Do you only read tarot cards in the upright position? In the Tarot community there is some debate if you should include reversed tarot cards in your reading. Or rather, if you should include both upright cards and reverse tarot cards.
Personally, I don't read tarot cards in reversed position. I've been reading cards for 3 or 4 years. I tried reading cards in the reversed position, but I didn't like it. Now I find I don't want to because of reason 4 below.
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What are upright and reversed Cards?
I want to make sure we are all on the same page. An upright card is a card that is in it's regular position, while reverse cards are cards that are upside down.
Reading upright tarot cards is how a new tarot reader might get started. A new reader can rely on the basic meaning of the card to help them understand the card. There is so much to learn just about the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana that adding another layer to your readings might be too much.
Once a reader starts to feel more comfortable with the upright position, then they can try reverse cards if the want to.
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7 Reasons I Read cards upright
Simplicity and Clarity
Reading cards upright simplifies interpretations, making the reading easier for beginners or those who read in a direct way. The upright card is a pure reading, so it won't lead you astray. It takes a while for you to get familiar with the cards, so I always say K.I.S.S., Keep it Simple Silly. If you bite off more than you can chew, you will quickly become overwhelmed.
Positive Focus
Upright cards are often associated with more positive meanings. Some readers might choose to focus on these to maintain an optimistic or constructive tone during readings. Some readers choose to avoid the potentially negative or challenging interpretations that reversed cards can bring, especially in more sensitive or delicate situations. It's a little awkward when a love reading has The Lovers card reversed. Generally, people don't like giving people negative information.
Here are some things to think about:
Recognizing Cards Upright:
- Look at the image: See what stands out to you.
- Name: Say the card's name as this can give hints about its meaning.
- Upright Meaning:
Every tarot card has specific interpretations. For example, The Fool card suggests new beginnings and adventures when upright.
- Clearer messages: Less confusion compared to reversed tarot cards.
- Simpler understanding: Easier to connect with the straightforward meanings.
Learning Phase
Beginners might start with upright cards to gradually learn and familiarize themselves with the meanings before starting with the complexity of reversed images. It can be easier to remember and figure out the meanings of upright cards, especially for those who don't read tarot professionally or frequently.
If you are really struggling to learn the tarot meaning, you could write the keywords on each card. This would be a practice deck for you. Once you feel comfortable with all the meanings, you can get a new deck. You deserve it after putting in all that hard work.
Belief
Some readers might believe that upright cards offer all the necessary insights and that reversed cards do not add significant value or might even complicate the reading unnecessarily. I find this particularly true when I am using certain Tarot spreads. If you pull the 10 of swords in a reading, no matter what the question, there is definitely negative energies around the card.
Using Tarot Spreads
Recognizing Cards Upright:
- Look at the image: See what stands out to you.
- Name: Say the card's name as this can give hints about its meaning.
- Upright Meaning:
Every tarot card has specific interpretations. For example, The Fool card suggests new beginnings and adventures when upright.
- Clearer messages: Less confusion compared to reversed tarot cards.
- Simpler understanding: Easier to connect with the straightforward meanings.
Intuitive Reading
Those who rely heavily on intuition might find that reading cards upright allows them to connect more deeply with the cards' imagery and symbolism without the added layer of reversed meanings. I rely on my intuition to do all my readings. I also rely on the other cards in the reading to understand all the cards.
Some things to consider when you are doing a reading and using your intuition:
- Feel the card’s energy: Happy, sad, worried? It's a clue!
- Consider the reading's context: Why did you draw the card?
- Look at nearby cards: They help explain the main one.
Asking the right question is so important. Remember that the best questions for Tarot usually begin with why, how, or what. Using these will help you create an open ended question.
If you ask a who, where, or when question, these are usually one or two word answers. Plus they are asking more predictive questions.
You don't need a book to help you read the cards. Learn to rely on your intuition. It's like a muscle that needs to be built, the more you do it, the stronger it will become
Client Preferences
When reading for others, the tarot reader might choose to use only upright cards if the client is uncomfortable with the idea of reversed cards or wants a more direct reading. When I read for others, I want them to be as comfortable as possible. If your client isn't comfortable, that may be reflected in the reading.
Personal Custom or Ritual
Tarot reading is a deeply personal practice for many, and using only upright cards might be part of your unique approach or ritual that resonates best with you.
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