Tarot in Reverse: Making Sense of the Upside Down Cards in a Tarot Spread

by Janet Boyer

Written in a fun, accessible style, Tarot in Reverse is the only "quick guide" reference to reading upside-down cards. Full-color, glossy pages feature both the upright and reversed images of all 78 Tarot cards from the Universal Waite Tarot. There are only two other books on the market dedicated to Tarot reversals--both heavy on theory, with minimal or no keywords. Tarot in Reverse, however, is the first book that provides extensive keywords and phrases for reversed meanings, as well as modern anecdotal examples for each card.
Interpreting reversed cards is one of the major obstacles for both beginner and seasoned Tarot readers. With its "at a glance" keyword list, Tarot in Reverse equips readers to interpret reversals immediately, boosting confidence and expanding personal card associations. Fiction writers can also use this book for generating plot ideas and creating character sketches.

Genres: Tarot

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2012

About the author

Janet Boyer is the author of Back in Time Tarot (Hampton Roads, 2008), Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer, 2012) and Naked Tarot (Dodona Books, 2018)--as well as the co-creator (with her artist husband, Ron) of the Snowland Deck (2013) and Coffee Tarot (2017) and their companion books.

Also a journal artisan, jewelry designer and award-winning cook, Janet is an Enneagram 7 ENFP Multipotentialite who loves creating and innovating.

She lives in beautiful northern Appalachia with her beloved husband, adult neurodivergent son and 5 (!) cats.

Visit http://JanetBoyer.Substack.com for some thought-provoking Tarot writings.

Reviews

[John Marani · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader who has never used reversals and who, quite frankly, has no desire to switch now, I was skeptical about my ability to review a book about reversals in the tarot. But when someone with Janet Boyer’s breadth of tarot knowledge and experience writes a new book, it’s definitely worth a look, even if it’s based on a technique I don’t personally use. So I took the plunge, and while I won’t go so far as to say I’m going to work reversals into my repertoire, I will say that I came away with a ton of knowledge that I can use in my everyday practice.

First off, the introduction to Tarot in Reverse made me feel at ease. Boyer explained how a person could interpret reversed cards. I had always thought of them as the opposite meaning of the card, but that can be confusing given the number of possibilities. I never realized the large palette of meanings that reversed cards might evoke. Some of my favorite ones were reading these cards as an “extreme or unhealthy manifestation of energy” and “needed, but not utilized.”

I enjoyed the writing immensely. It didn’t try to be something it wasn’t. Sometimes metaphysical books want to soar into the stratosphere but end up leaving the reader back on the ground wondering how to hang with the author. This book was written for real people. In the beginning of the book, “Dealing with Life’s Reversals”, Boyer clearly states what she’s providing—including tarot affirmations (more on that later)—and then delivers. I felt comfortable very quickly because I knew where the work was going.

Each card has “a quote that encapsulates the card’s reversed energy”, advice from the card, and 20 affirmations. The level of detail that Boyer provides really makes this book a great resource. There are so many different meanings to look through and savor—I counted about 30 or so for each card, and they were simple yet understandable. Many of them were modern as well. I liked “flip-flopping” as a meaning for the Five of Swords reversed, and “cyberschool” and “cyberbullying” for the Page of Swords reversed.

Once I discovered the affirmations, I knew this book was a keeper. 20 of them per card is an impressive feat. For the Tower reversed, I liked, “I choose the red pill” from the Matrix, and “I promote myself without apology” from the Six of Wands. But there are so many to pick from that you will find one or more that work for you. I’m definitely going to try to pick up a few that I can recommend to my clients.

Pop culture and the tarot is a fascinating subject to me, and I enjoyed the fact that Boyer really tried to keep things accessible to everyone. In addition to pop culture, she manages to flavor the book with lots of references to literature, music, television (“Dexter” makes an appearance on the 10 of Pentacles) historical events—like former flight attendant Steven Slater who bailed out on his career through the plane’s evacuation slide (8 of Pentacles)—and well-known axioms like “third wheel” (3 of Cups).

