uninspiring; giving up; letting go; "going with the flow."
"Diminishing" in its potency or significance, more inert than dynamic; mild, faint or weak; rudimentary or provisional; declining; fading; faltering; "out of gas;" slack; impractical; unripe; unlikely at this time.
“Internalized” or held in the subconscious; something that is suspected but not known for sure; speculation; a hunch or premonition; a subjective viewpoint; suppressed; withheld; withdrawn; private; reserved; aloof.
“Confused;” unclear; inconclusive; near-sighted, distracted; vague; fuzzy-headed; flaky; lost; "a sinking feeling;" clueless; opaque; unobservant; mistaken; insecure; inattentive; careless; obtuse; taken aback; wrong-headed; vulnerable to error.
“Contrary;” negative; unresponsive; uncooperative; unsympathetic; unyielding; obstructive; obstinate; reluctant; touchy; incorrigible; obsessive; closed-minded; critical; an open enemy; opposition; the "Devil you know."
“Subtle” or unobtrusive; “behind the scenes,” sometimes not uncovered until it's too late; implied; suggested; devious; misleading; underhanded; manipulative; evasive; furtive; reticent; illusory; imaginary; unique; concealed; latent; a hidden enemy; the "Devil you don't know."
"Ambivalent;" uncertain; indecisive; of two minds; fickle; on the fence; hedging; waffling; self-doubting; conflicted; two-faced; unreliable; vacillating; (esp. court cards); “the “horns of a dilemma” (no “right” answer).