Some Tarot readers choose to read all cards as upright, regardless of their position. Others choose to interpret reversed (upside down) cards that appear in a Tarot spread as having a different meaning. But these meanings are much more than simply the opposite of the upright meaning. Reversed Tarot meanings are complex and deserving of study, if you choose to read reversed cards at all.
For those who do interpret reversed meanings, the World reversed can imply that you won't be happy to see this particular phase of your life come to an end. In other case, the ending in question can't come fast enough for you and that, indeed, it is still some way off into the future.
The World is the twenty-first card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of accomplishment, satisfaction, and a feeling of wholeness.
The Symbolism of the World Card
This card is represented by a naked woman dancing high in the sky, surrounded by a green wreathe. She is watched by four creatures — a human, a bull, a lion, and an eagle. These represent the four fixed zodiac signs — Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio. The woman is the sacred center of all things.
The World bears the number “21,” and it's associated with a feeling of completeness for the Fool, who encounters the World after his meeting with Judgment.
The General Interpretation of the World Tarot Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies a sense of integration and achievement. It is a period of triumph and victory, of the conclusion of a journey. This card usually indicates that a goal has been reached after much hard work and toil.
It is also the beginning; the place where the Fool spent his innocent youth; the point where he stood as he was about the step off the cliff. It is the source of all things. The cycle of the Major Arcana ends where it began. The circle is complete.
The Inner Meaning of the World in Tarot
The World is associated with the experience of wholeness. This image of completeness is the ideal goal, sometime to be eternally strived for. However, this concept is not something that can be possessed, but rather something that must be lived. Perfection is beyond the reach of all, but the inner peace represented by this card is achievable.
This card, the World, is the final card of the Major Arcana, and so it is the end of the Fool’s long journey. It is the culmination of many trials and errors, and lessons learned. However, this card is also the seed of new life, the beginning of a new and unique journey. The Fool will once again start on his path to enlightenment, journeying through the Major Arcana, as if for the first time. And so the cycle continues.
The Fool will bide here a while, safe within the sense of completeness and oneness, before he once again becomes the Fool, and steps off the cliff onto his journey toward enlightenment.
The World is encountered by the Fool after he meets Judgment. He will bide here a while before he once again becomes the Fool, and steps off the cliff onto his journey toward enlightenment.
Some Tarot readers read reversed (upside down) meanings during their Tarot readings. You may choose to reversed meanings when a card appears upside down, or you may read all cards as upright. If you wish to readall cards as upright, simply turn all reversed cards so they are upright. If you wish to read reversed meanings into your Tarot cards, some reversed cards have very specific meanings. Judgement is one of these cards.
The reversed, or negative, version of this card denotes dissatisfaction with the outcome of a project or a phase of life. You may be displeased because you didn't try hard enough or because the project just didn't work. There are lessons to be learned here, but nevertheless, it is time to move on and try something else. If legal matters are in the air, this is a warning that they may not work out to your satisfaction.
Judgment is the twentieth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of judgment, rebirth, and absolution.
The Symbolism of the Judgment in Tarot
This card is represented by an angel blowing a great trumpet. From this trumpet hangs a white flag with a red cross. Three humans with grey skin stand in the foreground — a woman, man, and child. They appear to be emerging from crypts.
Judgment bears the number “20,” and is the bringer of judgment for the Fool after his encounter with the Sun.
The General Interpretation of the Judgment Tarot Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies a time when rewards for past efforts are finally attained. It is a time of reflection, a time to acknowledge that the future is not one imposed by fate or destiny, but one that has been shaped by you and you alone. This card is not always positive, for the rewards earned may be negative in nature.
Judgment heralds the end of a certain chapter of life. However, unlike the Death card, it does not imply mourning. Instead, it refers to the reflection of all that has passed, and a contemplation of what will soon be.
The Fool must now answer for all that he has done on his journey. He must make atonement for the bad while accepting praise and reward for the good.
