Tarot Meanings, Reversed: 4 Powerful Ways to Read Reversals Without Overwhelm

Tarot Meanings, Reversed: 4 Powerful Ways to Read Reversals Without Overwhelm

Confused by tarot meanings reversed? Discover 4 ways to read reversed cards—without losing confidence or clarity. These methods work for beginners and intuitive readers.

Reversals can stop even the most intuitive tarot reader in their tracks. You pull a card upside down and suddenly everything feels… off. Does it mean the opposite? Is it blocked energy? Should you even read reversals at all?

If you’ve ever asked “What do tarot meanings reversed actually mean?”—you’re not alone.

The truth? There’s more than one right way to read reversed cards. In fact, I teach four clear, soul-aligned methods inside the High Priestess Tarot School—each designed to support your confidence as a reader.

Today, I’m going to walk you through all four. You’ll leave this post knowing exactly how to work with reversals—whether you're just starting or refining your practice.

1. Don’t Read Them (Yet)

Let’s start with the method I recommend for most beginners: Ignore reversals—read every card upright. You’ll still get powerful, accurate readings without adding that extra layer of complexity.

Why it works:

• Helps you focus on building your core card fluency

• Prevents overthinking or doubting your pull

• Many experienced readers still do this (yes, really)

  
  

🌱 Permission granted: You don’t need to do it all at once.

2. Reverse = Opposite of the Upright Meaning

This is the most common method—simple and binary: If upright = confidence, reversed = insecurity. If upright = abundance, reversed = scarcity.

It works well for logical, keyword-based readers—but can sometimes feel too “flat” for intuitive spreads.

Pro tip: Use this method if you already have strong upright keyword anchors. If not? Start there first.

3. Assign a Reversal Keyword to Each Card

This is what I teach inside the High Priestess Taros School when I show you how to create your Study Deck.

You choose 1–2 upright keywords, then assign 1 intentional reversed keyword per card.

Example:

• The Lovers

  • Upright: Connection, Choice

  • Reversed: Avoidance, Misalignment

• 
  

This gives you consistency without relying on guesswork—and your deck becomes a personalized study tool in the process.

4. Read Reversals as Blocked or Hidden Energy

Instead of “bad” or “negative,” a reversed card becomes an inverted expression of the upright:

• Upright: Strength = Courage

• Reversed: Strength = Courage is buried, ignored, or misdirected

This is great for shadow work, inner child spreads, or when you’re reading for someone who’s blocked or unclear.

Use this when you want nuance—not judgment.

Trust Yourself First

There’s no one “correct” way to read reversals. What matters is that your method supports your clarity and intuition—not clouds it.

Start with the method that feels easiest. Experiment with others over time.

And if you want a guided, intuitive system that grows with you?

That’s exactly what we do inside High Priestess Tarot School.

🎓 Learn more about the High Priestess Tarot School Here

https://highpriestessts.com/hpts-option

You’ve got this. The cards speak through you—reversed or not.

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