What struck me as I worked my way through this book was that I had stopped referring to Tarot in Reverse as a book on tarot reversals. It’s an excellent tarot book whether you use reversals or not. That might not seem like a huge shift in consciousness, but as you’ll recall, I started out unsure about this book.

Sadly, people can and do judge books by their covers—and titles—all the time. Don’t do what I did and allow the title Tarot in Reverse bog you down. Beginners and advanced tarotists will find a number of gems to use in their every practice, whether or not they use reversals.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally do not do reviews on books of Tarot, considering the Tarot its self is an ongoing, changing book, filled with plot twists, reversals, and changes for the better or worse. Sometimes we can figure out “who dunnit” in the cards retrospective, other times not. And sometimes we all need a little help from our friends, a good reference book we can count on for a little insight that will jog or kickstart our intuition to thinking.

There are a lot of such books out there. Some are well written, some are not and tend to lead the tarotist down a garden path of a gobble-d-gook of useless information.

Having said that, I wish to turn my attention to a book that is; in my opinion, well written, informative, uses examples that I have to say a beginner will recognize and understand. Tarot in Reverse, the latest offering of well-known author and tarot reader Janet Boyer, is a book filled with ideas and suggestions as to why a reversed card could mean this or that. When coming up as a reader, there weren’t that many books out there, preferring at times to look at the LWB (Little White Booklet) that always accompanied the deck. It would give the divinatory meaning and the reversed meaning,…which usually was the opposite of the upright meaning. Well, that’s all well and good, but what if Death reversed could just mean a change, but not an ending to the current situation? Or what if it could mean a horrific change, or a change for the better? Janet takes this concept into consideration and runs with it, offering what I would call various keywords of reversals or maybe it would be better to call them key situations of a reversed card. Then she reminds us that we need to look at the Body Language of the card reversed as well as the body language of cards surrounding it, where the figures are pointing or looking left or right.

Ok, you say, anybody would know to do that why a book? Ahhhh, but not everyone does know to do that, unless you are reading everyday for people or yourself, day in and day out. Sometimes we need a reminder (I know I do) and Janet words this process as well as the whole book in an easy, friendly manner, that all of us beginner, intermediate as well as advanced readers are going to understand. Janet also interjects her infectious humor into the book, thus you can at times see the folly in Death reversed is Non-death. With this book, you begin to train (or continue to train) your mind to think in terms of reading and getting into the nitty-gritty of what is going on in the card reversal its self.

I highly recommend this book in particular to those starting out on their Tarot journey. It lays down the basics of reversals and allows one to focus on thinking in terms of reading reversals and not be afraid to read them. It successfully allows you to face your fears of reading reversals and to embrace these cards as the reversed and next page of the book called Tarot. It would be a welcome addition to anyone’s library. The publisher is Schiffer. I do love the use of Universal Waite-Smith for pictorial examples. The vibrant colors (something else to consider when reading reversals, what may stick out in upright position may become muted reversed), are attractive to one’s eye and cause you to pause and look at the card. Yes, by all means get this book, it is a great first step on the road of Tarot reading and it is also a great tool when looking up a card in its reversed position.

[Michael Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I was blessed to be able to review the uncorrected galley of Tarot in Reverse and I'm so stoked to share with you what I love about it!

I contemplated actually for quite a while how I was going to do this review. I’ve put it off because look at who I am reviewing? HELLOO!! Was I going to be prim and proper? Full of beautiful text and perfect paragraphs or was I going to get downright dirty and play it like I do? (Devious Smile) You know exactly how I’m going to play! So let’s get something straight right off the bat. (Well as straight as I can aye)

I base my opinion of this book on how It shifted my Tarot Practice, my perception of the cards and the way it read. Absolutely beautiful.

So the book is broken down really simple. You have your introductions; the basics, some FAQ’s and the overall layout of a Tarot Deck. Then you get into the First chapter which is on the Major Arcana followed by the Minor and then the Court Cards. Then you have Sample readings and the closing bits! <-See Simple right?