The Inner Meaning of the Judgment Card
Judgment is the image of the process of judgment, a process which occurs at certain critical phases of life. The consequences of experiences until this point must be understood and accepted. The rising dead are representative of these experiences returning to you when the time of judgment has come. This is neither good nor bad; it simply is.
The Fool realizes that he has been traveling toward this singular experience ever since he stepped of the cliff so long ago. He knows that every choice he has made, every path he has taken, must be accounted for. There are moments he is proud of, and decisions that shame him. He must accept the good and the bad, and he must learn to move past them, once atonement has been made.
The Fool encounters Judgment after he meets the Sun, while on the path to his meeting with the World.
If you wish to read reversed meanings into your Tarot cards, then you should read all cards that appear upside down as reversed. In most cases, the reversed card means almost the opposite as the same card in the upright position. However, this is not true of the Sun Tarot card. There is nothing negative about this card, upright or reversed. However, if the Sun is reversed in a Tarot spread, it can mean that you'll have to wait a little longer for the happiness you seek to become reality. Be patient, and everything will eventually go as you'd hoped.
The Sun is the nineteenth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of happiness, contentment, and success.
The Symbolism of the Sun Card
This card is represented by an infant riding a pure white horse beneath the bright summer sun. The background is filled with sunflowers. The infant holds a red flag, representing the blood of renewal. The smiling sun indicates accomplishment and approval.
The Sun bears the number “19,” and the card is regarded as the bringer of happiness for the Fool, who encounters the Sun following his encounter with the Moon.
The General Interpretation of the Sun Tarot Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies clarity, happiness, success, and renewed trust, hope and faith. It is finally possible to understand the pattern of life, to plan for the future, and to really move forward. The darkness of many previous cards is finally dispelled.
The Fool, armed with this new knowledge, and with a new foresight about his life and his journey, can move towards a greater goal. He is content with the journey he has undertaken, and with the lessons he has learned. He also realizes that a spirit can never truly learn all there is to know — he will always be the student.
The Inner Meaning of the Sun in Tarot
The Sun is an image of power associated with the conscious mind. Darkness can be dispelled by logic, reason, and the consciousness. This card represents intellectual striving, a vision of the future, and hope for an ideal future. It is the card of nobility and determination.
The Fool’s encounter with the Sun brings the hope and clarity he has been seeking. He has faced many trials, he has come to terms with many things, but always has he maintained his integrity. However, in the Moon, he faced uncertainty and doubt, losing his confidence and his power of action. In the Sun, he regains both of these attributes.
The Fool lost faith many times along his journey. Now, this faith in himself is restored. His spirit cannot be conquered, and will always struggle against hopelessness and ignorance, fear and despair. He will always strive toward the light, never forgetting the journey he has completed.
The Sun is encountered by the Fool, following his meeting with the Moon. This occurs on the path to his meeting with Judgement.
A reversed Tarot card (upside down) sometimes has an opposite meaning to the same card upright. However, in a Tarot reading, some cards have virtually the same meaning either reversed or upright. The Moon of the Major Arcana is one of these cards. However, when reversed, it sometimes has an additional meaning. So, if you choose to read reversed meanings into your Tarot cards, be advised that the Moon reversed may represent a problem that is plaguing you. It will go away, but not quite yet. Patience is advised, so wait it out if you can.
The Moon is the eighteenth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of the life of the imagination.
The Symbolism of the Moon Tarot Card
This card is represented by both a wolf and a domesticated dog howling at a frowning moon. The wolf and dog imply fears of the natural mind, while the frowning moon shows its displeasure. There is also a crayfish that is crawling out of the water onto the land.
The Moon bears the number “18,” and is the bringer of uncertainty for the Fool after his encounter with the Star.
The General Interpretation of the Moon Tarot Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies a period of uncertainty, fluctuation, and confusion. It can mean that you are caught in your own mind, and you can do nothing but wait, clinging to the vague memories of hope and faith that were presented in the Star card.
