Divination 101 - The Tarot Deck Continued

Finding the Reversed Tarot Card Meanings.
This is an article I found that should help to explain how to read reversed Tarot Cards. If this does not fully explain, simply just comment and I'll try my best to help. Sorry this was short and simple, but my life has gotten busy at the moment. Good luck everyone!
Information for this post came from the website http://tarotelements.com/6649/using-reversed-tarot-cards/

The Secret to Using Reversed Tarot Cards for Empowering Readings.

“Reversed Tarot cards?! Ugh, I would never use those. They’re so negative!”

I was having what was, up until this point, a pleasant conversation with a group of Tarot enthusiasts about interpreting the Tarot cards. The conversation drifted towards the topic of reversed Tarot cards and suddenly the mood changed. “Reversed Tarot cards?!” I looked around the group and there was a look of shock, horror and dismay at the mere suggestion of using reversed Tarot cards in a reading. “Ugh, I would never use those. They’re so negative!”

What?! I was taken aback by such a passionate response from my colleagues. As someone who has used reversed Tarot cards in readings for more than 10 years, had I been providing such negative readings to my clients? I didn’t think so. I have always been so focused on empowering the client, rather than creating unnecessary worrying. So what made my interpretations of reversed Tarot cards different?

I started thinking… do we really know how to use reversed Tarot cards to their full potential, to empower the client and create a positive path forward? What’s the secret?!

Why Use Reversed Tarot Cards in the First Place?

You might think that with 78 Tarot cards in a typical deck, surely there’s enough depth and meaning in those cards to conduct an accurate and insightful Tarot reading. True.

But what if you could double it to 156 Tarot cards? Perhaps you could even double your Tarot insight? This is the power of reversed Tarot cards.

What I love most about using reversed Tarot cards is that it offers a multi-dimensional view. We start to see the light and shade, highs and lows, yin and yang of each card. We begin to understand that the energy of each card ebbs and flows, increases and decreases, and can be released or blocked.

This, to me, is a reflection of life itself. Nothing is ever in the one state of ‘being’. Instead, there is impermanence and the knowledge that life is on a continual cycle from one state to another. Using reversed Tarot cards helps to identify these cycles and locate where the client is on their journey.

Do Reversed Tarot Cards Really Have to be so Negative?

Unfortunately, there are many interpretations of Tarot cards in the reversed or ‘ill-dignified’ position that are indeed negative. Take, for example, the traditional meaning of the Three of Wands reversed. “Ulterior motives. Distrust, treachery, deceit. Interrupted by misfortune” (cited in Mary Greer’s book “The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals”, p.103). With these types of interpretations, it is little wonder that so many people are put off by reversed Tarot cards.

But do reversals really have to be that negative?

I think not. In fact, I am a strong believer that using reversed Tarot cards in readings can be empowering and insightful. When we understand the multiple dimensions that reversed Tarot cards bring to a reading, we can begin to use these insights to help the client release any blockages, avoid any dangers, address any challenges and maximise opportunities. It all comes down to how the reversed cards are interpreted.

5 Ways to Interpret Reversed Tarot Cards… And Empower Your Clients

So, what is the secret to using reversed Tarot cards for empowering readings?

Here are five ways to interpret reversed Tarot cards in your readings so that you can empower your client and avoid the ‘doom and gloom’ that is so often associated with reversals.
(NOTE: There are many other ways in which the reversed Tarot cards can be interpreted (such as a ‘no’ to a question, the opposite of the upright card and delays – read more at http://www.biddytarot.com/blog/how-to-interpret-reversed-tarot-cards). I have chosen to focus on the methods below to illustrate how reversed cards can be used to empower clients and create a positive, helpful and practical reading.)

1. Releasing blocked energy

Reversals often signify that the energy of the card is currently blocked or repressed. If you can identify where a blockage exists, then you can also identify how to remove the blockage. Focus on manifesting the free-flowing energy of the card. Look to other cards in the reading or draw a clarifying card to understand what action needs to be taken to release the blockage.

