Should I Read Tarot Reversed? Pros & Cons
Should you read reversed tarot cards? When reversals add depth, when to skip them, and beginner setting advice.
What reversals add
Reversals break the 'yes' feel of uprights and widen the emotional range. Two of Swords upright is stalemate; reversed it is 'the stalemate is lifting'. Reversed Kings often point inward — an authority problem inside you rather than outside.
When to skip them
In your first month, adding 78 more meanings dilutes your practice. Upright-only is how the older French school taught. If a deck's art leans vertical and monumental, forward-only often reads cleaner too.
Ultimately taste: roughly half the professionals in community surveys read upright-only, half with reversals. Neither is more correct.
MysticTarot's setting
Reversals are on by default and clearly marked with a ring; every card page gives both meanings so you can read either way. Ignore the ring if you prefer upright-only — the spreads still work.
Put it to the test
Reading this is nice; pulling the cards is nicer. 3 free readings here every day.