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What do reverse tarot cards mean?

Tarot Wisdom 3 min read

TL;DR

Reverse tarot cards often signify an internal blockage, a delayed or altered expression of the card's upright meaning, or a need to re-evaluate a situation from a new perspective. They are not inherently negative but signal areas requiring attention and introspection.

The Core Meaning of Reversed Tarot Cards

When a tarot card appears in reverse, it doesn't necessarily mean something bad has happened. Instead, it usually points to the internal aspects of the upright meaning. Think of it as the energy of the card being blocked, delayed, distorted, or expressed in a less obvious way. It can also indicate that the energy is being turned inward for personal growth or that you need to revisit the lesson the card is trying to teach. It’s an invitation to explore the shadow side or the unintegrated aspects of the card's archetype.

Reversed Cards in Love & Relationships

In love, a reversed card might suggest communication breakdowns, self-doubt hindering connection, or unresolved issues within a relationship. For singles, it could mean hesitation in pursuing love or focusing too much on past hurts. For couples, it might indicate a need for deeper understanding, unmet emotional needs, or a feeling of being stuck. It’s a prompt to address internal barriers to intimacy and connection.

Reversed Cards in Career & Finance

Professionally, reversed cards can point to stalled projects, lack of motivation, or difficulties in asserting yourself. There might be missed opportunities, a need to rethink your career path, or challenges with leadership. Financially, it could signal overspending, financial anxiety, or a need for more disciplined money management. It’s a call to re-evaluate your approach to work and finances, looking for internal blocks to success.

Actionable Advice: What to Do Next

When you pull a reversed card, take a moment to pause and reflect. Ask yourself: Where am I resisting this energy? Am I internalizing this lesson? Is there a part of this situation I am overlooking or denying? Consider the opposite or the shadow aspect of the upright meaning. Sometimes, a reversed card is simply a signal to slow down, reassess, and integrate the lesson more fully before moving forward. It’s an opportunity for deeper self-awareness and personal evolution.

🃏 Related Cards to Watch For

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The Tower

Often indicates sudden upheaval or destruction when upright. Reversed, it can suggest resisting necessary change, delaying inevitable endings, or internalizing destructive patterns.

The Devil

Upright, it signifies bondage, addiction, materialism, and unhealthy attachments. Reversed, it can mean breaking free from limitations, recognizing manipulation, or overcoming destructive desires.

The Hanged Man

Represents sacrifice, new perspectives, and suspension when upright. Reversed, it might indicate resistance to letting go, unnecessary martyrdom, or feeling stuck and unable to see a situation clearly.

What do reverse tarot cards mean? | Tarot Wisdom | TaroTarot.cards