When a tarot card appears sideways, also called horizontal, blocking or liminal, it creates a unique third position beyond upright and reversed. These cards lie at a 90-degree angle, neither fully upright nor inverted, representing a space of transition, uncertainty and potential.
Why Read Sideways?
Not every reader works with sideways cards and that’s perfectly fine. Some prefer upright only, others use upright and reversed, and some, like myself, have evolved to include sideways positions. My own journey went from learning upright meanings, then adding reversed interpretations and finally discovering the rich complexity that sideways cards bring to readings.
You can absolutely use sideways cards if it feels right for your practice. There’s no single “correct” way to read tarot, what matters is finding the method that resonates with your intuition and helps you connect with the cards’ messages.
What Sideways Means
People search for this concept using various terms: sideways, horizontal, blocking cards, liminal cards, stalling cards or cards lying flat. All of these describe the same phenomenon,a card that appears at a 90-degree angle to its normal position.
When a card lands sideways, it occupies what’s called liminal space,the threshold between states. It’s neither here nor there, neither yes nor no, neither fully manifested nor completely blocked. The card’s energy is present but in flux, waiting or not yet ready to fully express itself.
How to Interpret Sideways Cards
Sideways cards generally indicate:
- Transition or liminal space: You’re between one state and another
- Uncertainty: The outcome hasn’t crystallized yet
- Pause or waiting period: Things need more time to develop
- Crossroads: A decision point where multiple paths are possible
- Blocked or stalled energy: The situation is stuck or moving slowly
- Internal processing: The card’s energy is working beneath the surface
- Not yet or not quite: Almost there, but not fully manifested
- Neutral ground: Neither positive nor negative, just in-between
Reading Context
When interpreting a sideways card, always consider:
- The question asked
- Surrounding cards in the spread
- Whether most cards are upright, reversed or sideways
- Your intuitive response to seeing the card in that position
- The specific imagery on the card when viewed horizontally
👉 Tarot Timing: 3 Powerful Ways to Interpret “When”
👉 The Major Arcana – A Guide to Tarot’s Most Powerful Cards
👉 The Suit of Pentacles – Stability, Success & Practical Growth
👉 The Suit of Swords – Truth, Intellect & Challenges
👉 The Suit of Cups – Emotions, Love & Intuition
👉 The Suit of Wands – Action, Creativity & Passion
Major Arcana Sideways
The Fool
Sideways Meaning: Standing at the cliff’s edge, unable to take the leap. You’re ready for something new but hesitating. The adventure calls but fear or uncertainty keeps you paused. Not quite spontaneous, not quite paralyzed, suspended between the old and the unexplored. The universe is asking: are you ready?
The Magician
Sideways Meaning: You have the tools but haven’t picked them up yet. Your power and resources are available but not being actively used. There’s potential for manifestation, but something keeps you from fully stepping into your abilities. The question is timing, when will you claim your magic?
The High Priestess
Sideways Meaning: Your intuition is speaking, but you’re not quite hearing it clearly. The veil is thin, but you haven’t fully passed through. Secrets are on the verge of being revealed. You’re in the waiting room of wisdom, sitting between knowing and understanding. Trust is developing but not yet solid.
The Empress
Sideways Meaning: Creativity is stirring but not yet flowing freely. Nurturing energy is present but perhaps turned too much inward or not enough outward. You’re in the fertility phase, seeds planted but not yet sprouted. Abundance is coming but hasn’t arrived. You’re learning how to nurture yourself or others.
The Emperor
Sideways Meaning: Authority is uncertain. Structure exists but feels unstable. You’re between control and chaos, trying to establish order but not quite there. Leadership is emerging but not fully claimed. Rules and boundaries are being negotiated. The throne isn’t quite secure yet.
The Hierophant
Sideways Meaning: Questioning tradition while still being influenced by it. You’re between institutional wisdom and personal truth. Spiritual teachings are being reconsidered. You’re at the threshold of your belief system, neither fully in nor out. Traditional paths feel uncertain.
