The Compete Book of Tarot Reversals by Mary K. Greer
Review by Gavin Pugh

If you want to purchase The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals, click here.

I¹ve just finished reading most of Mary¹s latest book and I think that it is essential for any serious tarot reader. With this book as my companion, I now have the courage to use reversals, as it provides useful techniques and accessible support.

I have not yet read it all, for the reason that the majority of the book contains Mary's reversed meanings for all 78 cards based on the Waite Smith deck, which is the most popular and widely known. It would be too much for me to read through them all in one, but I will work through them slowly. It is said that reversals can add another 78 meanings to any tarot deck and this book does the same. You not only get Mary¹s thoughts on reversed meanings, but their upright equivalent as well. Her meanings are drawn from traditional sources, making this book even more essential for the enthusiast.

Mary even lets non-reversal users off the hook by saying that even if you don¹t use reversals (which isn¹t likely if you read this book), you can incorporate their reversed meanings into those you use if the card is upright.

Even though the meanings take up the biggest section and it is the one that you will make most reference to, it is not the most important. That honor goes to the first section which provides the techniques that expand your use
and the usefulness of reversals. It provides varied options beyond the standard reversals making a positive card negative and a negative card even more negative.

For example, it provides twelve categories for interpretation with examples so you find a meaning that matches the needs of the reading. The book even helps you to find ways of rectifying the effects of a reversed card.

The last section of the book provides specific reversal based spreads to be tried out (Mary does remind you that reversals can be used with any spread). There is also a sample reading using the Celtic Cross so that you can see reversals in action.

Wait: there's more. At the end is an appendix with keywords for both major and minor suits, instructions on the use of Elemental Dignities and a version of the Heroine's Journey.

This book for me is an instant classic and essential purchase for beginners, joining Tarot For Your Self (also by M.K. Greer), 78 Degrees of Wisdom by Rachel Pollack and Learning the Tarot by Joan Bunning on my recommended reading list.

The only downside- which is positive- is that is will make you work harder when using reversals. You¹ll want to explore the potential meanings more fully and that may carry over into your upright meanings as well. 

If you want to purchase The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals, click here.

The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals by Mary K. Greer
Publisher: Llewellyn
ISBN #: 1567182852

Gavin Pugh is the Guest Moderator for Halloween Tarot on Comparative Tarot.  He also selects the "Best of" Comparative Tarot and publishes an e-mail newsletter for that e-list.   He moderates an e-list of his writing called All78Degrees.  

Image © 2002 Llewellyn Publishing