Tarot Reversals Aren't Scary: My 3-Step Cheat Sheet for Beginners
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If you’re new to tarot, nothing inspires fear like seeing a reversed card. Upside-down Death? Backward Lovers? It’s enough to send even the bravest beginner running.
But here’s the truth: reversals aren’t scary—they’re simply nuanced.
In fact, if you don’t use reversals, you’re missing half the language of tarot.
Let me walk you through a simple, beginner-friendly 3-step cheat sheet for reading reversals—no memorization required.
Debunking the “Gifted Deck” and Reversal Myths
Before we dive in, let's debunk two common myths:
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“You must be gifted a tarot deck.”
False. Buy your own deck, cleanse it, and it will work just as well. Energy comes from you, not tradition. -
“Reversed cards are bad omens.”
Nope. Reversals often signal internal, blocked, or delayed energies—not doom.
Think of reversals like shadows. They're not evil; they just show what’s unseen or developing.
Step 1: Visual Cues for Fast Meaning
One trick for reading reversals without memorization is to look at the card’s imagery upside down. Ask yourself:
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What’s falling?
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What’s stuck?
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What’s blocked?
Examples:
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The Chariot reversed may show loss of direction or control.
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The Ace of Cups reversed might represent emotions held back.
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The Lovers reversed could mean misalignment or disharmony.
When in doubt, think: “If upright is movement, reversed is pause.”
Step 2: Use the Reversal Spectrum
Imagine each card has a spectrum of expression:
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Upright = Outward, flowing, conscious energy
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Reversed = Internal, blocked, hidden energy
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Sideways/jumper = Transitional or needing clarity
This helps you read a reversed card not as “wrong,” but as a depth cue. Something is still unfolding.
Step 3: Practice with a Mini Spread
Use this 3-card spread to practice reversed readings:
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Card 1: What energy is flowing?
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Card 2: What is being blocked?
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Card 3: What can I do to realign?
Example spread:
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Upright Strength – You’re tapping into calm courage.
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Reversed 2 of Wands – But you're avoiding expansion or risk.
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Upright The Sun – Clarity will come through optimism and truth.
Bonus Tip: Journal the Reversal Meaning in Your Own Words
If you find a reversed card confusing, write:
"If this were upright, it would mean ___. But reversed, it might be suggesting ___."
This simple reframe makes tarot feel empowering, not intimidating.
Conclusion + Free Gift
Here's a quick keyword tarot guide
https://ripecolor.com/collections/tarot-reading/products/tarot-cheat-sheet
https://ripecolor.com/collections/tarot-reading/products/tarot-cheat-sheet-reversals
Or take it further with my full guide, Tarot DeCoded, where I walk through reversed spreads card-by-card using real-life readings.
Reversals don’t need to feel like a curse—they’re just the Universe whispering, “Look deeper.”
Let your cards speak in all directions.
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