The Lovers
Sideways Meaning: A choice is approaching but not yet made. Relationship energy is in flux, deepening or changing but the direction unclear. Values alignment is being tested. You’re in the space between connection and separation, commitment and freedom. The heart knows but the mind wavers.
The Chariot
Sideways Meaning: You want to move forward but something holds you back. The horses pull in different directions. Willpower is there but direction isn’t clear. You’re between action and inaction, motivation and exhaustion. Victory is possible but not guaranteed. Momentum is building slowly.
Strength
Sideways Meaning: Courage is growing but not yet steady. You’re finding your inner power but it’s inconsistent. The lion and the woman are in conversation, neither fully tamed nor fully wild. Compassion and force are seeking balance. You’re learning what true strength means for you.
The Hermit
Sideways Meaning: On the verge of insight but it hasn’t crystallized. You need solitude but haven’t claimed it yet, or you’ve been alone too long and are ready to emerge. The lantern flickers, wisdom is near but the path forward isn’t fully illuminated. Seeking but not yet finding.
Wheel of Fortune
Sideways Meaning: The wheel is turning but slowly. Fate is shifting but the outcome is unclear. You’re between luck cycle, neither particularly fortunate nor unfortunate. Change is coming but timing is uncertain. You’re at a pivot point where destiny could swing either way.
Justice
Sideways Meaning: Fairness is in question. The scales are balancing but haven’t settled. Truth is emerging but not yet revealed. Karma is working but results aren’t visible yet. You’re waiting for a decision, outcome, or resolution that’s still being weighed. Accountability is uncertain.
The Hanged Man
Sideways Meaning: Surrender is difficult right now. You’re between holding on and letting go. Perspective is shifting but the new viewpoint isn’t clear yet. Sacrifice may be necessary but you’re not ready. The pause feels uncomfortable, neither fully committed to waiting nor ready to act.
Death
Sideways Meaning: Transformation is beginning but not complete. You’re in the messy middle of change, old structures crumbling, new ones not yet built. Endings are happening but you’re clinging to what’s dying. Rebirth is promised but you’re still in the dark cocoon. The phoenix hasn’t risen yet.
Temperance
Sideways Meaning: Balance is being sought but not yet achieved. You’re experimenting with moderation, trying to blend opposing forces. Patience is needed but difficult to maintain. Healing is in progress. You’re learning the art of equilibrium, but the recipe isn’t perfected. Integration takes time.
The Devil
Sideways Meaning: Awareness of bondage but not yet free. You see your chains but aren’t sure how to remove them. Temptation is present and you’re neither fully giving in nor fully resisting. Addiction or attachment is being recognized. The grip is loosening but still there. Choice point approaching.
The Tower
Sideways Meaning: Disruption is threatening but hasn’t fully struck. You sense something is about to break apart. Change is inevitable but timing uncertain. The lightning is about to hit, you’re in the anticipatory moment before everything shifts. Foundations are shaking but still standing. Brace yourself.
The Star
Sideways Meaning: Hope is flickering. Faith is being tested but not completely lost. Renewal is possible but feels distant. You’re between despair and optimism, reaching for healing that seems just out of grasp. The light is there but dim. Keep going, inspiration is near but not quite here.
The Moon
Sideways Meaning: Deep in the confusion but starting to sense something. Illusions are thick and you’re not sure what’s real. Fear and intuition are tangled. You’re in the darkest part of the path, between delusion and clarity. The subconscious is very active. Trust is wavering. Dawn is coming but it’s still night.
The Sun
Sideways Meaning: Joy is possible but not fully felt. Success is near but hasn’t quite manifested. You’re emerging from darkness but still adjusting to the light. Confidence is growing but fragile. Vitality is returning slowly. The warmth is there but clouds occasionally pass over. Almost breakthrough.
