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What does it mean when a Tarot card is reversed?

Tarot Wisdom 3 min read

TL;DR

A reversed Tarot card signifies a blockage, delay, or internal challenge related to the card's upright meaning. It suggests a need to re-examine, integrate, or release certain energies to restore balance and move forward.

The Core Meaning of Reversed Tarot Cards

When a Tarot card appears reversed in a reading, it doesn't necessarily signify bad luck or a negative outcome. Instead, it often points to an internal or external blockage, a delay, an incomplete aspect, or a reinterpretation of the card's upright energy. Think of it as the archetypal energy of the card being turned inward, expressed in a more challenging or less direct way, or perhaps needing to be integrated more fully into your consciousness. It can represent the shadow side of the card's energy, an overemphasis or underemphasis of its qualities, or a situation where the lessons of the card need to be learned or applied differently.

Reversed Tarot Cards in Love & Relationships

In matters of the heart, reversed cards can offer profound insights. For singles, a reversed card might indicate hesitations, fear of commitment, or difficulty attracting the right kind of energy due to internal blocks. For couples, it could point to communication breakdowns, unresolved issues, or a need to re-evaluate the dynamic of the relationship. For instance, The Lovers reversed might suggest disharmony or a difficult choice rather than union. The Ten of Cups reversed could indicate a lack of emotional fulfillment or family strife. It’s an invitation to look within and address the relationship's challenges from a deeper, more honest perspective.

Reversed Tarot Cards in Career & Finance

Professionally and financially, reversed cards often signal obstacles or a need for strategic rethinking. This could manifest as career stagnation, missed opportunities, or difficulties with projects. Financially, it might suggest poor budgeting, unexpected expenses, or a blockage in financial flow. The Magician reversed, for instance, could imply a lack of confidence, misuse of skills, or manipulation. The Four of Pentacles reversed might indicate financial insecurity or the need to release an overly possessive attitude towards resources. It’s a call to reassess your approach, re-energize your efforts, and find creative solutions to overcome these professional or financial hurdles.

Actionable Advice: What to Do Next

When faced with reversed cards, the most crucial step is introspection. Identify which aspect of the card’s upright meaning feels blocked or challenging in your life. Ask yourself: Am I resisting this energy? Am I suppressing it? Is there an imbalance? The reversed card is not a condemnation but a guide. It encourages you to pause, reflect, and consciously work with the energy. This might involve releasing old patterns, developing a missing skill, seeking clarity, or confronting a fear. By acknowledging the reversed energy and actively addressing its underlying message, you can transform potential obstacles into opportunities for profound growth and self-understanding, ultimately restoring the flow of the card's positive influence.

🃏 Related Cards to Watch For

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The Tower

Sudden upheaval, destruction, and revelation. Reversed, it can signify avoiding necessary change or experiencing prolonged instability.

The Devil

Bondage, addiction, materialism, and ignorance. Reversed, it can indicate breaking free from negative influences or recognizing unhealthy attachments.

The Hanged Man

Suspension, new perspectives, and sacrifice. Reversed, it might suggest resistance to a necessary pause or feeling stuck without gaining insight.

What does it mean when a Tarot card is reversed? | Tarot Wisdom | TaroTarot.cards