Do Tarot Cards That Are Reversed Matter?

Tarot cards can have a different meaning when turned upside down, known as a “reversal”. This can change the meaning of the reading and can indicate blocked information or strengthen, weaken, or redirect the primary message of the upright card. Some people believe that reversed Tarot cards guarantee bad news, but this is not the case. Often, reversed Tarot cards deliver good news, strengthen, weaken, or redirect the primary message of the upright card.

There are three common explanations for why all Tarot cards are reversed: External Energy vs. Internal Energy, Energy Imbalance, and Opposite Meaning. All cards inherently have their “positive” and “negative” meanings, regardless of whether they are reversed or not. Getting a reversed card means getting a tarot card definition and having it flipped 180-degrees over. It’s a purely individual choice, and you can read effectively both ways.

Reversed cards can add an additional layer of meaning to a tarot reading, as they can indicate blocked energy, resistance, or a need for change. However, reversed cards act more like a period than a question mark, discouraging elaboration, engagement, and detail. If a card comes out upside-down, people turn it around and continue with the reading.

In summary, most tarot websites and books interpret reversed cards as the “bad” version of the card, which is largely inaccurate and lacks depth. To learn how to read reversed Tarot cards, look at the imagery of the upside-down card and intuitively interpret its meaning.