2. Mastering the lesson of the previous card

In his book “Mastering The Tarot”, Paul Fenton-Smith suggests that a reversed Tarot card implies a need to return to the previous card. There is an important life lesson that has not yet been mastered or completely understood, and therefore the client is advised to reflect on this card’s energy to improve current circumstances. For example, if you drew the reversed Two of Pentacles and were facing financial disorganisation, you need to return to the Ace of Pentacles so that you can prioritise your financial goals and set yourself a budget.
Personally, this is one of my favourite methods as it offers hope and a clear path forward.

3. Identifying unconscious awareness

Sometimes, reversed Tarot cards can reflect that the energy of the card remains in the unconscious mind and has not yet been revealed to the client. The beauty of seeing this in a reading is that it is brought into the client’s conscious awareness. The client is then given the opportunity to address the issue or maximise the opportunity.

4. Clearing negative energy

Another way of interpreting reversed cards is that the energy of the upright card is either increased or decreased. For example, the Ten of Swords signifies a painful ending and betrayal. When reversed, the energy may be weakened, indicating that a difficult period is over and the client can begin to heal. This can be a positive message in itself and is encouraging for the client who may have been suffering.

5. Identifying potential challenges

Often, reversed cards indicate obstacles or challenges that stand in the way of the client’s ability to achieve their desired outcomes. While we don’t always like to hear about challenges, the advantage is that it can act like a warning system ahead of time. It provides the opportunity for the client to consider where they are going off course or why these challenges are being encountered, and then put in place necessary actions to get back on course.

Putting it Into Practice

Let’s see how this works with a real life reading. Being a mother of a 9 week old and a 2 year old, I asked the cards what I need to know about managing my family. I drew Temperance reversed.

The traditional meaning is, “Competition. Impatience. Frustration.” Uh, ok. Thanks. That’s a no-brainer!

Instead, I am going to use some of the methods outlined above to create what I believe is a more empowering reading.

We know that Temperance is about patience, balance and moderation. Reversed, this card indicates blockages to accessing this energy, or perhaps the qualities of Temperance are already within me (i.e. an unconscious awareness). To help bring a state of peace and calm to my family life, I therefore need to focus on creating balance and moderation and allowing that energy to flow naturally in my day-to-day activities. (I just started meditation classes, so that’s a step in the right direction.)

And perhaps I need to return to the lesson of the previous card, Death, and acknowledge that I am in the midst of a major life change right now. By acknowledging that a major change is taking place, I can become more accepting of my current circumstances. This in turn creates patience and moderation in my approach.

Of course, I could go on. However, it should be apparent that by using even just a handful of these simple interpretation methods it is possible to create an empowering reading that clearly identifies what actions need to be taken to rectify the situation.

So much for reversed Tarot cards only being negative!!

A Final Word

Sure, reversed Tarot cards can be portrayed as ‘negative’. But I encourage you to look beyond these simplistic and often negative interpretations, and challenge yourself to find the positive element in reversed Tarot cards. Go into your reading with the intent of empowering your client and you will find that the reversed Tarot cards enable you to do this in ways that often the upright cards cannot. Draw upon the methods I have suggested, and even create your own. This is the secret to using reversed Tarot cards for empowering readings!

Brigit

Divination 101 - The Tarot Deck Continued

This post is to explain what the cards' meanings are in a simple form.. The deck that I had chosen for myself almost a year ago now is the Shadowscapes Tarot by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law. She is an amazing watercolor artist and I enjoy her art, it has inspired me artistically and spiritually. When you choose your deck, it doesn't have to be only ONE, you can have multiple decks, but I recommend trying to create a connection between you and your deck(s). An impression if you will. Each card is a door that can open up many other worlds, your very own portal. Like two strangers catching each other's eyes across a room in a glance of just the briefest of moments that holds many possibilities, that should be you and your deck(s).

