AUTHOR’S NOTE: The title of this essay was inspired by the Pink Floyd song “On the Turning Away,” although my use of the idea isn’t identical.

It can be said with some confidence that every tarot card has a preferred path for expression of its influence and that route is usually indicated by its upright orientation; call it the “path of least resistance.” In that case, its reversal may show the “other fork” that might be taken, one that is more indirect or oblique and therefore often more ambiguous. At this point in time I’ve written well over a dozen essays on the subject of reversed cards, but it seems there is always more to say, typically a new twist on an old topic.

When encountering a reversed card in a spread, the first thing to do is define what it means when upright since reversal doesn’t change the interpretation that much, it just alters the mode of delivery and angle of attack to become less obvious. Next, consider where the reversed impulse is trying to take you. It may not be in a totally opposite direction, but more like a side-trip into an unmapped byway, perhaps a momentary detour or double-back on the journey to the same destination. You’ll get there eventually, just not as promptly or as uneventfully as might otherwise be the case. There could be a few “bumps in the road” to navigate over or around.

When a predominantly fortunate card is reversed, it’s power for good will be muted but not eradicated, although it may speak to a different aspect of the matter than was posed by the question. It reminds me of “collateral advantage” that, while appreciated, is entirely unexpected. When a less-fortunate card is reversed, its ability to wreak havoc may be tempered rather than exaggerated, or it may simply be forced underground, in which case the advice would be to “watch your back.” There may be unanticipated “collateral damage” to contend with, implying the need to exercise damage control. Those cards that are mainly neutral in disposition (the 4 of Swords and the 10 of Pentacles are appropriate examples) won’t be affected too much by reversal. We may find that their inertia is more pronounced and their already-weak enthusiasm pushed even further into the background. In such cases, minor disappointment may trump indifference in the situation. Reversal can make a “flat” projection seem even more insipid.

The implied fork in the road does not always provoke an irreversible departure from the itinerary; more typically it encourages a pause to take a closer look at the roadmap and find where the course is likely to deviate, then plan accordingly to get back on track. This altered perspective once led me to describe any reversed card in a reading as having a “Hanged-Man moment” that demands a different outlook. Reversal of unfavorable cards could mean that the querent should consider taking evasive action if the occasion arises, while reversal of favorable cards may only convey a need for patience.