What Does Rx Mean in Tarot? Complete Guide to Reversed Cards

If you've been exploring tarot readings online or in books, you've probably encountered the mysterious abbreviation "Rx" next to card names. What does Rx mean in tarot? Simply put, Rx stands for "reversed" - indicating that a tarot card appeared upside-down in a reading.

Understanding reversed cards opens up an entirely new dimension of tarot interpretation. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about Rx cards, how to read them, and different approaches to working with reversals in your practice.

What Does Rx Mean in Tarot?

The term "Rx" in tarot is borrowed from medical and pharmaceutical notation, where Rx means "prescription" or "take." In tarot, however, Rx has been adopted as shorthand for "reversed." When you see a card listed as "The Tower Rx" or "Ten of Cups Rx," it means the card appeared upside-down in the reading.

You might also see reversals indicated by:

• Rev (abbreviated reversal)
• R (just the letter)
• An upside-down symbol
• The word "reversed" written out

All of these mean the same thing - the card was drawn or laid down with its image inverted from the normal upright position.

How Do Reversed Cards Happen?

Reversed cards occur naturally during the shuffling process. When you shuffle tarot cards, some cards inevitably flip. Depending on your shuffling technique, you might end up with many reversals, few, or none at all.

Some readers deliberately introduce reversals by:

• Shuffling cards in multiple directions
• Cutting the deck and flipping portions
• Allowing cards to naturally flip during overhand shuffles
• Spreading cards face-down and mixing them on a table

Other readers prefer to keep all cards upright and don't read reversals at all - a perfectly valid approach we'll discuss later.

What Do Reversed Tarot Cards Mean?

There's no single "correct" interpretation of Rx cards. Different tarot traditions and individual readers interpret reversals in various ways. Here are the most common approaches:

1. Blocked or Delayed Energy

The most traditional interpretation views Rx cards as blocked, delayed, or internalized versions of their upright meanings. The energy of the card is present but not flowing freely.

For example:

• The Sun upright = joy, success, vitality
• The Sun Rx = temporary delays in happiness, inner joy not yet expressed, dimmed optimism

2. Internal vs. External Expression

Some readers interpret upright cards as external/visible manifestations and Rx cards as internal/private experiences of the same energy.

For example:

• Strength upright = demonstrating courage to others, visible inner power
• Strength Rx = quiet inner strength, courage that isn't visible externally, private resilience

3. Opposite or Contrary Meaning

A straightforward approach treats Rx cards as having opposite meanings to their upright versions.

For example:

• Ace of Cups upright = new love, emotional beginning
• Ace of Cups Rx = emotional emptiness, blocked feelings, love ending

4. Excess or Deficiency

This nuanced approach views Rx cards as indicating either too much or too little of the card's energy, depending on context.

For example:

• The Emperor upright = balanced authority, healthy structure
• The Emperor Rx = either tyrannical control (excess) or complete lack of structure (deficiency)

5. Returning to Basics

Some readers interpret Rx cards as indicating a need to revisit the fundamental lessons of that card before moving forward.

Should You Read Reversed Cards?

Whether to incorporate Rx cards into your practice is entirely personal. Here are arguments for both approaches:

Arguments FOR Reading Reversals

• More nuance: Reversals effectively double your card meanings, allowing for more specific interpretations
• Acknowledges obstacles: Rx cards can indicate blocks or challenges that upright-only readings might miss
• Reflects reality: Life isn't all positive - reversals allow the cards to reflect difficulties
• Traditional practice: Many established tarot traditions include reversals

Arguments AGAINST Reading Reversals

• Simplicity: 78 card meanings are complex enough without adding 78 more reversed interpretations
• Card imagery: Many cards already contain their "shadow" meanings - the Devil and Tower can indicate challenges without being reversed
• Intuition: A skilled reader can interpret the full spectrum of a card's meaning through context and intuition
• Beginner-friendly: Learning upright meanings first builds a strong foundation

A Middle Ground

Many readers start without reversals, master the upright meanings, then gradually incorporate Rx interpretations as their practice deepens. There's no wrong approach - do what resonates with you and produces meaningful readings.

How to Interpret Rx Cards in Practice

If you choose to read reversals, here's a practical framework:

Step 1: Know the Upright Meaning Well

You can't interpret a reversal without deeply understanding the upright meaning first. Study each card's traditional meanings, symbolism, and how it applies in different contexts.

Step 2: Consider the Question and Position

Context shapes interpretation. A Rx card in a "challenges" position of a Celtic Cross spread might mean something different than in an "advice" position.

Step 3: Trust Your Intuition

When you see an Rx card, what's your gut reaction? Your intuition, combined with the visual of the inverted image, often provides the most accurate interpretation.

Step 4: Look at Surrounding Cards

Rx cards don't exist in isolation. The cards around them provide context. A challenging Rx card softened by positive surrounding cards might indicate a temporary rather than serious issue.

Common Rx Interpretations by Card Type

Major Arcana Rx

Major Arcana reversed often indicate life lessons being resisted or not yet learned. The energy is significant but may be suppressed or manifesting in shadow form.

• The Fool Rx - recklessness, fear of new beginnings, foolish choices
• The Magician Rx - manipulation, untapped potential, trickery
• High Priestess Rx - ignoring intuition, secrets revealed, hidden knowledge
• Death Rx - resistance to change, stagnation, refusing to let go

Cups Rx (Emotions)

Reversed Cups cards often indicate emotional blocks, repressed feelings, or relationship challenges.

Wands Rx (Action/Passion)

Reversed Wands cards may suggest creative blocks, lack of motivation, or misdirected energy.

Swords Rx (Thoughts/Communication)

Reversed Swords cards can indicate mental confusion, communication problems, or releasing negative thought patterns.

Pentacles Rx (Material World)

Reversed Pentacles cards often point to financial challenges, material instability, or neglecting practical matters.

Tips for Working with Rx Cards

Keep a Reversal Journal

Track which interpretations resonate when you pull Rx cards. Over time, you'll develop your own understanding of how reversals speak to you.

Practice with Single Cards

Pull a daily card and note if it's reversed. How does the Rx meaning feel different from upright? This builds intuitive understanding.

Don't Always Assume Negative

Rx cards aren't automatically bad. A reversed challenging card might actually be positive - for example, Nine of Swords Rx could indicate anxiety releasing rather than building.

Be Consistent

Decide your approach to reversals before starting a reading and stick with it. Changing interpretation methods mid-reading creates confusion.

Final Thoughts on Rx in Tarot

Understanding what Rx means in tarot opens new dimensions in your readings. Whether you choose to incorporate reversals or read all cards upright, the most important thing is developing a consistent, meaningful practice that works for you.

Reversed cards aren't something to fear - they're simply another layer of information the tarot offers. As you grow in your practice, you'll discover how Rx cards add depth and nuance to your interpretations.

Start simple, trust your intuition, and let your relationship with reversed cards develop naturally over time. The cards have wisdom to share in whatever position they appear.