The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals

by Mary K. Greer

a review by Solaris, CPTR

Do you ever wish you could get one specific tarot topic all in one book? Isn't it frustrating that, to get new information on your topic, you often have to purchase books that reiterate subject matter you already have? In her new book The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals, Mary Greer de-mystifies the use of upside down or reversed cards in a way that is easy to understand and apply. You no longer need to avoid a reversed card in a reading. Now you, the reader, can give reversed cards the attention they deserve and understand why reversals are significant.

When you use the methods of reversals in this book, you begin to see things from a different perspective and gain insights that are not immediately apparent. Reversals are more than just a negative interpretation. A single card, when viewed reversed, can answer questions about what is being blocked or delayed, what you may not be seeing in yourself, and where difficulties are being experienced. Of the Twelve Ways To Read Reversals,” the method I use most often is # 4 -- Inner, unconscious, private -- which means that what the card indicates is not recognized on a conscious level, is not visible on an outer level, or is not yet seen in public.” Sometimes even the querent is not aware of the card's hidden energy.

While researching this book, Ms. Greer interviewed members of the tarot community to bring the reader highlights of how they use reversals. John Gilbert shows how the reversal changes the original meaning into a related second meaning. The suit of cups when upright represents Relationships, and when reversed is Raw emotions. James Ricklef is featured with his use of The Five D's. He uses mnemonics (words that all begin with the letter D) to describe reversals. Other features of this book include the author's explanation of her Breakthrough Process which actively involves a client in a reading, her Hidden Influences Spread, and a list of reversed keywords.

I started reading years ago, using reversals from my first reading. The only resource I had at that time was the meanings in the book for the Crowley Thoth deck. Reversals then were simply addressed as being the opposite of what the upright meaning is. I always felt that there was something other than the reversed interpretations meaning the opposite of the upright meaning, but I didn’t have a reference guide to teach me more. Most tarot readers disliked using reversals because they were reluctant to learn a second set of 78 more meanings.

With this book, a reader will find there are other ways to interpret reversals without having to memorize a new set of meanings. Readers of any level of tarot experience will find that in one book, The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals (ISBN 1567182852) opens up new possibilities and adds new dimensions to your readings. You won't have to read volumes of other books anymore just to get reversals information. Add this book to your collection and learn how to interpret the upside down messages of the cards.

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