The interpretation of the cards is an important part, since there is little to do correct alignment, you also need to correctly interpret the prediction. Each card has a value that nearby figures enhance or neutralize.
In the article:
spade suit
Six of Spades denotes a long trip. If it lies near the significator, a loss awaits a person. If the six is in an inverted position, someone surrounded by the questioner hates him - you need to be careful.
When the six is near:
♠ - a pleasant journey;
♣ - failed trip;
♦ (9, 10) - receiving a sum of money;
♦ (7, 8) - experiences, problems with money;
Meeting with a friend with whom communication was interrupted.
Seven of Spades symbolizes vain unrest. If a Lady fell nearby, a friend is expecting a baby. In an inverted position - doubts overcome the questioner. You need to be careful in your actions and trust the opinion of friends so that trouble is avoided! Location near:
♦ (Jack) - entrepreneur;
♣ (Jack) - enemies will strike;
♣ (10) - circumstances will suddenly change;
♠ (in particular, 9) - there will be trouble with relatives;
♦ (6) - bustle in the house.
♣ (9) - major failure;
♣ (7) - betrayal of a partner;
(Jack) - emergency news about the illness or death of relatives or friends.
Nine of Spades - very bad card. Symbolizes troubles, sorrows, parting. Some light cards can correct the situation. In the inverted position, the meaning is enhanced. When the card is next to:
♠ (Ace) - disease;
♣ (Ace) - good or bad event (depending on the card on the right);
(Ace) - acquaintance with a good man, romantic date;
♦ (Ace) - deception by relatives.
Ten of Spades says that misfortune and ruin await a person if the questioner does not learn to control emotions. Upside down - a quarrel with a friend, illness. Along with other cards:
♠ (Ace) - an unexpected cash gift;
♣ (9) - loss of money;
♦ (Ace) - sad news;
♠ (8) - ailment;
♦ (7) - unexpected invitation;
♣ (10) - a quick cure for the disease.
Jack of Spades symbolizes an unceremonious and impolite person who is able to become a true friend. When positioned on the contrary, it indicates an outwardly benevolent man who can easily betray and substitute. Neighborhood:
♠ - faithful comrade;
♠ (Lady) - quarrel, skirmish;
♠ (8) - quarrel between lovers;
♣ - deceiver, slanderer;
well-wisher;
♦ - friend, drunkard.
Queen of Spades - generous, kind woman. True, once burned with milk, in the future it will blow on water. At the beginning of dating, it may seem cold and closed. Having got to know a woman better, a person will understand that the lady is very attached to friends and family. Possibly a widow. In an inverted position - an intriguer, capable of anything to achieve a goal. Often her plans turn against herself. Its location between two figures denotes a quarrel. With other cards:
♠ (except nine) - kind grandmother;
♣ - an evil woman;
♦ - an evil, jealous girl, preventing her beloved;
(9 and 10) - joy.
king of spades symbolizes a superior person with whom it is better not to quarrel. Not particularly burdened with a conscience, but good husband and father. In an inverted state - an envious and petty type who can do little. Card interpretation:
Ladies and Jacks of all stripes - support of a respected person;
♠ - a favorable event will happen;
♠ (8) - troubles and troubles;
♣ - will interfere in every possible way, put spokes in the wheels;
, ♦ - relates well to the questioner.
Ace of Spades - a great period of life, but you need to pay attention legal matters otherwise, an unpleasant situation may arise. Sometimes it can mean the emergence of a strong relationship. Inverted - an ambulance, failure, injury, possible bankruptcy. Do not make dubious deals and do not trust friends too much. Other maps nearby:
♠ (10) - to profit;
♦ (10) - fight over money;
♣ (Ace) - commotion.
Suit of tambourines
Six of tambourines- a good card that softens the value of even the worst neighboring cards. A long-awaited trip with pleasant fellow travelers, a dream come true. Upside down - the expectation of minor troubles, but experiences will pay off handsomely. If the following cards are on the right or left:
♠ (9, 10) - trouble in the family, illness of one of the relatives;
♦ (10) - receiving the desired amount of money;
♦ (7) - domestic troubles.