Now, close your eyes and pick one card and just look at the picture, study it, drink in the picture and it's meaning. Look at it for so long that you can see it with your eyes closed. Step into the image. Imagine how it feels, how it smells, how it sounds. This is both the hardest and the easiest part of reading the cards: to simply look at a picture and say what it means is something we have lost when we grew away from our childhood, but adults struggle with it, thinking they'll "get it wrong". Do not worry about this, because this connection is based off of the emotional and spiritual. Nothing can go wrong there!

Now, the second hard part to the deck: memorizing what each card means. I imagine it takes many years or the most simplest of time, either way it is NOT a necessity  but it is nice to just know what the cards mean off the top of your head. Here are the meanings:

The Major Arcana
The Fool	Upright: New beginnings, new adventures, new opportunities, unlimited possibilities, pleasure, passion, thoughtlessness, rashnessReverse: A bad decision, indecision, apathy, hesitation, a faulty choice
The Magician	Upright: Originality, creativity, skill, will-power, self confidence, dexterity, sleight of handReverse: Weakness in will, insecurity, delay, no imagination
The High Priestess	Upright: Wisdom, knowledge, learning, intuition, purity, virtue, a lack of patience, a teacherReverse: Ignorance, lack of understanding, selfishness, shallowness
The Empress	Upright: Action, development, accomplishment, mother/sister/wife, evolutionReverse: Vacillation, inaction, lack on concentration, indecision, anxiety, infidelity
The Emperor	Upright: Accomplishment, confidence, wealth, stability, leadership, father/brother/husband, achievement, a capable personReverse: Immaturity, indecision, feebleness, petty emotions, lack of strength
The Hierophant	Upright: A need to conform, social approval, bonded to the conventions of societyReverse: Unconventionality, unorthodoxy, an inventor or Upright: Mercy, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, conformity, a sense of historical importance, inspiration Reverse: Foolish generosity, errors are repeated, impotence, vulnerability, frailty, unorthodoxy
The Lovers	Upright: Love, harmony, trust, honor, the beginning of a romance, optimism, a meaningful relationship/affairReverse: Unreliability, separation, frustration in love, fickleness, untrustworthy
The Chariot	Upright: Perseverance, a journey, a rushed decision, adversity, turmoil, vengeanceReverse: Unsuccessful, defeat, failure, last minute loss, vanquishment
Strength	Upright: Strength, courage, conviction, energy, determination, action, heroism, virilityReverse: Weakness, pettiness, sickness, tyranny, lack of faith, abuse of power
The Hermit	Upright: Counsel, inner strength, prudence, caution, vigilance, patience, withdrawal, annulment, a lonerReverse: Imprudence, hastiness, rashness, foolish acts, immaturity
The Wheel of Fortune	Upright: Destiny, fortune, a special gain, an unusual loss, end of a problem, unexpected events, advancement, progressReverse: Failure, bad luck, interruption, outside influences, bad fate, unexpected events
Justice	Upright: Harmony, balance, equality, righteousness, virtue, honor, advice, a considerate personReverse: Bias, false accusations, intolerance, unfairness, abuse
The Hanged Man	Upright: Suspension, change, reversal, boredom, abandonment, sacrifice, readjustment, improvement, rebirthReverse: Unwillingness to make an effort, false prophecy, useless sacrifice
Death	Upright: Transformation, making way for the new, unexpected change, loss, failure, illness or death, bad luckReverse: Stagnation, immobility, slow changes, a narrow escape, cheating death
Temperance	Upright: Moderation, temperance, patience, harmony, fusion, good influence, confidenceReverse: Discord, conflict, disunion, hostility, frustration, impatience
The Devil	Upright: Ravage, weird or strange experience, downfall, unexpected failure, controversy, violence, disaster, an ill-tempered personReverse: Divorce, release, handicaps are overcome, enlightenment
The Tower	Upright: A sudden change, abandonment of past, ending a friendship, unexpected events, disruption, bankruptcy, downfall, loss of money or securityReverse: Following old ways, a rut, entrapment, caught in a bad situation, imprisonment
The Star	Upright: Hope, faith, inspiration, optimism, insight, spiritual love, pleasure, balanceReverse: Unfulfilled hopes, disappointment, dreams are crushed, bad luck, imbalance
The Moon	Upright: Deception, trickery, disillusionment, error, danger, disgrace, double-dealingReverse: Deception is discovered before damage can be done, trifling mistakes, taking advantage of someone
The Sun	Upright: Satisfaction, accomplishment, success, love, joy, engagement or a happy marriageReverse: Unhappiness, loneliness, canceled plans, broken engagement or marriage, a clouded future, a lack of friends
Judgmentor Rejuvenation	Upright: Awakening, renewal, a well lived life, better health, a quickened mindReverse: Fear of death, failure, possible loss, ill health or Upright: Atonement, judgment, the need to forgive, rejuvenation, rebirth, improvement, development, promotion, efforts are rewarded Reverse: Delay, disappointment, indecision, procrastination, theft, worry
The World	Upright: Completion, perfection, recognition, honors, the end result, success, fulfillment, triumph, eternal lifeReverse: Imperfection, lack of vision, disappointment

