“Logical Construction”
This is a chapter in my book “Compassionate Tarot Companion”.
The book’s overview with download & 2 chapters … {-here-}
All blog posts that are chapters … {-here-}
When you look up a Tarot card’s meaning, you’ll often see 2 meanings, with the 2nd meaning labeled as “Reversed”.
IE: It says that when you turn a card face-up and see it’s upside-down, then you should interpret it with this “reversed” meaning.
(As you’ll see, this chapter is difficult because this feature of Tarot is very valuable but quite confusing. I am sorry.)
Well, first: Nowadays artists often design decks where it’s hard to tell if cards are upside-down or not, like my Singing Fish and Spirit Hill, so with them just ignore the 2nd meaning.
But with my Simple Tarot, for example, it’s easy to see when cards are upside-down, and with it i often use this feature.
(So of course i’m only speaking of decks where it can be done.)
Where it’s possible it’s a valuable OPTIONAL feature doubling the number of meanings in the cards’ language; And i teach a simplified method for doing it that i’ll explain in a moment; But i’ve found even that is too complicayted for most beginners to enjoy, altho in general i think they should learn it for later on.
So i’ll first explain turning the feature off or on, then i’ll explain the simplified method when you have it on, so you’ll never again need to look up or memorize a reversed meaning.
And remember:
The deck can hear your thoughts.
(ALSO: If you NEVER use this feature, then your decks won’t get confused SO YOU CAN IGNORE THIS CHAPTER ENTIRELY.)
1: Turning the feature off:
For example: I do this when using my Simple Tarot, if i feel i want its language simple and straightforward.
Also: i’ll do this when teaching a beginner with that deck, because of course i want them to know such a useful option.
At the very start of your reading, say these words:
“Upside down is the same as right-side up.”
It’s easy, but if you use the feature you MUST say it, so the deck won’t get confused and give you a reading as clear as mud.
Me, i’ve formed an invariable habit of THINKING those words quickly, clearly and emphatically with such decks. Atho, of course, with a beginner using such a deck, i insist they say it out loud.
And it doesn’t matter that you feel silly; If you ever use the feature, but not always, then just say it or you’ll be sorry.
2: Turning the feature on:
At the start of your reading, say clearly:
“Upside down is different from right-side up.”
But of course don’t bother if you ALWAYS use the feature.
3: Interpreting with the feature on:
Now AT LAST here’s the part you’ll enjoy, because here’s how to give the deck its enriched language, but you’ll never again look up or memorize a reversed meaning!
This also is complicayted, so i’ll set it out in micro-steps:
3a: You turn a card face-up and see it’s upside-down.
3b: Temporarily rotate it right-side-up and study it.
3c: Get its regular meaning fixed in your mind.
3d: Now think: “The deck is telling me this is a lie.”
3e: Now wonder: “Why is it telling me this is a lie?”
(- Here is the end of this blog post.-)
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