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JANUARY 2009
How Do You Read Reversals?
by Peggy Firth, Certified Tarot Master
According to Mary Greer, the author of "Tarot Reversals," reversals are not interpreted as the opposite of upright. In fact there are about a dozen ways to read reversals. The twist of reading a reversal offers a unique opportunity to explore a deeper version of a card.
You can expect that half of your cards will turn up as reversals unless you shuffle in such a way that reversals will not show up. Many books do not even give reversal meanings. Such misunderstood or inadequately interpreted meanings, often fatalistic, lead readers to avoid reversals altogether.
Until recently reversals were considered just the opposite, often negative meaning of a card. Basically I feel that reversal meanings point towards clarifying goals which have been somehow constrained. In fact reversals often allow us to delve into the subconscious or unknown. I feel that the cards are ambiguous at best and reversals offer so many more possibilities. Reversals often allow us to go beyond the limited meanings we have learned and provide us with opportunities to reach further into a situation.
Below are some alternatives for reversal meanings:
Reversals may indicate a possibility that the reading may contain delayed expectations. Delays or denials are often distressing but unavoidable. You may question your querent who is experiencing difficulties to allow for clarity and focus. This gives the querent the opportunity to clarify and focus on a particular outcome.
A new concept or idea may await the querent. Further exploration may reveal an alternative answer.
Blocked or resistance to an answer or situation. Does your querent resist or ignore the answer or situation?
Projecting or blaming others and giving them more power than they exert.
Delays, hesitation or unavailabilities. Opportunities do not present themselves. Bad timing.
Inability to recognize opportunities or missed connections.
Letting go of unnecessary obligations, material or personal things.
Changing direction. Barriers are lifted so that a new direction presents itself.
The direct opposite. In some cases this may be the standard meaning. However such prefixes such as “not enough” energy or thought has been exerted to create the desired outcome.
Excessive or overcompensating. A reversal may just intensify or lesson the meaning of a card.
Misdirected or misplaced. Does your querent have a good grasp on the situation?
Reversals suggest “re” words such as reconsider or retract, etc.
Remedy, refining and rectifying a situation. Perhaps a person related to the situation is not to be relied on.
The unconventional. The answer may be hidden for the time being.
You might select a couple of the above to try out. Too many possibilities lead to confusion. You may be able to choose a style that closely resembles your nature. Once you narrow your meaning for reversals you may want to stick with that meaning unless the card calls (screams) for another meaning. Some cards are obviously more difficult to interpret. Have fun with it!
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