The Minor Arcana
Wands	Usually predict energy, growth, enterprise, animation, and glory.
Ace of wands	Upright: A creative beginning, a new business venture, a profitable journey, an inheritance, a new career, a birth in the familyReversed: Selfishness may spoil the venture, setbacks for a new enterprise, a journey may be put off, a lack of determination
Two of Wands	Upright: A kind and generous person, an interest in science, patience, creative ability, courage, good things to comeReversed: Caution is advised against impatience, a possible domination by others
Three of Wands	Upright: A cooperation in business affairs, trade and commerce, success brought by a good partnership, practical help may come from a successful personReversed: A tendency to scatter energies, mistakes are made through carelessness, disappointment, caution against pride and arrogance
Four of Wands	Upright: The beauty of the harvest home, perfected work, prosperity, peace, celebration after labor, end of romance in marriage, happy holidays to comeReversed: Learning to appreciate the little things in life, beauty of nature, peace, harmony
Five of Wands	Upright: Competition, possibility of a lawsuit or quarrel, obstacles, courageReversed: Harmony, new opportunities, generosity
Six of Wands	Upright: Good news, victory, success after labor, helpful friends, leadership during journeyReversed: Rewards are delayed, postponed trip, bad news, an insolent winner, pride in riches/success
Seven of Wands	Upright: The ability to "hold one's own" against adversaries, stiff competition in business, a fight won, a fight one may have to face soon, victory, energy, courageReversed: The threat will pass by, don't let others take advantage, caution against indecision, patience
Eight of Wands	Upright: A Goal is approaching, new ideas, a journey by air, love will find its mark, love of open air, gardens, meadowsReversed: Jealousy, violence, quarrels, domestic disputes, a force of courage or boldness is applied to suddenly
Nine of Wands	Upright: Preparedness, eventual victory, good health, strength in reserve, tendency to obstinacyReversed: Unpreparedness, refusal to fight, weakness in character, ill health, bending over adversity
Ten of Wands	Upright: An oppressive load, pain, all plans or projects ruined, complete failureReversed: Strength, energy, a desire to ruin the happiness of others, a clever person
Page of Wands	Upright: Brilliance, courage, beauty, sudden anger or love, great enthusiasm, a messengerReversed: Superficial, theatrical, unstable, a broken heart, bad news to come
Knight of Wands	Upright: An impetuous nature, generous friend, a lover, haste, a journey, the coming or going of a matter is of much concernReversed: Discord, work interrupted, jealousy, narrow-mindedness, suspicion, the journey is delayed
Queen of Wands	Upright: A woman, fondness of nature or of the home, attraction, command, someone who is well liked or honorableReversed: Strict, domineering, a jealous and revengeful nature, deceit, infidelity
King of Wands	Upright: A gentlemen, father, passionate, generous, noble, a good leaderReversed: Severe, unyielding, strict, intolerance, prejudice, quarrels
Cups	Usually predict love, happiness, fertility, and beauty.
Ace of Cups	Upright: The beginning of love, joy, beauty, or good healthReverse: Hesitancy to accept the things that come from the heart, love under a selfish grasp, egotism
Two of Cups	Upright: A new romance, a well balanced friendship is beginning, harmony, cooperationReverse: A loss of balance in a relationship, a violent passion, love turning bad, a misunderstanding
Three of Cups	Upright: A good fortune in love, a happy conclusion, unknown talents are discovered, a sensitive and sympathetic person, hospitalityReverse: Pain, gossip, unknown talents remain hidden, overindulgence