Seven tambourine means conversation, friendship. Soon the questioner will meet many people, receive an invitation to a party or concert. In the opposite position - the trouble will begin with a trifle. Children must be closely monitored. Along with other cards:
Jack, Queen, King - a happy coincidence;
♠ (10) - sudden meeting;
♦ (10) - unexpected profit.
Eight tambourine means a pleasant journey, vacation. It is very likely that a person will start a holiday romance, which can turn into marriage. In the opposite position - the place of residence changes too often. A hasty affair will not lead to anything good. Card interpretation:
♣ (8) and (6) - fire;
♠ (King, Lady) - an insidious person will try to ingratiate himself;
(Jack) - a conversation about profit;
♦ (10) - expectation of a large amount of money in the distant future;
♦ (7, near the Lady, Jack, King) - infidelity, treason.
Nine tambourine - card denoting cash profit, development own business. If the questioner thinks only of himself, this will lead to large profits and a break in friendships. Inverted - major failures, obstacles: the trouble will affect both work and family. At this moment, one cannot be lazy and go with the flow, but attempts to change the situation with brute force will not lead to anything. Near:
♠ (6, right) - accident on the road;
(Jack) - an unpleasant trip will fail;
♦ (10) - receiving money.
Ten tambourines - a very valuable purchase or gift, promotion at work. You shouldn't be petty. An inverted position is a chance of a successful purchase or work, but extreme caution is required. Change can cause new troubles, so you first need to consider whether it is worth it. Value next door to such cards
♠ (Ace) - quarrel over money;
♦ (9) - quick receipt of money;
♦ (7) - efforts will be crowned with success, you don't have to worry about money;
♦ (6) - fulfillment of desires;
♠ (6) - profit-making trip;
(7) - unexpected legacy;
(9) - expected work.
Jack of tambourine symbolizes the appearance of an official. If a person has reached a high official position, he can be trusted. Otherwise, it is a liar and a hypocrite who should be feared. The card is turned over - a dangerous deceiver, manipulator and scoundrel. Together with:
♠ (7) - entrepreneur;
The king is a swindler;
♠ (7) and ♦ (9) - enemy, traitor;
♣ (Lady) - a bad event;
♣ (6) - fast travel.
lady tambourine- An evil-speaking, absurd person, very self-confident. Possesses blonde hair and skin. When the card is upside down: a coquette without the slightest notion of conscience and integrity. Together with other figures:
♠ (10) and ♦ (Jack) - unwanted guest;
(9) - for girls - a good event, for men - theft.
king of tambourine speaks of an imminent meeting with an influential military or government official able to help in resolving issues, but his pride can play a fatal role. In an inverted position - an authoritative person who is able to interfere, but because of his own mistakes, this is extremely unlikely.
♦ (10, next to the Jack) - help in the future from the patron or future husband;
♦ (6) - realization of a dream;
Farewell to the past, entry into a new period of life.
Ace of diamonds predicts the receipt of some kind of sign in the form of a message, a gift or an offer that promises good prospects. In an inverted meaning - a sign that portends approaching troubles. Neighborhood:
♦ - quick receipt of a sum of money;
(7, 8, 9) - a letter from a lover;
♣, ♠ - the hour of triumph moves away indefinitely;
♣ (6) - a love meeting or an important conversation;
♠ (9) - betrayal of loved ones;
♠ (10, left) - sad news;
♦ (10) - money prospects.
Hearts
Six of Hearts- fulfillment of desires, recognition,. The inverted position is a ride for the Queen and King of Hearts. Card interpretation:
- a visit to a person who is very dear to the questioner;
(10) - travel, love meeting.
Seven of Hearts denotes an introvert, a person prone to introspection and reflection. Highly clever man. When inverted - an extremely vain person who does not like to be out of the spotlight. Weakness to flirt, amorousness. Along with other cards:
♠ (10) - an interesting offer;
(10, 9) - a sweet date with a sequel.
Eight of hearts symbolizes the fulfillment of an old dream, the emergence of new friends. When the card is reversed: failure in love, loss of friends, quarrels over a trifling pretext. Near:
(Jack) - sincere conversation;
♣ (7, left) - random luck;
(10, 9) - love meeting;
♣ (10, near the significator) - receiving an inheritance, a large amount of money.
