Many people cringe anytime they see a reversed card in a reading. We tend to think of things in terms of duality, so upright must mean good and reversed must mean bad, or at least a diminished amount of good. Therefore, getting a reversed card must be worrisome! Today we are going to talk about the Four of Wands coming up in a reversed position because it is one of the least scary reversals in the tarot!
The standard: Rider Waite Smith
A lot of older tarot books reinforce this idea, but it is a picture that is lacking in depth or nuance. Many times a reversal is actually seen as a positive message. The joy may be in a lesser degree than the upright card or perhaps it is just a more personal or internal experience. It may also mean you are passing out of a difficult period and have actually learned valuable lessons from it. So, much nuance is lost when you simply memorize the upright and reversed meanings from a standard tarot book, or the little white booklet that comes with your deck. Often, the standard meanings in the booklet really don’t apply to the deck it accompanies. This is why I love it when the makers of a deck produce an actual book that talks with some detail about the reasons the images were chosen and the symbolism within.
I’ve mentioned this before; I generally don’t read reversals. However, I do look at a reversal in context of the rest of the reading and if it makes sense, I give it that more weight. Most often, I take a holistic approach. Every card, like every person, has a shadow side. When you take the whole of the card, sunshine and warts, I find that I get a much better reading. If I turn over a card that gives me a jolt, I look at its position and the cards around it for context. Usually, that calms me right down. A reading gives us information. It tells us what requires attention or further examination. When you look at it that way, all information is good information. Wouldn’t you rather know what to watch out for so you can avoid negative experiences?
Today, I’m going to take a quick look at The Four of Wands (Wands, Rods, Koshes, Batons, Staves, etc.)
Tarot decks most commonly base their imagery on the Rider Waite Smith Deck so you may not see much variation from the classic imagery of that Four of Wands which will show some sort of celebration, a castle in the background, bountiful food and often is focused on a couple united in marriage under a garland.
 The Witches Tarot |  Tarot of the Mystic Spiral |  Alchemical Tarot |
Today, I’m going to take a quick look at The Four of Wands symbolism in a reading. This is one of the cards where a reversal is widely thought of as a still a pretty good thing. There are several ways to see this:
First, let's look at the number. Fours in the tarot generally represent stability. They may represent a union or a coming together of some sort. Perhaps they represent a stage of accomplishment, though still some distance from that ultimate goal, the ten of completion. It is generally something to celebrate. Wands are fire, energy, creativity and growth. (They represent a lot more than that, but let’s keep it simple!)
First, let's look at the number. Fours in the tarot generally represent stability. They may represent a union or a coming together of some sort. Perhaps they represent a stage of accomplishment, though still some distance from that ultimate goal, the ten of completion. It is generally something to celebrate. Wands are fire, energy, creativity and growth. (They represent a lot more than that, but let’s keep it simple!)
Four of Wands. Artist: Amy Martin
When you get a Four of Wands reversed, the most common interpretation and image, based on the classic Rider Waite Smith deck, represents a union and a celebration of accomplishment. It has often been called, The Marriage Card. I usually interpret the Four of Wands upright as something you celebrate with others and reversed as something you celebrate yourself without seeking attention. If we look at this card reversed as strictly opposite, it may mean strain or instability in relationships or home situations. But, it also may just mean a more personal accomplishment. It could be asking the querent to consider that they may need to boost their confidence or find a way to put more energy into their home, relationship, family, job or project.
So, consider the number, what the suit represents, the position and relationship to other cards in the reading, how this relates to the querent (yes, it is helpful to ask questions. This is not psychic prediction) is this reading about love, finances, etc., and also, perhaps most importantly, the images in the card itself.
Here are a bunch of images of the Four of Wands from a variety of tarot decks. If you look closely at the images you will get information that will expand your reading beyond the booklet definitions. When reversed think about what in the images may add extra layers of meaning. Trust your instincts!
Share your thoughts and experiences. What's your favorite Four of Swords image? Tell me about a Four of Swords that came up in a reading that was particularly meaningful. I would love to hear about it!
Here are a bunch of images of the Four of Wands from a variety of tarot decks. If you look closely at the images you will get information that will expand your reading beyond the booklet definitions. When reversed think about what in the images may add extra layers of meaning. Trust your instincts!
Share your thoughts and experiences. What's your favorite Four of Swords image? Tell me about a Four of Swords that came up in a reading that was particularly meaningful. I would love to hear about it!
Here are some helpful links concerning reversals:
Brigit Esselmont of Biddy Tarot has a lovely little article on reversals.
 | Another excellent resource is Aeclectic Tarot! |
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Unions and Marriages
 Zigeuner Tarot |  Albrecht Dürer Tarot. Yes this is a little creepy. |  Animal Lords. Two giraffes getting hitched. I like that gender is a bit ambiguous here, leaning towards masculine. |
 Tarot of the New Vision gives you the couple's perspective. |  One of my favorites. The Modern Spellcaster's Tarot features two women handfasting. |  Dame Fortune’s Wheel Tarot. These Two can't stop kissing! |
Focus On Home
 I don't know what deck this is, but I love it! If you recognize it, please clue me in! |  Chrysalis Tarot. I'm smitten! |  Pagan Otherworlds. This one is interesting because it's open to interpretation as to whether this is before or after a marriage. |
Celebration
 Tarot of Cats  Secret Tarot. I love the feel of Beltane this evokes. |  Wildwood Tarot  Tarot of the Hidden Realm |  Buckland Romani Tarot  Golden Tarot |
Accomplishment
 Baseball Tarot |  Byzantine Tarot |  Cosmic Tarot |
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