Four of Cups	Upright: Reevaluation, a dissatisfaction with success, kindness may come from othersReverse: New relationships possible, new goals, new ambitions, action
Five of Cups	Upright: Sorrow, loss of a loved one, a broken marriage, disillusionment, vain regretReversed: Return of hope, new relationships are beginning, return of a loved one, courage is summoned from within
Six of Cups	Upright: A gift from a childhood acquaintance, happiness and pleasure brought from the past, good memories, a new friendship, a gift from an admirer, new opportunitiesReverse: Living in the past, outworn friendships, disappointment
Seven of Cups	Upright: A long-worked imagination, unable to choose one's direction in life, illusory successReverse: A good use of determination, will-power, a definite path will be chosen
Eight of Cups	Upright: An abandonment of one's current path in life, disappointment in love, misery and repining without cause, desire to leave on'e success for something higherReverse: Search for pleasure, seeking joy or success, a new love interest
Nine of Cups	Upright: An assured future, physical well-being, a wish may come trueReverse: A lack in money, overindulgence, illness, a wish may not come true
Ten of Cups	Upright: A happy family life, true friendships, lasting happinessReverse: A family quarrel, loss of a friendship, children may turn against their parents, waste
Page of Cups	Upright: Gentleness, sweetness, kindness, an interest in poetry or art, newsReverse: Selfishness, little desire to create, a poor imagination
Knight of Cups	Upright: Intelligence, romantic dreamer, the coming or going of an emotional matterReverse: Trickery, fraud, sensuality, idleness, an untruthful person
Queen of Cups	Upright: Imagination out-ways one's common sense, a good wife or loving mother, happiness, gentle, a good natured personReverse: An over-active imagination, perverse, pleasure and happiness may turn bitter
King of Cups	Upright: A business man, a man of law, kindness, a considerate person, a willingness to take on responsibility, and enjoyment of the arts or sciencesReverse: A powerful man but a double-dealer, crafty, violent, scandal
Swords	Usually predict aggression, force, ambition, courage, strife, misfortune
Ace of Swords	Upright: Beginning of a victory, ability to love and hate with ardor, a valiant leader may be bornReverse: Caution when trying to use power to gain an ending, obstacles, tyranny
Two of Swords	Upright: Well balanced emotions are needed, indecision, trouble ahead, in need of directionReverse: Release, beware when dealing with the unscrupulous
Three of Swords	Upright: Affections may experience "stormy weather", lovers separated, possible civil warReverse: Disorder, confusion, loss, sorrow due to loss
Four of Swords	Upright: Rest after strife, retreat, temporary exile, a change back to the "active life"Reverse: Renewed activity, social unrest, labor strikes
Five of Swords	Upright: Failure, defeat, cowardliness, cruelty, an empty victoryReverse: A lesser chance of loss or defeat, an empty victory, unfairness in dealings
Six of Swords	Upright: A journey, passage away from sorrow, harmony will prevailReverse: Journey will be postponed, no way out of present obstacles or difficulties
Seven of Swords	Upright: An unwise attempt, unreliability, betrayal, insolence, spying, possible failureReverse: Excessive help is given, good advice, counsel, stolen items are returned
Eight of Swords	Upright: Restricted action, indecision, censure, temporary illness, weakness, a prisonerReverse: Relaxation, new beginnings possible, freedom
Nine of Swords	Upright: Suffering, doubt, desolation, illness, injury, death of a loved one, suspicion, cruelty, misery, loss, dishonesty, pitilessness, slanderReverse: Healing over time, unselfishness, patience, good news of a loved one