The Fool, also caught within the subconscious mind, begins to reflect. He realizes that his own personal journey of development is only a lesser part of a greater whole. With this enlightenment, he awaits his rebirth with a calm certainty that it will come.
The Inner Meaning of the Moon Tarot Card
The Moon is the image of the mystery of the subconscious. The High Priestess and Wheel of Fortune interpretations are also related to this theme. These three cards are linked, providing a deeper understanding of the subconscious realm. The Moon is also a card of dreams and nightmares, perhaps indicating that your dreams are trying to tell you something.
This card explores the hidden depths of the subconscious. It is a confusing, chaotic, world, and in this world, you are but a tiny part of the much greater whole. Personal feelings and journeys pale in comparison to this. Your own place in this universe suddenly doesn’t seem as important.
This is also a card of the animal nature, and the instinctive fear of that animal nature. The message of this card is that if you are still and calm, a calm may come upon the animal nature, that it may cease to attempt manifestation. Giving yourself up to this nature may just be the only way to tame it.
It is in the Moon that the Fool finally realizes that there is more to life than just him. There is a greater world beyond his own, a world that cries out to be explored. This is an idea that gives rise to some uncertainty in the Fool.
The Moon is encountered by the Fool after he meets the Star. This occurs while on the path to his meeting with the Sun.
Not all Tarot readers read reversed meanings in their Tarot cards. If you choose to read reversed meanings, then the Star is a good omen, but like many reversed cards, it has its downsides. The Star is usually excellent, upright or reversed, but when it is reversed, you may have to wait a while before your wish is granted. The only other warning is not to waste your talents or your energies by pouring half of them into the wrong receptacle. Your gifts have a purpose, but if you direct them poorly, you'll miss a powerful opportunity.
The Star is the seventeenth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of hope for the future and faith that this future will come.
The Symbolism of the Star Tarot Card
This card is represented by a woman kneeling beside a pond. She has one foot in the water, the other on land, much as Temperance did. Above her head, there is a shining star. She holds two jugs, which she is pouring out, one onto land, the other into the water.
The Star bears the number “17,” and the card brings hope for the Fool , following his encounter with the Tower.
The General Interpretation of the Star Tarot Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies an experience of hope, perhaps even faith. However, this card can be difficult to interpret. It may signify the coming of hope, or it could warn against blind hope. The interpretation is best determined by evaluating the other cards in the spread and relying on your own instincts during the reading.
The Star is a welcome relief for the Fool at this stage of his journey. He has passed though fear and strife, and experienced the collapse of all he held dear. Now, he has some hope for the future, and a renewed faith in himself.
The Inner Meaning of the Star Tarot Card
The Star is the image of all that humans cling to: the notion that, no matter how bad things might seem, there is always a glimmer of hope. This card is not one of plans and action, but rather of feeling and emotion. It is a card associated with waiting and patience, much like the Hermit and the Hanged Man.
The Star is not a card of schemes and expectations; instead, it is a card of intuition and instinct. The Star shows the Fool that not everything is a matter of fact or circumstance. Some situations require hope and belief.
This is also a card of renewal. As the lady pours water on both land and sea, she renews the physical and spiritual aspects of the Fool. Once renewed, he can continue upon his journey.
The Star is encountered by the Fool after he meets the Tower, on the path to his meeting with the Moon.
Reversed cards are those that appear upside down in a reading. As a Tarot reader, you can choose whether you will read these cards as reversed. If you don't wish to read reversed meanings, simply turn the cards around so that they are upright. Regardless of your choice, you should either always read reversed meanings or never read reversed meanings. It will keep you (and your cards) from getting confused along the way.