I’ll be honest here. I tend to really overlook the Introductions and first part of many books. I find that I get really bored with the same old shit! Well with this book I made a conscious effort to change that. I didn’t even have to force myself to read it, the way it is written is so fluid and enjoyable that I just flew through the entire book let alone the introduction! My favorite part about the first aspect of the book is when Janet explains the many facets of a Reversal. How a reversal can mean so many different things and she gives categories for many paths of the reversal. Two key aspects that really stood out to me while reading are the Esoteric Connection (which represents the spiritual undercurrent of the card, the different metaphysical attributes within the cards images) and the Desired, but not for the best or Not to be attained bit which represents something that a client may really want but the reversal states the client may not get or may not be willing to put in the effort to getting it. As I was reading each aspect that Janet has written here I could see the cards reversal meanings really shift within my own perception. I was able to really expand my awareness on the subject of reversals just by the beginning part of the book and the willingness to see differently.

The rest of the book is just as amazing! Each card has a quote that represents that cards reversal energy. It also has a message from that card that speaks on what that reversal is about. There are also 20 affirmations for each card which I find quite beneficial. If you are stuck on a reversal and you just go and pick up the book and see the affirmations it can spark something within you and help you with your interpretations. You are given so much information, keywords, and perceptions about each card that you’ll never be without when it comes to your reversal interpretations. The way this is written allows the reader to flow with their own creative energies and intuition and take it where the keywords end. Take the Fool Reversed and one of the interpretations of this is “Too good for this world” which can mean so much. Depending on how you read and who you are reading for and the question being asked you can take that one little sentence and create an entire story! That sentence allows you to see so much into the Fool reversed. It could represent some reality TV starlet that thinks she’s better then someone else. We won’t name names now will we?

I am really excited to own this book as should you be! It flows beautifully, it’s funny and it keeps you engaged. I even love the font that it was presented to me in. My only complaint really is that it was too short! It left me wanting more! More creative juices, more reversals, MORE!!!

I’ve always used Tarot Reversals in my practice and now with this book at my side I look forward to reversals more than I have in the past. They excite me. They make me want to read Tarot like I’ve never read before! YES this book has definitely allowed me to better myself as a reader. I encourage you to give it a go when it becomes available (April 28th, 2012).
Janet Boyer

[Shaheen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Tarot reversals has never been a huge interest of mine because I’ve always felt that if the Universe can’t get its point across in 78 cards, then I don’t need to know it, however I am a firm believe in knowing the cards from every angle. There are no arbitrary interactions with Tarot cards and each facet of a reading should be taken into consideration, but still Tarot reversals have been a huge roadblock for novice and seasoned readers alike.

In the new book, Tarot in Reverse, Janet Boyer gives us a different perspective on Tarot reversals. This book isn’t just a superficial rundown of reversed card meanings with keywords and a description. Tarot in Reverse urges you to not only peek through the reversed “door”, but to actually cross the threshold.

Janet explains that reversals are more than just the “opposite” meaning of an upright card; she pushes us deeper, giving many possible meanings for why a card is reversed. A few of the basic meaning that she applies to all reversals are: No or Not cards, meaning that the card is a simple “no” in relation to what’s being asked. Fear of cards, which represent an aversion to something. And Blocked cards, meaning that the reversal represents a stagnant energy in the path of the querent. She goes on to explain other possible meanings, which can add a new layer to your reading. I’ve only pulled out three examples.

Tarot in Reverse is laid out in a way that gives you ample opportunity to learn the cards. Sectioned off into Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, and Court cards, you will be given an in-depth description of each card, including:

1. A quote that encapsulates the cards reversed energy
2. Advice from the card itself
3. 20 affirmations

One of the most exciting portions of the book is the affirmations that accompany each card. It allows you to take the cards a step further to use them for personal transformation. As Janet explains, “Tarot in Reverse will not only help you navigate reversed cards in a reading, but also come to terms with life’s reversals, which often appear in the form of challenges and disappointments. By seeing reversals of all kinds as opportunities, you become more empowered.”

My only criticism is that I wanted more explanation on how to use the affirmations accompanying each card, beyond the brief advice of taping them to a mirror or repeating them. I think the author is really onto something with the addition of affirmations and I would love for to expand on it in the future.

