Tarot

The following are a series of steps for interpreting those Tarot cards that have scenes or pictures. Use as many steps as you want and in any order, although I recommend beginning with the first four steps.

Reversed Cards

The cards respond to your intentions and so will work whether you use reversed cards or not. For years I did not read upside-down cards, but turned them all upright, and was perfectly happy doing so. For short readings at fairs I still often read the cards upright. However, I have come to find reversals very significant, only not according to the fixed interpretations in books, which are often negative and judgmental. I think beginners can benefit by using only upright cards until they know and understand the fundamental meanings and subtle nuances of the cards.

I think of reversed cards as "tagged," showing me that they are not operating as usual. It is as if they were saying, "pay attention here -- I'm not doing the obvious thing." First I turn the card upright and suggest some basic interpretations, or I have the client simply describe the card. Then I try out several of the following modifications until something begins to make sense -- that "ah-ha" feeling:

The energy normally described by the card may be blocked, repressed, denied, or resisted. This could be entirely appropriate and healthy, or not, which the person themselves may be able to tell you.

There could be a tendency to project such denied material onto others.

There might be hesitation, or an external delay (especially when many cards are reversed indicating that an impending change could take longer than expected).

The energy is unconscious, inner or secret rather than conscious, overt or outer. (Especially with a majority of reversals.)

The person could be overturning, getting out from under, breaking free of, or turning away from the condition pictured in the upright position.

It could show a bumpy road. Energy is not flowing as smoothly or automatically as it would otherwise. This may require a conscious commitment, and an extra, determined effort to get whatever the card represents upright -- if that is what is desired.

There could be a trickster aspect to the card. Perhaps a sense of humor is required, or not taking the situation too seriously.

There could be a turn around or upset in the circumstances described, that may ultimately be for one's own good or growth.

While adding "no" or "not" before the standard upright interpretation can occasionally be helpful, take care that this does not lead to a judgmental, overly deterministic, or negative approach. Practice this with a light touch.

Several, or all, of the above options may be functioning in any one reversed card. We are not talking about simple solutions here. Look to see if a particular point of view is supported by other cards. For instance, the Hanged Man could support the idea of delay. Ask the client what seems most likely.

Make a list of other reversed card concepts until you find ones that make the most sense. Look for what will add the greatest depth and insight to your readings.

1. This classical three-cards-spread can briefly point out the development of issues.

The present situation, also representing the questioner.
Circumstances in the past that led to the present situation.
Future development.

2. The cross can help to find your direction in crises or complex situations.

This is what it is all about, the core of the issue.
This is not important now, you should not do this.
This is very important now, this you should do.
It will lead to this.

3. The star is a good spread if you wish to receive more clarity and insight in a problem.

The nature of the problem.
What influences the matter in a positive way.
What influences the matter in a negative way.
The past.
The present.
The future.
Final judgment

4. The magical spread of the gypsie can be used to get an overview of the present situation of a person.

This is the person in the present situation and mood.
This is the impression you make in the outside world.
This is what you hide behind that appearance (consciously or unconsciously).
This is what you want to do, your actions.
This is how you feel and what you will reach.
What comes afterwards, the future.
This is what that will mean to you.

5. The Celtic cross is the most famous spread. You can use it in most situations. I give you an extensive version of the Celtic cross.

First lay out these eleven cards.

This represents what it is really about, what you feel deep inside.
This covers the heart or intensifies the matter.
This crosses your path.
The past (in relation to the question).
That which supports you or you lean on.
How you think about the issue.
What you will get.
Personal problem, your point of view of it.
The point of view of those around you.
Your hopes and fears.
Outcome, the future

After that turn over the pile with the left cards, take of the first five cards and lay them out from the right to the left.

Now these five cards tell - from the right to the left - the story of how things will develop themselves.

6. The fifteen-cards-spread is very helpful in pointing out trends, psychological and karmic influences and future developments. Try it! This spread makes more use of the relationships of the cards to one another, so a card may be well- or ill-dignified depending on the influence of the card to the left or right of it.

Represents the questioner or the issue.
Circumstances surrounding the situation.
Personality of the questioner.

6- 10 - 14. Indicate the psychological basis of the issue; they can assist in deciding what may be necessary.

7- 11 - 15. Show forces behind one's control, destiny or karma.

13 - 9 - 5. And 4 - 8 - 12. Show possibilities for the future. If the left and right upper cards complement each other, you can look at them as one development. If the left and right upper cards are in conflict, then the right upper cards show the future if the questioner does not change his present attitude, and the left upper cards point out a possible future if the person does change his direction.

Reading a Tarot Card

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES:

Reversed Cards

Sample Spreads