As a beginner in the world of tarot, understanding the basics of tarot readings and the meanings of each card is essential. However, one aspect of tarot that can be particularly confusing for newbies is the concept of tarot reversals. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of tarot reversals, exploring what they are, how to interpret them, and their meanings.

What are Tarot Reversals?

Tarot reversals occur when a card appears in a reading in the reversed position, meaning it is upside down. This can happen when shuffling the cards or during the actual reading. Reversals can add an extra layer of depth and complexity to a reading, providing additional insights and perspectives on the situation at hand.

Types of Tarot Reversals

There are two main types of tarot reversals:

• Literal Reversal: This type of reversal occurs when the card’s meaning is literally opposite of its upright meaning. For example, the upright Death card can indicate transformation and change, while the reversed Death card can indicate resistance to change or stagnation.
• Contextual Reversal: This type of reversal occurs when the card’s meaning is influenced by the context of the reading and the question being asked. For example, the upright Five of Cups card can indicate loss and regret, while the reversed Five of Cups card can indicate holding onto something that’s no longer serving you.

How to Interpret Tarot Reversals

Interpreting tarot reversals requires a combination of intuition, knowledge of the card’s upright meaning, and an understanding of the context of the reading. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Consider the Upright Meaning: Before interpreting a reversed card, consider the card’s upright meaning and how it might be influenced by the reversal.
• Look at the Surrounding Cards: The cards surrounding the reversed card can provide additional context and insights into its meaning.
• Trust Your Intuition: Tarot readings are not just about memorizing card meanings, but also about trusting your intuition and inner wisdom.

Common Tarot Reversals and Their Meanings

Here are some common tarot reversals and their meanings:

Card	Upright Meaning	Reversed Meaning
The Fool	New beginnings, innocence, spontaneity	Fear of taking risks, hesitation, reckless behavior
The Magician	Skill, manifestation, personal power	Lack of confidence, feeling powerless, poor skills
The High Priestess	Intuition, wisdom, secrecy	Withholding information, secrecy, lack of intuition
The Lovers	Love, relationships, choices	Conflicted relationships, poor choices, lack of love

Conclusion

Tarot reversals can add a rich layer of depth and complexity to your tarot readings, providing additional insights and perspectives on the situation at hand. By understanding the different types of tarot reversals, how to interpret them, and their meanings, you can take your tarot practice to the next level and gain a deeper understanding of the cards and their symbolism.

Remember, tarot readings are not just about the cards, but also about the reader’s intuition and connection to the querent. With practice and patience, you can develop your skills and become a proficient tarot reader, able to navigate the complexities of tarot reversals and provide meaningful insights to those seeking guidance.