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BOOK REVIEWS |
The complete book of Tarot Reversals by Mary K. Greer. 2002
I am always pleased when a new book by Mary Greer is published as she is one of my favourite authors. This book is part of a new series published by Llewellyn called 'Special Topics in Tarot'. According to the publishers this series was created in response to an increasing demand for more Tarot books on advanced and specialized topics.
The blurb on the back cover of the book says:
'Reversals are not black and white - there is more than one way to interpret them. Explore these shades of gray with the twelve different methods for reading upside-down cards. Upright and reversed interpretations for each of the seventy-eight Tarot cards offer inner support, positive advice, and descriptions of the learning opportunities available.'
The twelve different methods for reading reversed cards discussed in the book are as follows:
1. Blocked or resisted.
2. Projected.
3. Delayed, difficult, unavailable.
4. Inner, unconscious, private.
5. New or Dark Moon (used for interpreting round tarot decks).
6. Breaking Through, Overturning, Refusing, Changing Direction.
7. No or Not (the upright meaning); Lacking.
8. Excessive, Over- or Undercompensating.
9. Misused or Misdirected.
10. "Re-" Words: Retried, Retracted, Reviewed, Reconsidered.
11. Rectification: Disease into Remedy.
12. Unconventional, Shamanistic, Magical, Humorous.
The book has upright meanings for all the cards in the tarot as well as meanings for reversed cards, but obviously there is an emphasis on how to interpret each card when it is reversed. This is an interesting book for someone who is familiar with reading tarot cards and who wants to experiment with using reversals.
This book also has useful advice on how to interpret reversals in relation to health issues. For instance for the 3 of Swords Mary Greer says the following:
'Surgery may not be necessary after all or be only minor.' Obviously she says a great deal more about the card, but the quote gives you some idea of how the card could apply to a health issue if it is reversed.
My stance on reversals:
| I don't recommend that beginners pay too much attention to reversals. It is enough to learn how to interpret the 78 cards in the tarot. When the basics of each card have been mastered, and a certain proficiency has been obtained in interpreting tarot spreads, then if a reader has the inclination - experiment with reversals. Reversals are very useful when you want confirmation about how the energy of a card is operating in a reading. Each card contains a polarity of meaning and reversals can help you decide where on the polarity of meaning the card is functioning. For further information on how I work with reversals see FAQ -> Reversals, and an article on Projection in tarot readings. |
I'd like to conclude with a quote from the book:
'Many readers find that reversals add depth, nuance, tone, and subordinate ideas to the upright meaning. When seeking unambiguous answers you can effectively double the possibilities. Furthermore, they encourage us to see things from a different and more complex point of view.' p. 13