Learning Tarot Reversals

by Joan Bunning

Think of the last time you did a tarot reading or had one. How many of the cards were reversed? Close to half? Well, of course! So why do so many books treat reversed cards in what is basically a cursory manner? Joan Bunning to the rescue with Learning Tarot Reversals finally reversed cards get the attention they deserve! Traditionally, reversed cards are read as the polar opposite of what the upright card represents. While this method of reading has its place, the effect of reversed cards, their number, groupings, and where they fall in a tarot spread can deepen any reading and bring subtle nuances into play. Bunning points out that a reversed card can also indicate a buildup to, lack of, or decline from the event or condition represented by that card. Linking cards together based on the presence of reversed cards thus gives a reading a natural flow of high points and low points without abrupt transitions. In a format usually reserved for upright cards, Bunning describes every reversed card in the deckwith a brief description of the upright meaning, and more detail about the reversed meaning. Following the format of her bestselling Learning the Tarot , Bunning, who is a masterful teacher, presents lessons that build on each other smoothly, allowing a student to progress to increasingly complex readings and understanding with ease. Bunning also includes a handy section of keywords for easy reference.

Genres: Tarot, Occult, Nonfiction, Divination

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2003

Reviews

[Fostergrants · Rating 2 out of 5]

if you own joan's other book on tarot you don't need this book. her other book covers everything so thoroughly and perfectly, i suspect someone told her she had to write a book on reversals so she did. she teaches tarot meanings so well that the reversal book is redundant - in my opinion. but the book is still well written. there is also the issue of the different views of reversals and whether or not to even use them but that's a discussion for another time and place.

[Lee L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joan Bunning has a very interesting approach to reversed cards. She teaches us about the waxing and waning of energies that affect both upright and reversed cards, and illustrates how these energies interact in our everyday lives. Her lessons on reversed cards offer insight both to beginners who are new to reversals as well as to more experienced readers.

Ms. Bunning uses keywords for each card and then gives examples of reversed interpretations for each phase of energy as you sense it. Judging by the current flow of energy in your life, she encourages intuitive interpretation by paying attention to energy cycles. The cycles of absent, early phase, and late phase energies are examined.

Her lesson format enables you to work unpressured and at your own pace, and the lessons build on each other as you learn. Fun and helpful exercises directly follow the lessons. I would highly recommend you use these exercises as they are a great way to learn your deck. She gives suggestions for answers to the exercises as well as encouraging your own personal interpretation, rather than rote memorization.

I would recommend reading her first book Learning the Tarot: A Tarot Book for Beginners first, as it gives a solid foundation in Tarot, and this reversal book assumes you have already absorbed the lessons of the first book, if you are a beginner. For those who are ready to move on to reversals, this is what you've been looking for!

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This shows that reversals have phases of interacting and can be useful for insight as to the why and how of some aspects of our lives that are not progressing. The are much much more than just a negation of the upright meaning. It gives a unique life to the Tarot, as just like people we have our light and dark sides.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joan Bunning is my go-to guide for anything related to tarot meanings and Learning Tarot Reversals has been invaluable with my study of the cards. Simple, easy, and a great reference to have on hand at all times.