Nine of hearts- the realization of a dream, quick profit. To achieve the goal, you need to make some efforts. When reversed - black line. This will be a short period of life, where diligence and optimism will help change everything in life. better side. With other cards:
(10) - love, wedding;
♠ (7, 8) - love meeting;
♠ (Lady) - happiness;
♣ (9) - mutual love.
Ten of Hearts symbolizes ambitions to be satisfied, victory over circumstances, a cheerful person. This card doubles the power of a good sign and reduces the destructive influence of a bad one. Inverted denotes temporary difficulties or delays related to the family. Together with:
King - support loved one;
♣ (10) - financial well-being in future;
(7, 8) - a good date;
♣ (6) - fun party;
♣ (9, 10) - good luck in love;
♣ (Ace) - good news.
Jack of hearts symbolizes a light, carefree person. Can be good friend or lover. Upside down - a serious quarrel, disappointment. Card interpretation:
Good luck, prosperity;
(Ace) - a joyful event, a declaration of love;
♣ (9) - canceling an unsuccessful trip;
(8) - spiritual conversation;
♣ (8) - quick wealth;
♠ (8) - malaise or death of a friend;
♣ (7, with 4 Queens or sevens) - the birth of a son.
Queen of Hearts- a sweet, optimistic woman, always ready to help. Dark-haired. In an inverted meaning - touchy and vengeful. Near:
(6) - tears;
(10) - friend;
♣, ♠, ♦ - success in the distant future.
King of Hearts means a close friend, always ready to help in Hard time. Fair, generous and kind. Reached a high position in career ladder. Upside down - weak-willed, insecure, disposed towards the questioner, but unreliable - he does not know how to keep his words. Near:
♠ - failure;
♣ - profit;
♦ - unrest;
Ace of hearts- happy marriage, pleasant meetings, self-realization. Upside down - change of residence, team, sudden guests. Together with other cards:
♣ (Ace), (Jack) - good news;
♠ (10) - sad news;
♣ (6) - love meeting;
♠ (9) - friendly drinking.
Clubs
Six of clubs portends a sea voyage, a good date. In the opposite sense - the compromise of the questioner, others may turn away from the person. Near:
♣ (10) - unexpected trip;
Aces - a love meeting.
Seven of clubs - you need to repay the debt as soon as possible, pay attention to the children. In an inverted position - small monetary problems await, which can destroy friendship. Together with:
♣ (Ace) - the trial will be successful;
♣ (8, 9, 10) - financial well-being;
♠ (8) - treason;
(Jack, with 3 sevens) - the birth of a son.
Eight of clubs symbolizes love and prosperity. You need to be careful when choosing a life partner, not to take risks in vain. If the card is turned upside down, communication with the wrong person will deprive you of financial stability. Together with:
♣ (Ace) - in upright position- luck, indirect - failure;
♣ (Lady) - support for an elderly relative or friend;
♣ (Jack) - a fluke;
♣ (10) - acquisition of real estate;
♣ (7) and (Ace) - marriage or passionate romance.
Nine of clubs - a once in a lifetime chance. You can't miss it! If there is a Queen, Jack or King nearby, the significators will soon say goodbye to the questioner. When inverted - a small gift, a threat to lose what is already available. Near:
(9, 10) - mutual attraction;
♦ - spending money on nice trinkets;
♠ (10) - financial problems;
(Jack) - departure;
♣ (10, 7, 8) - a very successful alignment, soon happiness.
Ten of clubs portends. Possible inheritance or a new profitable job. Talks about possible luck or misfortune. If the card is in the opposite position, quarrels prevented you from achieving what you wanted. Long business trip. Card interpretation:
♣ (7) - good sign;
♦ (10) - receiving money;
(10) - good luck in love affairs;
♣ (Ace) - changes for the better;
♠ (7) - tears, cunning.
Jack of clubs - a strong, enterprising, dexterous person. A good friend and husband you can always count on. In the inverted position - a pro swindler, a licker, an impudent type who should not be encountered on a narrow path. Near:
♠ (7) - enemies are trying to harm;
♦ (10) - will improve financial position;
♣ (8) - meeting with the military, good luck.
