I am looking for a bit of advice when it comes to reading a tarot spread.
Each sunday, I do a “week ahead” 4 card spread. The first 3 cards are what to bring, focus on and embrace throughout the week.
The 4th card is about what must be left behind. This is the one i struggle with, particualrly when a positive card arises. This week I chose the “world” card and honestly could not interpret this one in terms of what to leave behind.
How do you interpret positive cards that are pulled in a negative position in a spread?
Was it reversed or upright? Upright the World is everything is available to you, whatever journey you’ve been on will succeed or maybe has. It can symbolise the end of an old cycle and the beginning of a new one. Maybe this could be to leave behind and finally get closure on something and embrace the new.
Reverse. Many choices are before you, but you’re not sure which way to go. Maybe there’s an obstacle, despite your efforts you’ll have to wait until matters right themselves this letting go of control, maybe going back and reworking something.
In one of my books it also states that The World is linked to the Hindu god Shiva who dances the world into being and then destroys it,only to dance it into being, in the eternal dance of life, death and rebirth.
So in the question of what to leave behind, the world upright would for me mean to let go of something old to embrace something new, and in reverse, to let go of trying to control something I’ve been working on, and allow more time for it to right itself whilst I continue patiently to work on it.
I used Skye Alexander Book of Tarot to help me with this one. Blessed be
The phrase “too much of a good thing” comes to mind. So seeing the positive and thinking how that could be a ‘negative’ or a delay.
I do also read the cards on their spectrum even if not reversed physically. So I will consider reversal meanings depending on the position of the card.
It could be telling you to leave behind:
-the idea that something has been completed, maybe it is still in the process of being completed.
-maybe leave behind a global/interconnected viewpoint (is there a need to focus on yourself this week)
-this card can indicate a realistic attitude- are things mundane? Maybe spice things up
-don’t get carried away and remain grounded
-if there is a new opportunity this week, maybe this isn’t the week to start it
Reversal:
From a reversal point of view- are you having a hard time taking a compliment/acknowledging your achievements?
-let go of trusting the process of whatever you are doing, maybe you need to push something to its conclusion
-the world is always within us, as within so without, is there an aspect of your world you would like to leave behind? Now is the time to make that shift internally
-do you have a fear of success? Well, leave that behind
-have you put limits, do you feel lack, in this reversal aspect you are being asked to leave that behind. Give yourself time to dream, explore, invent, play. Giving ourselves space to dream about all we want to manifest can be enough. We may also learn we don’t want to do the work to get it and what we have is good enough, just needed the space to dream.
I know the conundrum of getting a positive card in a not-so-positive spot or upside down (makes me want to flip it upright haha). It can be tricky to puzzle out, especially depending on the inquiry. I see Tracy and Phoenix already gave some great advice and tips for interpreting! If I can add in my two cents to the mix, I would suggest to not be afraid to think outside the box and see where that leads you.
Reversals can really twist the brain- some decks/styles of reading suggest that the reversed card mean the exact opposite of the card in its upright form, but other decks offer different ways to see it. The Soul Cats Tarot I use suggests that upright is “guidance” while reversed is “protection”, for example.
What I’m trying to get at here is that, if the card isn’t making sense how it is- be it in a negative or warning place, or reversed- you can try looking at it another way.
As a card of holistic success and grand visions, your cards might be telling you to put it aside this week. Large dreams and grand thoughts aren’t inherently bad, but perhaps they are getting in the way of you seeing the smaller details this week. It’s the opposite of the old saying “can’t see the forest for all the trees”- in this case, you’re not noticing the individual trees because you’re focused so much on the forest (the big picture).
Your cards might be telling you to stop and smell the roses- look at the little details, the small things. Grand dreams and visions can wait. For now, what you need is right under your nose.
Just my two cents! Whatever this week has in store for you, I hope it all positive things. Blessed solstice!
You’re not alone when it comes to this type of thing. I’ve struggled before with reading a more positive card in a seemingly negative question or position in a spread. I like what everyone else has said, too. I don’t know if I have anything more to add because they’ve basically got you covered I’m just here to let you know you’re not alone!
Thanks for your input. I knew I would get such great advice and suggestions from other members.
The card was upright. Thats what caused the issue. I ended up looking more at the reversed meaning because its the only way I could make sense of it. I am glad to read that others may have done this too. I was afraid that was the “wrong” thing to do.
However i can see now that i should perhaps look at what the card represents and consider that this hasnt happened e.g. leave behind the idea that things are complete (as suggested by pheonix). I really like that way of thinking about it.
Lots to consider especially since i havent yet fully dived into reversed meanings. I am still teying (and steuggling) to get my head around the uprights🤣
I’ve been picking away at tarot for years now and still lack confidence when it comes to reversals- it’s a constant learning journey! I suppose that’s part of what makes it fun
I think you’re doing awesome with your readings, Alan- wishing you lots of insightful work with your cards in the future too!
Hi, Alan!
I see that you’ve already responded to this, but I had a very simple immediate thought when I read your post, it was, “Leave behind all that no longer serves you.” I know others have said similar things, and I don’t know if this helps, but I know that having a simple sentence creates focus for me.
Tarot Reversals for beginners by Leeza Robertson is an amazing reversals book. It’s good to have on hand especially if you are focused on learning upright positions.
I’m just here to let you know you’re not alone!