I have to say, this book really expanded my perspective of Tarot reversals and allowed me to view them as more open opportunities for growth. As a reader I let the cards speak to me, never applying spoon-fed ideas. I see the cards as living, breathing and evolving symbols and after reading Tarot in Reverse; my relationship to the cards is even more deepened.
The information is not only presented well in this book, with in-depth research and wonderful writing, but it is also beautifully printed. The aesthetic is amazing, with heavy weight paper, vibrant illustrations and easy to follow format. The addition of “advice” boxes for each card and highlighted snippets of information keeps this book user friendly.

Some other fun things to add are, that I’ve found this book to be great for Bibliomancy, which is the art of flipping to a random page in a book for a little intuitive guidance. And as the author suggested, using the reversed meanings to help build plots, ideas and characters for stories and other creative projects.

There is a lot to explore here. You wont be disappointed and I promise you will never look at Tarot the same way. So stop being daunted by the reversed cards, stop worrying about which way you shuffle and let the cards speak to you and get Tarot in Reverse to help expand your practice in the art of Tarot reading.

© Shaheen Miro

[Cher Green-LaRock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not all readers look to the reverse of a tarot card, but gain insight only from the upright position. There’s nothing wrong with such procedures. Although, I feel the appearance of reversals bring added meaning to a reading and choose to acknowledge these additional insights.

Many manuals do not touch upon the reversed meanings of the cards. And if they do, the context is limited. Janet Boyer has provided the one manual you may need to step into the journey of ‘Making Sense of the Upside Down Cards in a Tarot Spread’.

In the introduction, Janet provides many ways of looking at a reversed tarot card. Such as ‘no or not’, ‘hidden’, ‘fear of’, and quite a few more. She also brings attention to other things to consider, like the topic of the reading and surrounding cards.

As a writer, my ears perked right up when she suggests “unusual and specific meanings will be particularly helpful for fiction writers.” Janet’s keywords prove to be from the most logical to the not so logical. For instance, Ace of Swords could provide your character with a speech problem, while Seven of Swords could provide him with the career of a double agent.

‘Tarot in Reverse’ provides a thought provoking look as each of the 78 cards in their reversed positions. A long list of key phrases, a wonderful statement by the author, a quote, advice, and twenty affirmations are given for each card.

I do feel the multitude of keywords may confuse a newbie to the point of not using the reversals. Learning the tarot intuitive is the best ‘in my opinion’ step in understanding the cards. The many manuals are best used to compliment and provoke deeper meanings after a foundation has been formed.

I recommend ‘Tarot in Reverse’ not as a guide, but as a companion to further your growth as a tarot reader, or as a creative musing source.

[Dayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives new and skilled Tarot readers a rich explanation of the 78 Tarot cards in reverse. With so many Tarot resources offering brief or lackluster explanations of inverted card meanings, Boyer’s 192-page book supplies the reader with deep insight into the possible symbolic interpretations of upside down cards. Instead of a card reader ignoring card reversals, assuming the cards mean the exact opposite of upright cards, or viewing card reversals as diminished in meaning or importance, Boyer clearly explains how card reversals can enrich and even intensify the interpretation and of a reading. Readers get the added bonus of affirmations with every card. The book has high gloss, full color images and with all of the information packed within, it’s not a book that will sit and collected dust on the reader’s self; instead, the book proves as an essential resource for all Tarot readers. Highly recommended.

[Zanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those who deplore Tarot books containing long-winded narratives in which the author elucidates, elaborates, and explains ad nauseum will love this book.

From the mundane (I really like the body type style!) to the sublime ("I dwell in the House of God" - Affirmation for The Tower), Tarot Reversals is a delight to read. Boyer manages to be thorough and comprehensive, while maintaining a light enough touch to keep me happily reading on.

My point is that I consider this book a real jewel. I can see a writer using the key phrases, Affirmations, and so forth, as story starters, perhaps combining several of them into one fascinating tale (e.g., 9 of Cups, Rx: bar fight... too good to be true... inability to smell...")

Do yourself a favor and check this one out!