Lady of clubs - amorous, romantic, kind-hearted woman, addicted person. Tends to be dramatic and overact. In an inverted position - a malicious, vindictive person. Together with:
♠ (Lady) - litigation;
♣ (8) - support of a relative or girlfriend.
King of clubs denotes a good, honest friend. Reliable business partner. Loving spouse. In the opposite position, it speaks of the collapse of hopes, disappointment. Near:
♣ - reliable friend, brother, husband;
♣ (9) - direct position - trouble with an influential person, in indirect - friendship, partnership;
♣ (Ace) - successful completion of the project;
♣ (Jack) - great misfortune.
Ace of clubs speaks of imminent happiness, profit, recovery. Receipt of letters, preparation of documents, in the future - monetary reward. happy marriage. In an inverted position - an incomplete or short-term triumph. Soon disappointment. Together with:
♣ (7) - successful trial;
(9) - the birth of love;
Reversed tarot cards. Is it worth (is it necessary, is it necessary) to use them in layouts. At what, not only in the layouts of the Tarot, but also in the layouts on other cards. For example, on Lenormand cards, or on other oracles. Opinions for and against the use of reversed cards exist about equally.
There are masters who use both straight and reversed cards. But there are those who use only direct ones. Moreover, it is rare for a master to immediately start with both upright and reversed cards and keep going, or only with upright cards and keep going.
Reversed tarot cards.
Many of them started with only straight values, and then for some reason decided to add reversed cards as well. Or vice versa - at first they used both those and other values, and then they abandoned the inverted cards.
Conclusion - it is worth trying to use both direct and inverted values. And then make your choice.
Reversed tarot cards meaning
The meaning of reversed cards differs from straight cards in four ways.
- Strengthening the negative
- The weakening of the positive
- Combination of the first two options
- In rare cases, the inverted value is imputed to some additional quality that has nothing to do with the value of the card in the upright position.
Which (from my point of view) introduces, instead of additional clarification and clarification, only great confusion and ambiguity. I'm not even talking about the difficulties associated with remembering the meanings and interpretation of reversed cards. The task becomes at least twice as difficult. Least.
How to flip tarot cards
This question personally prompts me to think about a certain “artificiality” of introducing inverted cards into the layouts.
I know 2 ways to "get" flipped cards in a deck.
- The deck is laid out on the table and shuffled with both hands like dominoes. After such mixing, some masters leave this pile and draw cards directly from it. Others collect this "mess" again in a pile and draw cards already from the pile.
There are even clear instructions (they are satisfied with the almost “high-tech” process from this lesson) whether to shuffle the cards clockwise or counterclockwise. My personal opinion is in which direction the hands are stretched, it is necessary to mix it there.
- Divide the deck approximately in half, turn one half upside down relative to the other, put these halves into a single deck, and shuffle in a standard way(just like shuffling a deck of playing cards).
Upright and reversed tarot cards
If your choice fell on the use of both straight and reversed cards, the question inevitably arises: “What do the reversed Tarot cards mean?”.
In addition to the above 4 options for the formation of inverted meanings, you can add a couple more words.
It can be absolutely unequivocally said that the fall of an inverted card in the layout indicates that in the situation (in the question) for which the layout is being made, something will not go as we would like, as planned or assumed by the questioner initially.
Some masters believe that if there are half or more inverted cards in the layout, then there is no point in reading this layout at all. Because too many things will not go as we would like or as planned. That a person is not able to cope with such a situation.
Also the presence a large number reversed cards in the layout may indicate that the question is not formulated correctly, or in a negative way. For example, "Is it possible that he will not be able to arrive at the appointed time?", instead of asking in a positive way, for example, "Will the person arrive at the appointed time?"
Tarot cards reversed interpretation
Due to the fact that the interpretation of inverted cards is a certain difficulty, if only because there is no clear, well-established relationship between the direct and inverted meanings of the same card.
* For example, a direct Star - Hope, Communication.
- Inverted, if we go by weakening direct meanings, then we get Despair-hopelessness, various kinds of Restrictions in communication, or even unwillingness to communicate.