If you do choose to read reversed meanings in your Tarot readings, the Tower, in its reversed position, means that a nasty surprise is on the way. This surprise, although unpleasant, is not disastrous and can be dealt with fairly quickly if you keep a cool head about you. You may already be aware of the problem, so some quiet contemplation may be in order. A minor household problem will irritate you as well. Be prepared to call out a plumber, electrician, builder, or other helper.
The Tower is the sixteenth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of changes that must be made, willing or not.
The Symbolism of the Tower Tarot Card
This card is represented by a tower that has just been hit by lightning and is aflame. Two figures are falling from high atop the tower. This card is generally considered to be an ill omen.
The Tower bears the number “16,” and is the force of cataclysm for the Fool after his encounter with The Devil.
The General Interpretation of the Tower Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies the breakdown of existing thoughts and forms. How difficult or painful this will be depends on the attitude with which you approach this card, much as with Death.
The Tower is a card of fear for many, for the fall it indicates cannot be avoided. Willing or not, the fall will happen. The only variable involves how you decide to react to the devastation suggested by this card.
The Fool is also faced with this decision. Does he accept what must be, or does he fight against the fates? The Devil showed him that changes had to be made. If he does not make these changes himself, the Tower will make them for him.
The Inner Meaning of the Tower in Tarot
The Tower is the image of the collapse of old forms, including old thoughts and beliefs. Since it is the only man-made structure in the entire Major Arcana, it represents those things that are built by you and only you. This can and usually does include the many social facades that are worn by people in society. It implies that perhaps you are wearing your own mask, hiding from the truth, disguising who and what you truly are. It is the card of false or outgrown values, perhaps suggesting that this disguise isn’t necessary.
Just as the Devil forced an awareness of inner integrity, the Tower may force you to act on this information. To become true and pure to yourself, acknowledging the inner truth you have been trying to deny. This can be a painful process, but the end result is always worth the pain and fear.
The Fool is forever changed by this card. He is more humble and complete, and more true to himself. He has found his authentic self. His life on the outside will change because of this card, just as he has been changed on the inside.
The Fool must encounter the Tower after he meets the Devil. This occurs while on the path to his meeting with the Star.
When read in a reversed (upside down) position, the Devil Tarot card is not more positive than it is upright. This card indicates there are a whole host of things that can tie you in knots, ranging from debts, unnecessary feelings of guilt, an unhealthy relationship, a job or business venture that is better abandoned, a poor family life, and so much more. There may be people who would love to see you hooked on just about anything that gives them control over you. You own negative feelings can exert an even stronger form of bondage. Beware of jealousy toward you, and watch out for your own feelings of envy.
On a brighter note, if you are being held back by any of the aforementioned ideas, you will soon free yourself and spiritual enlightenment is on the way. But there is much to struggle through first.
The Devil is the fifteenth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of fear and fascination, and of chains which are freely worn.
The Symbolism of the Devil Tarot Card
This card is represented by a figure with two naked demons chained to his throne; he appears to be a devil or some other form of higher demon. One is male, the other is female. The devil is both winged and horned and appears very bestial in nature. In his left hand is a flaming torch, which is pointing downward. On his forehead is an inverted pentagram.
This inverted pentagram doesn’t necessarily represent evil so much as it represents the completion of a cycle. First, the pentagram is upright (as on the Magician card), then inverted (as on this card). Eventually, it will be upright again, symbolizing a completed journey.
The Devil bears the number “15,” and is the captor of the Fool after his encounter with Temperance.
The General Interpretation of the Devil Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies a necessary confrontation with all that you consider shameful. It is about freeing yourself from the chains that bind. This is a card of self-bondage, usually to an idea or belief which is unhealthy for you and those around you. This idea or belief is something that you cling to, even knowing the damage it might do.
These bonds represented by this card are freely worn, and can be easily cast off, if you so choose. This can be seen in the fact that the two demons, though chained to the chair of the devil, could remove their chains, for their hands are not bound. Fear is the most likely cause of their refusal to do so.
