Learning to read

[Jessica]

I’ve been slowing learning how to interpret without a guide for a while now. Do people tend to learn reserve meanings along side the ordinary meanings when starting out, or do they move into reverse after gaining a decent grasp of the full deck first? I’m concerned that I am needlessly overwhelming myself.

Discussion

[two-pine]

I just started learning too. I found that learning reversals alongside the ordinary meanings was helpful because sometimes the reversed card can be interpreted as the opposite of the upright card. For example, temperance can mean taking the middle path and being balanced, and temperance in reverse can mean being extreme and lacking balance. This way, it helps me remember the possible reversed meanings more easily.

[canny_goer]

Every card contains negative or complicated meanings. You should definitely know these, whether or not you associate them with card reversals.

[TheRomanceTarot]

Hi! I had this thought when I started as well. I did learn upright- and sort of made this decision I was going to be an upright reader. The universe had other plans, every time I started a spread cards would fly out of my hand and the cards would reverse anyway. No matter what I did, and I got tired of putting them back the right way and ended up trying to learn reversals. I’m not an expert with them, but I think I was being nudged to have a more well rounded approach to spreads. It has helped tremendously. I think you will be guided to learn it when the time feels right. Go with your gut! Good luck!