- And inverted if we go to strengthen the meanings of a direct card.Fanatical conviction without any reason, Excessive talkativeness in the flesh to the point of obsession and importunity.
Agree, these are completely different things. And what to do? How to interpret an inverted Star card? There is only one way out - to keep both options in mind, but when choosing the final option, focus on the surrounding (neighboring) cards, or pull out additional (clarifying) cards from the deck.
Combination of reversed tarot cards
Another problem is the interpretation of combinations of inverted Tarot cards. Of course, by constantly practicing reading layouts using inverted cards, you will gain experience in interpreting combinations of inverted cards. The scheme for interpreting the combinations of reversed cards is not fundamentally different from the interpretation of combinations of cards in the upright position.
Direct and reversed meaning of tarot cards
When I started to learn tarot divination, I was already good at divination on ordinary playing cards, and direct values were quite enough for me. Moreover, in the deck ordinary cards in those ancient times, on about half of the cards of the deck, it was practically impossible to distinguish this position directly, or inverted.
But in those books on Tarot that I then managed to get, both direct and inverted meanings were given. And I, as an exemplary student, used reversed cards as well. To be honest, it wasn't easy for me. The transition from a deck of 36 cards to a deck of 78 cards, and even with direct and inverted values ... I had to sweat a lot.
The first Tarot teacher I went to study with also used both meanings. Although, when one of the students asked if it was possible to get by with only direct values, she replied that at first she used only direct values, but then she switched to the straight / inverted card system, because she considered that it was more convenient for her.
Flip tarot cards in a spread
If you decide for yourself that you will use both straight and reversed Tarot cards in a layout, then of course you don’t need to turn anything over.
If you use only direct meanings, and suddenly “accidentally” an inverted card appeared in the layout, just give the interpretation of this card Special attention. Don't hesitate to get additional cards to clarify its meaning.
From my personal experience, one of options why suddenly an inverted card falls out, although I do not use inverted cards - this is an indication that in the situation itself, or in the relationship, something suddenly happened or changed or is happening (changing) right now, at the very time while you are laying out cards.
Reversed tarot cards in a spread
As you already understood from the previous paragraph, I do not use reversed card values. In fact, I stopped using them. One of the teachers with whom I ended up quite by accident, at least unexpectedly for myself, did not use inverted meanings. But this did not at all prevent him from being superbly versed in the interpretation of layouts, accurate forecasts and give correct answers.
When I asked him why he doesn’t use flipped Tarot cards, he answered something like this: “Well, think for yourself, where can flipped cards come from in a deck if your hands grow as expected? Do your hands grow properly? Look and see." As an honest, diligent, decent student, I immediately looked at my hands - everything seems to be in order, besides, I remembered that I had worked as a massage therapist for more than 20 years, which means everything should be in order with my hands)))
***
And at some point I realized why it is so difficult for me to work with reversed cards. In the Tarot Waite deck and in many other decks, almost all cards have an image of a person (or some other creature walking on two legs).
And how unnaturally the characters put on their heads look in the layout !!! With all that I understand that cards are only symbols, and we can twist and turn the symbols as we please. But somewhere on a deep subconscious level, I realized that it was this unnatural image, its “incorrectness” that confuses me.
After all, in real life, even if a person shows his negative qualities, or the situation develops somehow wrong - no one has canceled the laws of gravity anyway! And immediately everything fell into place. And in my head everything got up from head but feet.
I quite naturally began to see what is called the "shadow" or "shadow side" of the map. It turned out that for this it is absolutely not necessary to turn the cards upside down. 
In order to understand whether this or that card fell out in the layout in the upright position, you need to do only 3 things:
Learn to ask questions accurately and clearly.
It is good to understand the meaning of all positions in the layout. Those. understand how you will interpret any card that will be in this position.
Consider the layout not only along the chain in which you need to lay out the cards, but study the entire layout as a whole, take into account the interaction of all the cards in the layout, see the whole picture.
*** In general, I do not often use layouts in my practice. I prefer to build a chain of clearly formulated questions and get 3 cards for each of these questions. Those. in fact, at each consultation I get a new one, specifically for the client’s situation, a “sharpened” alignment.