Judgement
Sideways Meaning: You hear the call but haven’t answered yet. Rebirth is knocking but you’re not ready to open the door. Self-evaluation is happening but conclusions aren’t clear. Forgiveness, of self or others, is being considered. You’re between old and new identity. The past is being reviewed.
The World
Sideways Meaning: Completion is delayed. You’re almost there but something is missing. Integration is in progress but not finished. A cycle is ending but the next hasn’t begun. You’re between chapters, neither fully done with the old nor ready for the new. Accomplishment is close but not quite achieved.
Minor Arcana Sideways
Suit of Wands (Fire)
Ace of Wands
Sideways: New creative spark is present but you haven’t grabbed it yet. Opportunity is there but timing feels off. Passion is stirring but hasn’t ignited. The seed of inspiration exists but hasn’t been planted. Are you ready to receive this gift?
Two of Wands
Sideways: Planning is happening but decisions aren’t made. You see possibilities but can’t choose a direction. Power is available but not wielded. Partnerships are being considered. You’re at the doorway but haven’t stepped through. The world awaits your choice.
Three of Wands
Sideways: Progress is slow. Your ships haven’t come in yet. Expansion is delayed. Vision is clear but manifestation isn’t. You’re waiting for results, watching the horizon. Patience is tested. The journey is longer than expected but still possible.
Four of Wands
Sideways: Celebration is pending. Stability is being built but isn’t solid yet. Homecoming is near but you haven’t arrived. Community is forming. Milestones are approaching but not crossed. The foundation exists but the structure isn’t finished. Almost time to party.
Five of Wands
Sideways: Conflict is present but not escalated. Competition is there but you’re not fully engaged. Disagreement simmers. Everyone’s fighting for position but no one’s winning. Energy is scattered. Resolution isn’t near but chaos isn’t complete either. The struggle continues.
Six of Wands
Sideways: Victory is possible but not secured. Recognition is coming slowly. Confidence wavers. Success feels uncertain. You’re almost ready to claim your achievement but doubt lingers. The crowd is gathering but you haven’t taken the stage yet. Public approval pending.
Seven of Wands
Sideways: You’re holding your ground but barely. Defense is exhausting. The battle isn’t won or lost, it’s ongoing. Boundaries are being tested but holding. Courage is there but wearing thin. You’re neither advancing nor retreating, just enduring. Stand your ground a little longer.
Eight of Wands
Sideways: Things are moving but not at full speed. Messages are delayed. Travel is interrupted. Progress is happening but slower than expected. Energy is flowing but encounters obstacles. You’re in transit between one state and another. Movement without clear destination, yet.
Nine of Wands
Sideways: Exhaustion and determination are equal. You’re not sure if you can continue but you haven’t given up. Past wounds ache but don’t fully stop you. Resilience is being tested. You’re between collapse and completion. One more push might be needed or might be too much.
Ten of Wands
Sideways: The burden is heavy but not quite crushing. You’re carrying responsibilities but questioning whether you should. Burnout is threatening. You’re between taking everything on and letting it all go. Delegation is being considered. Relief is possible but requires choice.
Page of Wands
Sideways: Enthusiasm is there but action isn’t taken yet. Creative messages are unclear. New ventures are being considered but not started. Courage is building. You’re learning but not practicing. The journey calls but you haven’t packed your bags. Inspiration without follow-through, yet.
Knight of Wands
Sideways: Rushing forward but unsure of direction. Passion drives you but purpose isn’t clear. Adventure beckons but risk gives pause. Impulsiveness is being checked. Energy is high but unfocused. You want to charge ahead but something makes you hesitate. Channel the fire wisely.
Queen of Wands
Sideways: Confidence is present but not radiant. Leadership is developing. Charisma wavers. You’re between claiming your power and doubting yourself. Creative energy flows inconsistently. Your magnetic presence isn’t fully activated. You’re learning to be both warm and strong simultaneously.
