Tarot cards have been used for centuries as a means of divination, self-reflection, and spiritual guidance. The Major Arcana is comprised of 22 powerful cards that represent universal archetypes and life lessons. We took a detailed look at the meanings behind these 22 cards in our article “Unlock the Secrets of Tarot Guides: Meanings and Symbolism of The Major Arcana”. In this guide, we will delve deeper into the complexities of reading these cards, including how to incorporate reversed cards into your readings and how combinations of cards can affect interpretation.
Introducing The Major Arcana
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards that represent significant themes of human existence. By studying these symbols carefully, we can gain profound insights into our own lives and the lives of others. Major Arcana readings require skillful interpretation of the imagery present on every card – an art form mastered by experienced readers over time. With dedication and practice, anyone can become proficient at using Tarot cards.
How to Interpret Reversed Cards
The meanings typically attributed to each of the Major Arcana cards, and the meanings we have explored in other articles, are associated with cards in upright orientations. Reversed cards refer to cards that appear upside-down when laid out for a reading. There are many schools of thought when it comes to reversed cards; let’s take a look at some of these approaches.
- In the first place, it’s important to acknowledge that many readers do not include card reversals in their readings, meaning that they apply the same meaning to the card regardless of whether it is in an upright or reversed orientation. Often, readers feel that reversed cards complicate an already nuanced reading and make it difficult to interpret the cards.
- Other readers may not read any different meaning in reversed cards but believe that a reversed orientation signifies that the meaning of the card is particularly important in the reading. The thought behind this is that the card, by appearing in an unusual orientation, may have greater significance for the subject of the reading and should be considered carefully.
- Some readers interpret reversed cards as having the opposite meanings compared to cards in upright orientation. While some believe that these opposite meanings are negative or destructive, but this is not always true. For example, the Hierophant card in its upright orientation represents a time for tradition and doing things in the usual way. In its reversed orientation, the Hierophant can be interpreted as the need to challenge traditional values and go outside the “status quo”.
- Another interpretation of reversed cards is that the energies of these cards are changed by their orientation. Some readers may interpret the card as having more power, while others believe that the influence of the card is lessened by its reversal. Still others believe that the card’s influence on the subject’s life may be delayed or blocked, meaning an obstruction must be dealt with in life before the energy of the card can be fully realized.
- Yet another way of interpreting reversed cards is that the cards refer to internal rather than external influences. With this interpretation, the meanings of the cards symbolize forces within the subject, as opposed to forces exerted by people and factors around them.
It’s easy to see why reversed cards are viewed as adding complexity to Tarot readings. The significance and meaning attributed to the card are always taken in the context of the whole reading – the layout and combinations of cards (which we will look at shortly) and the circumstances of the person for whom the reading is being performed. When starting out with Tarot reading, many readers prefer to stick to one interpretation of each card, but you may start to explore other interpretations as your experience and skill grow.
Card Combinations and How to Read Them
Interpreting Tarot cards requires careful consideration of how different cards interact within a spread. Combinations of Major Arcana cards can expose intricate themes and insights. For example, if the Fool and the Lovers appear together in a reading, it may indicate that we tend to fall in love too easily or we have something more to learn before we meet the person we are meant to be with. Card combinations is a whole field of study in itself. Delving into the meanings and symbolism of each of the Major Arcana cards will give you a deeper understanding of the subtleties of these cards and help you to better interpret their insights in the context of other cards. By practicing with sample readings, particularly with smaller spreads such as three- or five-card spreads, you can develop your skills as an interpreter over time and achieve mastery over this ancient art.
Summary
Mastering the art of Tarot card reading requires consistent practice. You should experiment with various decks and spreads until you feel confident in your abilities. Don’t forget to rely on intuition when interpreting cards; each person has their own unique perspective that adds value to readings. With time invested into honing skills through experience, one can become proficient at providing accurate insights for themselves or others alike.
Questions? Leave a comment below or contact me with your query.
