[Help] Not using reversals in tarot decks

[Butterfly Affect]

Two things.

The first is that I've struggled with any deck that isn't the Rider-Waite deck, and even then I've struggled with that. Usually I'll struggle with the meanings of cards, especially with the major arcana.

The second is that I've given up on reversals. Not because they're negative, but because I have no idea what they mean. My understanding is that its "The opposite of the upright meaning" but then I'll have problems deciphering that.

Will not using reversals give me a botched answer? I've gotten better at reading tarot but I'm still not great with deciphering meaning unless its super obvious like 9 of swords.

 

[KjEno186]

I'm personally not fond of reversals. I also think that the cards need not be taken at face value. In a way they are a glimpse into possibilities which may or may not manifest depending on our actions. To me, feelings of fear are counterproductive. Swords represent Air, the Intellect. I know I struggle with overthinking and subsequent doubt which has its source in the reasoning mind. So one way of seeing the suit of Swords is as a guide to one's reasoning faculties. There is a place for intellect and reason, but placing too much emphasis on this aspect of life can be counterproductive to the rest.

That being said, Paul Huson had this to say about Nine of Swords in his guide to the Dame Fortune's Wheel Tarot:

This card seems to have earned itself a bad reputation over the years quite at odds with its traditional import. One of the traditional cartomantic interpretations simply indicates a minister or member of the clergy, thereby denoting honesty and good faith. Accordingly, this card depicts a medieval bishop or abbot wearing a miter and carrying his pastoral staff. However, he is hedged by nine swords, a veritable forest of troubles.​

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Keyword: Celibate.​

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Upright Card: Bachelor, celibate, virginity, abbot, priest, monk, hermit, friar, nun, temple, church, monastery, convent, hermitage, sanctuary, cult, religion, piety, devotion, rite, ceremony, ritual, recluse, anchorite, vestal. The state of virginity. This card may also be a warning of the plots of powerful and implacable foes.​

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Reversed Card: Justifiable distrust, well-founded suspicion, legitimate fears, mistrust, doubt, conjecture, scruple, timorous conscience, fear, timidity, bashfulness, disgrace, shame.​

As you can see, comparing this interpretation to others, there is no One Right Way with interpretation. It's often something you have to work out on your own with time and practice.

 

[juji]

I don't use reversals, I use position. For example the Sun is generally though to be a positive card, but in a "obstacle" position, it won't be good. It could tell, for example, that your crash for someone is just a beautiful freindship.
If I am not mistaken Josephine mc Carthy also does not use reversals.
But I know many tarot readers, my mother for example, who reads cards like "good or bad". In that case you can use reversals. The important thing is that you establish your rule and stick to.it every time. You can check on labyrinthos for meanings.
For non rayder-white tarots check Camelia Elias and Jodorosky

 

[L’chaimGoldberg]

If I remember correctly the Thoth deck doesn’t use reversals and Ive read some authors who say that reversals are kind of a later addition to tarot reading.
i guess if it works for you to either use reversals or not use them that’s all that matters. I knew a guy who told me he read reversals because they gave him more detailed information in the reading.

 

[ZSLMH]

I don't use reversals. It wasn't part of the original intention (I guess neither was what we use it for to be fair,) but it's still a new thing overall. The card represents what it represents. I don't think the orientation changes that.

 

[ModernMagus]

I tried reversals for awhile. I know some that use them and it works out well for them. However, I found it pointless and forcing me to relearn how to communicate with my decks. Learning the context of card placement in relation to each other was far more fruitful.