King of Wands
Sideways: Vision is clear but implementation lags. Leadership is questioned, by you or others. Authority feels uncertain. Entrepreneurial energy is there but blocked. You’re between inspiration and action. The kingdom needs direction but the king hasn’t decided. Command with compassion, when ready.
Suit of Cups (Water)
Ace of Cups
Sideways: Emotional renewal is possible but blocked. A new relationship or feeling is starting but not flowing freely. The cup is offered but you haven’t accepted. Love is near but walls remain. Your heart is opening slowly. Divine love seeks entry but you’re not quite ready.
Two of Cups
Sideways: Connection is forming but uncertain. Partnership energy is there but commitment wavers. Mutual feelings exist but communication is unclear. You’re between solitude and union. Balance in relationship is being sought. The bond is real but fragile. Trust is building.
Three of Cups
Sideways: Community is there but you feel separate. Celebration is muted. Friendship exists but feels distant. You want connection but can’t quite join in. Joy is available but something blocks full participation. You’re present but not engaged. The circle waits for your full presence.
Four of Cups
Sideways: Apathy is lifting but not gone. You’re noticing what’s offered but not accepting yet. Meditation is interrupted. Between contentment and discontent. The universe offers a cup but you’re not sure you want it. Depression is easing or deepening, unclear which. Consider what’s before you.
Five of Cups
Sideways: Grief is present but healing begins. You’re between loss and recovery. The spilled cups hurt but the remaining ones are being noticed. Regret lingers but hope appears. You’re learning to honor what’s gone while seeing what remains. Slowly turning around.
Six of Cups
Sideways: Nostalgia is present but not overwhelming. The past calls but you’re not sure if you should answer. Childhood memories surface but their meaning is unclear. Innocence and experience dance. You’re between moving forward and looking back. Sweet memories with complicated feelings.
Seven of Cups
Sideways: Choices overwhelm but decision isn’t made. Fantasy and reality blur completely. You’re lost in possibilities, unable to discern truth. Illusion is thick. Every option seems equally possible and impossible. You’re stuck in the dream state. Clarity is needed but far away.
Eight of Cups
Sideways: You know you should leave but can’t quite go. The journey away from what no longer serves is beginning but difficult. Walking away is considered but not committed to. You’re between staying and going. The cups are stacked but the departure isn’t taken. Almost ready to move on.
Nine of Cups
Sideways: Satisfaction is there but feels empty. Wishes are granted but joy is muted. You got what you wanted but it’s not what you expected. Contentment is questioned. You’re between gratitude and disappointment. Material comfort exists but emotional fulfillment wavers. Reassess what you truly want.
Ten of Cups
Sideways: Happiness is possible but not quite reached. Family harmony is developing. Emotional fulfillment is near but not complete. The rainbow appears and fades. You’re building toward joy but obstacles remain. The dream of perfect contentment is there, almost tangible. Keep building.
Page of Cups
Sideways: Emotional messages are unclear. New feelings are emerging but confusing. Creative inspiration visits but you can’t capture it. Your inner child wants expression but you’re not sure how. Intuitive hits come and go. You’re learning to trust your feelings but it’s difficult.
Knight of Cups
Sideways: Romance is possible but unclear. Proposals or offers are pending. Your heart leads but your head questions. Idealism is present but tested by reality. You’re moved by emotion but uncertain of direction. Between chasing dreams and questioning if they’re real. Follow your heart, cautiously.
Queen of Cups
Sideways: Emotional wisdom is present but overwhelmed. Empathy threatens to become enmeshment. Intuition is strong but interpretation is unclear. You’re between your feelings and others’. Nurturing is needed but energy is low. The emotional depths are calling, do you dive in or protect yourself?
King of Cups
Sideways: Emotional mastery is developing but not solid. Control and feeling are at odds. Wisdom is there but application is difficult. You’re learning to be both compassionate and boundaried. Leadership through emotion is uncertain. The calm surface hides turbulent depths. Integration needed.