Summing up
we can say the following - there are masters who use only straight cards in the layout, and there are masters who use both straight and inverted cards. Practice shows that this does not affect the quality of their predictions. Therefore, you have every right to choose for yourself the option that is more convenient for you to use.
If you choose for yourself the option of working only with direct values - do not worry about the fact that you will have a poor (meager) set of values, and your predictions will be "not full-fledged". Believe me, with experience you will develop your own, very decent baggage of meanings for each card.
After all, the process of interpreting cards does not take place in pieces of painted cardboard, but in your head. Maps are just a tool, they don't "see" anything. See YOU.
***
For advice, with questions on training, and with questions about the layouts that are posted on my website write or call me on whatsapp. Or (your message will be sent to my mail immediately, it will not be published on the site). Just enter your valid email. address. Otherwise, my answer will go to “grandfather’s village and you won’t be able to read it.
With respect for your views and your values,
Natalia Vammas.
Is it necessary to turn over the Tarot cards and how does the meaning of the turned cards change during divination?
This is a question that causes much controversy among tarologists. Some tarologists use only direct cards, assigning them only positive or only negative meaning, which makes objects, phenomena and events existing in the world unambiguous and biased. Others, using the meaning of the reversed cards, "turn" it to the opposite state, thereby completely depriving the card of its own quality. For example, the inverted Magician in the Tarot is often interpreted as an indecisive, insecure person. But then it's not a Mage at all! The inverted Magician does not cease to be a Magician, just like an elephant, if turned over, does not cease to be an elephant and does not turn into a mouse. It can be intimidating to have all the cards reversed in a spread, and many beginners simply refuse to use reversed cards and only use straight ones.
How to interpret the meaning of the inverted Tarot cards in fortune-telling?
Quite simple and logical principles for the analysis of inverted cards have been developed.
The meaning of the inverted Tarot cards is based on the combination and relationship of the cards to each other. I will stop only on 3 basic principles for an example.
There are a few more that can be understood only by becoming acquainted with the entire Astrological Tarot system.
Principles for interpreting the meanings of reversed cards
- inverted the meaning of the card follows from the "search" of the main quality inherent in the card, i.e. from her own problems. Every card has a core stat, which is good, but having too many of them can be a problem. Strong man- this is good. But being super strong and not recognizing his weaknesses is a challenge to deal with.
- inverted the value of the card is associated with the lack of development of the qualities of the previous lasso. Arcana have a certain sequence. Each arcanum of the Tarot involves the completion of the programs set by the previous arcanum and, thus, "liberation" from them. In each subsequent arcana, there should be no problems of the previous arcana. They must be fully developed.
- The reversed card rushes unreasonably quickly to the next card, hoping to solve its problems in its way. Such haste leads to the fact that the problems inherent in the map are not worked out and are taken with them into the future.
Using the principles of interpreting reversed cards with examples
Quotes:
The inverted Arcana Death is a bust of renewal or bust, so to speak, of dying. Not only that which should have died out dies, but also that which could still live.
Came on a date - surrendered to a man, and he fell in love with you to death. We went to the bath - erased the heels with a pumice stone. They came to the store - they gave the money, but they did not receive the loaf. We decided to change her husband for the better, but it turned out deeply and thoughtfully drinking man. They wanted to throw out the excess from the closet, but threw out everything and even more. Death Busting - too much cleansing, renewal, changes ...
Arcanum Death involves satisfying the needs or desires of those around us. They want something from you, and that's good. So someone needs you. Husband wants rough sex... Buyer wants to buy your product... Creditor wants to repay his debt... In Death Reversed, they want too much from you. You gave everything, and they still ask you.
An extreme situation that can lead not only to the replacement of the old with the new, but in general to the replacement of the phenomenon, i.e. to total destruction, which is unrecoverable. “We will destroy the whole world of violence to the ground, and then…” And then nothing can happen anymore. You can die from death...
The inverted Devil is dangerous by distorting reality.
