Upright or Reversed?

[Silver Venus]

Up until recently I have been reading both ways, but as I'm learning and practising more I find reading reversed confusing allot of the time and quite hard to remember, after all there are already 78 upright meanings to remember! ~ so I am now reading upright but taking note of the reversed cards.
I am curious what ways everyone else reads? Do you read upright and reversed? Just upright? Or do you just see how you feel and feel about the actual spread once its turned?

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

72? I think you better count your cards again! ;) There are 78 cards in a Tarot deck! :D

I only read upright...if the cards are reversed, I do take them into consideration....I interpret it to 'weaken' the meaning of the card....it has less influence.

[Silver Venus]

Oops! Why did I type 72?! ~ I'll go back and change it now ;)

[Amora]

I have to admit I have the toughest time remembering all the meanings because there is more then one meaning for each card even in it's upright position. I read both upright and reversed plus take into account the astrological influence on the court cards. So I often will bring my book of shadows with me, in which I devoted dozens of pages just to what I've learned about the tarot. Often I try to take the time to quiz my memory prior to a client coming in but if I really get stumped or I don't have the time I will refer to my personal book. At first I thought I would feel out of place looking at a book in front of a client but I really don't. If I have to take a quick peek at a book I handwrote once or twice in a reading to make it more accurate I'll do it. Better that then giving them a bogus reading.

PS-I always wondered how the average person who only reads now and again can possibly remember all the meanings. It's good to know I'm not alone!!!

[Semele]

I only read upright. I started out that way as a beginner, per several trusted recommendations and I have never really ventured off to reading reversed meanings. There is some controversy in reading reversed cards. Some claim that they were never intended to be read that way. My thoughts on this are that it is entirely up to the reader and how comfortable they are with it. I do feel however that you need to make a sound decision on whether or not to use reversed cards before you begin any given reading.

Great idea for a poll!! Thanks! It seems that most of us prefere upright, it may be interesting for us to learn reversed meanings together. Perhaps at a later date we could discuss possible reversed meanings for each card.

Semele

[Silver Venus]

Thought a poll would be fun :D
Really interesting about them not ever been intended to be reversed, I'd like to read about that Semele do you have a source? and I totally agree and think its a good idea to go over the reversed meanings of all the cards, even though we may not read that way its important to totally understand the history and different interpretations of each card, every way.

Great point about always deciding how you are going to read before you start Semele, I did mean that! Just didnt word it so well. ;)

Dagda, I never thought as reversed as 'weakening' the influence of the card - It fits! & I'll take that onboard for future readings.

And Amora teaches us never to be afraid to consult our notes! After all we can't always have super memories can we :)

[Semele]

Silver,
Not sure where I read that about the original intentions. I am sure it was one of the many many books I have here at home. I will try to find it for you. Of course this is just one authors ideas, but interesting none the less.

Semele

[Silver Venus]

Thanks Semele ~ I was just curious and thought it would be good for the class ~ if you find it great but don't tear your house apart for it!

[LaDaya]

So far I've only used the Upright.... But I'm still a beginner and trying to learn how to read them so I'm going as simple as possible.