Suit of Swords (Air)
Ace of Swords
Sideways: Clarity is close but not quite here. Truth is emerging but still foggy. A breakthrough is pending. Mental fog is lifting slowly. The sword of insight is offered but you haven’t grasped it. New understanding is coming, be patient. Cut through confusion, almost.
Two of Swords
Sideways: Decision paralysis deepens. You’re stuck between choices, unable to remove the blindfold. Stalemate continues. Information is needed but unavailable. You’re avoiding truth while seeking it. The crossroads becomes a stopping point. Neither path feels right. Wait for clarity.
Three of Swords
Sideways: Heartbreak is acknowledged but healing hasn’t begun. Pain is present but not fully felt or released. The swords are there but you’re numb to them. Grief is complicated. You’re between denial and acceptance. Communication of pain is difficult. The hurt is real but frozen.
Four of Swords
Sideways: Rest is needed but not taken fully. Recovery is beginning but interrupted. You’re between activity and restoration. Meditation is shallow. Peace is sought but elusive. You know you need to pause but can’t quite commit. Mental rest is incomplete. Surrender to rest, soon.
Five of Swords
Sideways: Conflict’s aftermath lingers. You’re not sure if you won or lost. Victory feels hollow but defeat isn’t complete. Relationships are strained but not broken. You’re between fighting and walking away. Pride and regret intermingle. The battle isn’t over but you’re not sure it’s worth continuing.
Six of Swords
Sideways: Transition is beginning but difficult. You’re leaving troubled waters but haven’t reached calm seas. The journey is rough. Moving on is necessary but painful. You’re between the old and new, in the uncomfortable middle. Progress is slow but steady. Keep rowing.
Seven of Swords
Sideways: Deception is suspected but not confirmed. Strategy is unclear. You’re not sure if you’re being clever or dishonest. Escape is considered but not executed. Between integrity and self-preservation. Plans are forming but incomplete. Secrets are kept but burdensome. Reconsider your approach.
Eight of Swords
Sideways: Trapped but aware of it. You see the possibility of freedom but don’t believe in it. The bindings are loose but you haven’t removed them. Victim mentality is questioned but not released. You’re between imprisonment and liberation. The choice is yours but you don’t see it yet.
Nine of Swords
Sideways: Anxiety is present but not overwhelming. Nightmares come but dawn is approaching. Worry is being addressed but relief isn’t here. You’re between despair and hope. Mental anguish is acknowledged but solutions are unclear. The dark night continues but lightening is coming. Hold on.
Ten of Swords
Sideways: The worst is over or about to happen, unclear which. You’re at rock bottom or approaching it. Betrayal is suspected or healing from it. Ending is necessary but acceptance is hard. You’re between complete destruction and the first step of recovery. It can’t get worse, can it get better?
Page of Swords
Sideways: Curiosity is there but fear stops exploration. New ideas are forming but not shared. Communication is hesitant. Truth-seeking is beginning but obstacles appear. Mental agility is developing. You’re learning to think for yourself but it’s uncomfortable. Speak up, when ready.
Knight of Swords
Sideways: Charging forward but maybe in the wrong direction. Thoughts race but clarity is absent. Communication is rushed and potentially harmful. You’re between decisive action and reckless behavior. Ambition drives but wisdom lags. The mind is sharp but possibly cutting the wrong things. Slow down and aim carefully.
Queen of Swords
Sideways: Clarity is present but compassion wavers. Boundaries are set but maybe too harshly. Truth is important but delivery is questionable. You’re between honesty and cruelty. Independence is valued but connection is missed. Mental strength is there but emotional understanding is lacking. Soften the sharp edges.
King of Swords
Sideways: Authority is there but fairness is questioned. Logic dominates but misses the human element. Judgment is being made but might be premature. You’re between objectivity and coldness. Intellectual power is present but empathy is absent. Justice and mercy seek balance. Rule with head and heart.