On the one hand, he looks like a man, on the other, he is not a man at all. In such a situation, it is easy to get confused, get lost. This is a situation of uncertainty, uncertainty, ambiguity, inaccuracy ... This is, for example, twilight, when someone seems to you in the bushes or a state between sleep and reality, or you will not understand in any way, this man, whom you have been dating for 3 months, is already a husband or even a lover ... If you stay in this state for a long time, you can go crazy (women know) or something will start happening to the tails - something will catch fire or something will grow.
A long stay in the situation of the Devil leads to irreversible changes. You were pregnant, and after childbirth you could not return to your previous shape. We decided to try drugs (only once!) and got hooked... We met the prince in a white Mercedes, who looked after you beautifully for a month, then you will never be able to with Vovka from the sales department...
About the book "The Meanings of the Inverted Major Arcana Tarot"
This collection is dedicated to the negative meanings of the Major Arcana for those who want to use inverted cards in their spreads, but find it difficult to interpret them. The book describes the principles of interpreting reversed cards and gives descriptions of 22 negative values Major Arcana. This knowledge can also be used by those who are just starting to study Tarot.
leave a request, and I will send you a book by mail.
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First decks and flipped cards
I started my work with cards from two decks at once - Rider-Waite Tarot and Aleister Crowley's Tarot Thoth. In all teaching aids according to Waite, it was said about inverted cards, so the question of whether to use them or not was not even there - I just made it a rule that they should be and, accordingly, began to study them. Surprisingly, I dealt with Waite very quickly, but the Tarot of Thoth turned out to be more difficult, but much more interesting. But Crowley didn’t say a word about inverted cards - there was only such a thing as “the shadow side of the Arcana”. After wandering through the forums and talking with the “knowledgeable”, I realized that it’s definitely not worth turning these cards over.
So I switched to practice: with Waite - straight and inverted cards, with Tarot Thoth - only straight ones. I thought for a very long time about what meaning to attach to the inverted Arcana, since it seemed to me wrong to rely solely on the opinion of the authors of educational literature. I definitely understood one thing - an inverted card can by no means be complete opposite straight. If we imagine that the Tarot deck is a whole book, and each Arcana is a separate story within it, will the content of this story change if we put the book upside down? Of course not. The Devil cannot become God if we turn him upside down, and the Moon obviously does not turn into the Sun.
Personally, I decided for myself that the reverse meaning of the card repeats the direct one, but at the same time acts in a slightly different, enhanced or weakened quality. But how to figure out which Arcana will be strengthened and which will be weakened? For example, the same Emperor, if we strengthen it, can mean despotism, cruelty and tyranny, and if we weaken it, it will be the inability to keep the situation under control, weakness, lack of will, "male core" in character. How to feel this distortion? And here only intuition helped. So, for example, the same inverted Emperor in a relationship layout that fell on the side of a man, if there are other positive cards nearby or if the Arcana speaks of weakness, it appears in a weakened manifestation, and if it speaks of strength or dark, conflicting Arcana, then in an enhanced . At first glance, everything is simple.
But even here there are exceptions. How, for example, are we to read the same reversed Emperor next to the Devil and the Moon? On the one hand, the cards are quite dark, strong, but on the other hand, illusions, addictions and temptations, on the contrary, can speak of weakness, that a person does not have enough willpower to resist them. What if there is an inverted Empress next to the reversed Emperor? What is it - an indication of bad parents, weakness in front of a strong woman, or something else? In a word, there was some kind of confusion. So I decided to put Waite aside and get to grips with Crowley's deck.
When I figured out the Tarot of Thoth, everything became much clearer to me. It so happened that I studied this deck for a very long time, thoughtfully delving into astrological and kabbalistic correspondences. And at some point, I had an insight: with the help of the direct cards of the deck alone, it is quite possible to describe the situation of any inverted Arcana, both in a weakened and in an enhanced aspect. Let's take the example of the same Emperor, since we started with him. Look: what card can describe a sensual man who does not have willpower, obeys a woman, does not show his true masculine qualities, does not seek to dominate? Will only the inverted Emperor indicate this? Of course not! The appearance of any female card in the layout on the side of the man is enough to understand that he rather manifests himself not quite the way a man traditionally should behave. What if we describe the character and behavior of a man with the card Empress or Queen of Cups? I think they are perfect for this role. But how to understand that a man is a real despot and tyrant? In my opinion, the Devil card or the Nine of Swords is enough for this.