The Fool learns that he must free himself before he is forever trapped. He can do this by gaining knowledge and gathering his courage. For it is only in the exercise of his own abilities that he can gain his freedom.
The Inner Meaning of the Devil in Tarot
The Devil is the image of bondage to the most basic and instinctual part of human nature. He is the subject of both fear and fascination, for he is the uncivilized part that exists within all of us. He is raw sexual desire, the satisfaction of base instincts, and the strongest part of compulsion.
And yet, the devil seen on this card is not evil. He may be untamed and wild, and he is certainly amoral to a certain extent. But he is not evil. It is we who create the problem though fear and fascination. This card implies blocks and inhibitions, like the chains that seem to bond the demons at his feet; these can and must be cast off.
The Fool begins to understand that he must face and accept his baser instincts and desires, and the shame that he might feel in having these desires. If he cannot do this, he remains a prisoner of his own fear and fascination.
The Fool encounters the Devil after he meets Temperance, on the path to his meeting with the Tower.
Reversed cards are those that appear in a reading as upside down. Some Tarot readers see these cards as having different meanings than the same cards when they appear upright. Some Tarot readers simply turn reversed cards so that they are upright. You can decide for yourself whether you will read reversed cards as different from upright cards. But stay consistent. You'll only confuse yourself if you flip back and forth.
If you do choose to read reversed Tarot cards as having a special meaning, then Temperance reversed means that you should learn to let some things so. You have too much going on in your life and you should cut back on some of your activities or your spending. Learn to enjoy the simply pleasures in life.
Temperance is the fourteenth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of patience, moderation, and the blending of opposites.
The Symbolism of the Temperance Tarot Card
This card is represented by a woman pouring liquid from one cup into another, representing the dilution of wine with water. She has large, feathery wings, and stands with one foot on land, the other in water, indicating her ability to unite opposites.
Temperance bears the number “14,” and is the teacher of moderation for the Fool after his encounter with Death.
The General Interpretation of the Temperance Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies a need for the flow of feelings. It also suggests the potential for harmony and unity, perhaps in love, business, or another aspect of life. Moderation is required, however, for this to happen. Moderation is the key to life.
The Fool is challenged to develop a balanced heart. He is also reminded that he cannot remain forever in the safety of Temperance, and must eventually continue with his journey.
The Inner Meaning of the Temperance in Tarot
Temperance is the image of a balanced heart. Unlike Justice, Temperance is kind and merciful, willing to make exceptions to the rules when the situation warrants it. However, she is not overly sentimental, for emotions are a reaction to a situation. This card is connected to feeling, which is an active, fluid process that’s quite distinct from emotion.
The pouring of liquid from one cup to another is significant for more than one reason. It signifies moderation, on one hand, but it also signifies harmony. True harmony requires the constant adjustment of feeling, sometimes positive, sometimes negative. Thus, she continues to pour the waters, eternally seeking balance.
The Fool learns that feeling is a delicate thing; it can be affected by circumstance. However, he also knows that it is an active choice, and that he can use it to his advantage. He can manipulate external circumstances so that he can create his own reality. This is a lesson which empowers the Fool.
He begins to understand that he must temper justice with patience and understanding, and with compassion. Too much of any one thing can yield nothing but poor results. However, if he can but moderate himself and his attitudes, he will reap the rewards. Temperance teaches him balance and integration.
Temperance is what the Fool must encounter after he meets Death, on the path to his meeting with the Devil.
For those who choose to read Tarot cards as reversed (upside down), the Death card of the Major Arcana has a similar meaning whether upright or reversed. This powerful and sometimes dreaded card almost always means that a situation is about to come to and end. However, in its reversed position, the Death card indicates that this situation will take longer to come to an end that you think. Things will be drawn out, sometimes maddeningly so, but they will eventually resolve themselves. Don't rush matters.
