Stephen Escreveu: When was the earliest references to reversed cards in publication, and in readings? Does anyone know?
Hi Stephen:
Can't say I can answer that question, but in the Camoin Method, reversed cards are indeed used. In the Jodo/Camoin deck, the publishing symbol is on the far edge of the card, which helps to easily identify reversals on some of the batons and deniers. Also, I would suggest that in the Camoin Method, the Major Arcana play the major role.
As you will discover when reading the basic "how to's" of the layout method, a reversed card indicates a "problem with" the energies of that card. Then, one places a deliberately-uprighted card above the problem card (and follows any gazes therein) to indicate what the solution would be...sort of, advised response. It's also important to understand that "solution cards" can be compound; that is to say, a card can look at another card and both can be the solution. Example: Le Bateleur is the solution for La Justice reversed. But, Le Bateleur gazes to the left.
Thus, we would place a card to the left of Le Bateleur to see what he is gazing at. If the card below that gaze-card is upright, then one can draw the card "as-is" (upright or reversed as it randomly is drawn). If the card below that gaze-card is reversed, then it too requires an upright solution-card.
Example:
..................
So, in this example, Le Bateleur solves La Justice reversed. But, Le Bateleur gazes at something...we draw randomly VI. Because Le Pape was upright, it did not need a solution card, so the card drawn for Le Bateleur does not need to be deliberately-uprighted. Nonetheless, it was still randomly drawn upright.
The solution for La Justice might be that the querent has to start over (I) with negotiations and networking (VI). But, the context of the question is paramount. Once we know the context of the question, these ancient symbols of the Tarot are then analogized optically to modern phenomena.
Thanks for letting me ramble.
Paul