Now let's look at another example. Let's take the inverted Minor Arcana Two of Cups, which speaks of disagreements, conflicts in a pair. Imagine that this card fell out as a significator of the relationship of two people on this moment time. Will something change drastically if the Three of Swords or 7 of Wands comes in place of the reverse Two of Cups? I don't think so. Both cards will perfectly describe the situation, and each will do it in its own way. For example, the Three of Swords can tell about a situation that breaks people's hearts, and the 7 of Wands can tell about constant conflicts, confrontation between partners, and misunderstandings. And, in my opinion, straight cards will be more informative than a single inverted one, exact value which still needs to be found out.
The inverted Page of Wands, manifesting itself as infantilism, childish behavior, unwillingness to grow up, amateurism and psychological unpreparedness, will fit perfectly into one of the meanings of the direct Jester. The traditional reverse meaning of the Five of Cups as a renewal of life, a new look at the situation, good news can also be successfully read when the Page of Cups falls out. In a word, if desired, any nuance of an inverted card can be seen in the direct Arcana. In the end, if something is not clear, you can always pull out a clarifying card.
Complex analysis
As I worked with Tarot Thoth, I also learned to analyze the alignment as a whole, and not by specific positions. That is, I do not consider only one card, I look at all neighboring ones related to the same issue. If, for example, I make a relationship spread, in which there are three cards on the right side that describe the thoughts, feelings and behavior of a man, I evaluate them not only individually, but all together, analyzing their influence on each other. I do the same with the female side, where there are three cards describing the feelings, thoughts, behavior of a woman. It is difficult to explain this in words, but sometimes the whole picture is formed precisely with a broader view.
Sometimes a triplet of cards helps to better understand the shadow side of the Arcana. Often I don’t use a ready-made layout, but pull out not one, but two or three cards for each client’s question. There certainly is no need for any shifters. Let's go back to our Emperor. How can one describe his despotism if we need to do it with two or three cards? We can just put a straight Emperor and add a Devil or Nine of Swords to it, can't we? If we want to describe the other way around, weakness of will, we simply put the Emperor and the Eight of Swords, or the Hanged Man, next to each other. The reverse Page of Cups will quite successfully replace the direct Page next to the Three of Swords, the inverted Hermit - the direct Arcana next to the Jester or the Hanged Man.
And another excellent method of work is a layout made simultaneously on two identical decks - from the first we take the main card, from the second - clarifying for it.
Did I go back to Ryder-Waite?
After a deep study of the Tarot Thoth, I never returned to the Rider-Waite deck. I just gave these cards to a friend. Gradually, my Tarot collection grew - other very interesting and informative decks appeared in it. But with all of them, I prefer to work without using inverted values, although at first I tried to practice this way and that way - just for the sake of interest. Now I am consciously approaching the choice of new decks - I try to choose those that were originally created by the authors only for working with straight cards or those that have very bright, speaking Arcana, allowing you to notice their shadow manifestations without turning them over. So, for example, Taro Manara considers all the nuances of the relationship between a man and a woman so informatively that it is not necessary to turn them over at all.
The only exception for me is the PMP deck by Felix Eldemurov. In the layouts on these cards, I use inverted values, but only because the deck itself is specific - it was created to view various aspects of the everyday, psychological and magical plan. It includes only the Major Arcana, but there are three sets of them, each of which reflects the meaning of the card at the everyday, psychological or magical level. The use of two meanings of each card - direct and inverted - is directly spelled out in the MBC by Eldemurov himself. I must say that this is not just a small white book, but rather a thick and informative guide to the deck. Therefore, using Tarot PMP, I deviate from the usual rules and read both variations of the card.
If the return card comes when you do not expect
And in conclusion, I would like to note the following point: sometimes it happens that some Arcana still comes upside down, despite the fact that I use only straight cards and before divination I always fold the deck in such a way as to prevent turning over. What happens in such a case? I just pay closer attention to this Arcana - for me it is like a signal that you need to take a closer look, go deeper, not pass by.
Here is the one I have personal experience. Do you use flipped cards? Tell in the comments!