Ten of Swords	Upright: Sudden misfortune, ruin of plans, defeat, failure, pain and tearsReverse: Evil forces are overthrown, courage, some success, better health
Page of Swords	Upright: Dexterity, grace, diplomacy, understanding, an upsetting messageReverse: A cunning person, an imposture, ill health, unexpected events
Knight of Swords	Upright: A headlong rush into life, a strong man, bravery, a skillful and clever person, an unexpected coming or going of a matterReverse: Tyranny, a troublemaker, a crafty and secretive person
Queen of Swords	Upright: A quick and confident decision, a widow, one who can bear their sorrowReverse: Cruelty due to keen observations, a sly and deceitful person, narrowmindedness, a gossip
King of Swords	Upright: A judge, a powerful commander, a firm friendship holder but often overcautious, a wise counselorReverse: Evil intentions, an obstinate person, decisions or judgments may seem unfair
Pentacles	Usually predict money, industry, and material gain
Ace of Pentacles	Upright: A new business venture, the beginning of prosperity, beginning of happiness or pleasureReverse: Possible greed or misery, money may not be everything
Two of Pentacles	Upright: The ability to handle multiple situations, harmony is maintained during change, new projects may be difficult, expect a helpful messageReverse: Difficulty with handling problems, expect a discouraging message
Three of Pentacles	Upright: Reward for skills or abilities, approval, success through effortReverse: Quality in workmanship is neglected, good work is expended due to a preoccupation with money, common place ideals or ambitions
Four of Pentacles	Upright: Love of power or money, a lack of give-and-take, miserly or ungenerous natureReverse: Some earthly possessions may be lost, obstacles or delays in business affairs, a spendthrift.
Five of Pentacles	Upright: Loneliness, destitution, loss of possessions, poor health, despair due to spiritual impoverishmentReverse: New employment, revived courage, a new interest
Six of Pentacles	Upright: Sharing of prosperity, one will soon receive what is rightfully theirs, charity, gifts, philanthropy, three-foldReverse: Bribes, unfairness, prosperity is threatened, jealousy, miserliness
Seven of Pentacles	Upright: Effort and hard work will cause growth, a pause during development, reevaluationsReverse: Little progress, impatience, anxiety, investments may be unprofitable
Eight of Pentacles	Upright: Learning a trade or profession, employment is coming soon, skill, handiwork, small money gainReverse: Skills are not being used properly, a dislike of hard work, ambition is void
Nine of Pentacles	Upright: Well-being, things in life are enjoyed alone, solitude, a green thumbReverse: Loss is possible, danger from thieves, caution
Ten of Pentacles	Upright: Stable family, gain in wealth, property is acquiredReverse: Family misfortune, caution, mind is dull, slothfulness
Page of Pentacles	Upright: Scholar, generosity, kindness, a careful person, learning new ideas/opinionsReverse: Wastefulness, luxury, rebellious, opposing ideas/opinions, bad news
Knight of Pentacles	Upright: Trustworthy, a heavy and dull outlook, patience, accepting of responsibilities, an animal lover, a nature lover, the coming/going of a matterReverse: Irresponsible, impatience, timidness, carelessness, a standstill in affairs
Queen of Pentacles	Upright: Intelligence, thoughtfulness, a creative person, talents are used well, melancholyReverse: Too much dependence, neglected duties, mistrust, suspicion, not a very creative person
King of Pentacles	Upright: A chief of industry or a banker, a reliable person, a married man, solid, steadinessReverse: Materialistic, slow to anger, 'head is on the ground", bribes

Information for this post came from: http://www.themysticeye.com/info/tarotcardm.htm