Death is the thirteenth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of an end, though it's usually not representative of the end of physical life. More often, this card symbolizes the end of a relationship, interest, or the end of an important life chapter.
Symbolism of the Death Tarot Card
This card is usually represented by a skeleton riding a horse. Surrounding him are dead and dying people from all classes, including kings and peasants. This perhaps implies that Death affects all equally. The black banner with a white flower symbolizes rebirth.
Death bears the number “13,” and is the symbol of rebirth for the Fool after his encounter with the Hanged Man.
The General Interpretation of the Death Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies that something must come to an end. This may or may not be a painful process, depending on your willingness and ability to recognize and accept the inevitable. The Death card can herald the coming of a new life, but if you are to embrace the new life, you must let go of the old.
The Fool, prepared to continue his journey, enters the underworld. He is prepared to leave behind his previous life, and meet an as-yet unknown future.
The Inner Meaning of the Death in Tarot
In Tarot, Death is the image of a permanent and final end to a cycle or chapter of life. The old way of thinking, of being, is dead, and will not return. This is a card of finality, a symbol of the mourning which must take place before a new phase of life can begin.
This is not necessarily a bad ending. This card could herald the end of an old phase of life in the form of a marriage or perhaps the birth of a child. The old way of life, that of being single or not yet a parent, is over, and must be mourned, but that does not mean the new life will be any less satisfying. This is not a card of physical death, but rather of the inevitable changes associated with the cycles of life.
The Fool descends into the underworld. He is unable to bring with him the patterns and thoughts of old, and instead must prepare to develop new ways of thinking and being.
Death is what the Fool must encounter after he meets the Hanged Man, on the path to his meeting with Temperance.
Reading reversed (upside down) cards is not a universal choice among Tarot readers. You can decide whether you would like to read reversed meanings when a card appears upside down or simply turn the card so that it is upright. However, you should be consistant in your choice. If you're going to read reversed meanings, you should always read reversed meanings. Don't pick and choose simply because you don't like what a particular reversed card tells you.
When the Hanged Man appears in the reversed position, you should be cautious and prepared for disappointment. Don't make useless sacrifices or wait forever for something that is never going to manifest itself. Instead of focusing on what will not happen, move on and focus on something else.
The Hanged Man is the twelfth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of the subconscious mind; it is symbolic of the suspension of reason and all that is rational.
The Symbolism of the Hanged Man Tarot Card
This card is represented by a man suspended from a living tree. Though he seems to be bound in what could be considered a torturous position, he wears a serene expression on his face. This card does not seem to suggest death, but rather a suspension of life.
The Hanged Man bears the number “12,” and is the divine connection for the Fool after his encounter with Justice.
The General Interpretation of the Hanged Man Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies the need for a voluntary sacrifice, for the purpose of gaining something of even greater value. This can take many forms. It may mean the sacrifice of something physical, perhaps a prized possession. Or it might be the abandoning of a cherished attitude. Its interpretation is different for each individual.
The Fool responds to the challenge of the turning of the Wheel of Fortune with a willingness to put his trust in the unseen. He hopes for a new and better life.
The Inner Meaning of the Hanged Man in Tarot
The Hanged Man is the image of voluntary sacrifice for the greater good. This sacrifice is made with complete acceptance and an understanding of the suffering that might accompany this sacrifice. His expression is peaceful, despite his anxiety over the idea that his sacrifice might come to naught. His suspension gives him time to commune with the divine, and so he represents the full-circle connection of humanity with the gods. The Hanged Man is a spiritual card.
When encountering the Wheel of Fortune, the Fool learned what it meant to confront change. Now, he understands that he can react in many ways. He could refuse to accept what must be, and cling to the past. He could become bitter and look for someone or something to blame. Instead, the Fool chooses to accept the idea that change might be necessary for the unfolding of the yet-unclear destiny he must face.
The Fool encounters the Hanged Man after he meets Justice, on the path to his meeting with Death.