Suit of Pentacles (Earth)
Ace of Pentacles
Sideways: Material opportunity is there but not seized. New beginnings in work or finance are possible but uncertain. The coin is offered but you haven’t taken it. Practicality and dreams are at odds. You’re between potential prosperity and inaction. Ground the vision, when ready.
Two of Pentacles
Sideways: Juggling continues with no resolution. Balance is impossible to maintain. You’re between managing well and dropping everything. Adaptability is tested. Resources are stretched thin. Priorities are unclear. The dance between responsibilities is exhausting. Something has to give or does it?
Three of Pentacles
Sideways: Collaboration is forming but not smooth. Skills are present but recognition is delayed. Teamwork is necessary but communication is off. You’re learning but application is unclear. The work is good but not quite right. Refinement is needed. Keep building together, patiently.
Four of Pentacles
Sideways: Control is present but unhealthy. Security and freedom are at odds. You’re between holding on and letting go. Fear of loss is strong but so is the need for generosity. Possessiveness is recognized but not released. The grip loosens then tightens. Open the hands, gradually.
Five of Pentacles
Sideways: Hardship is present but help is near. You feel abandoned but support exists, you just don’t see it. Material or spiritual poverty is experienced but not permanent. You’re between suffering and seeking help. Pride and need battle. Look up, someone’s there.
Six of Pentacles
Sideways: Giving and receiving are out of balance. Charity is present but dynamics are unclear. Are you the giver or receiver? Generosity is complicated by power. You’re between abundance and need, helping and being helped. Examine the exchange, is it fair? Reciprocity is being renegotiated.
Seven of Pentacles
Sideways: Patience is necessary but frustrating. Results are coming but slowly. You’ve planted and tended but harvest isn’t here. Effort is visible but reward isn’t. You’re between continuing to work and giving up. Reassessment is needed. Is this investment worth it? Not yet clear.
Eight of Pentacles
Sideways: Dedication is present but motivation wavers. Skill-building continues but purpose is questioned. Craftsmanship is valued but perfectionism blocks progress. You’re between mastery and exhaustion. The work is good enough or is it? Quality and completion are at odds. Keep refining or move on?
Nine of Pentacles
Sideways: Independence is achieved but lonely. Material success is there but fulfillment is questioned. Luxury exists but joy is muted. You’re between self-sufficiency and isolation. Abundance is present but something’s missing. The garden is beautiful but who shares it with you? Reassess what wealth means.
Ten of Pentacles
Sideways: Legacy is being built but completion is distant. Family wealth or dysfunction is in question. Security is sought but not yet established. You’re between building and maintaining. Traditions are honored or rejected, not sure which is right. The foundation is strong but the structure is incomplete. Generational patterns surface.
Page of Pentacles
Sideways: New opportunities in material realm are uncertain. Learning is happening but application lags. Practical plans are forming but not enacted. You’re between dreaming and doing. Loyalty is there but direction is unclear. The message of manifestation is heard but not understood. Study more before acting.
Knight of Pentacles
Sideways: Progress is slow to the point of stagnation. Dedication becomes stubbornness. Responsibility becomes burden. You’re between persistence and being stuck. The path forward is clear but movement is painful. Reliability is there but flexibility is absent. Keep going or change course? Unclear.
Queen of Pentacles
Sideways: Nurturing is present but resources are limited. Practical care is given but you’re depleted. Material security is valued but work-life balance is off. You’re between caring for others and yourself. Abundance mindset wavers. The garden needs tending but so do you. Self-care is practical magic.
King of Pentacles
Sideways: Authority in material realm is present but questioned. Success exists but satisfaction doesn’t. Business acumen is there but vision is unclear. You’re between building empire and questioning its worth. Wealth is accumulated but purpose is lost. Material mastery is achieved but spiritual connection is missing. What’s it all for?
Working With Sideways Cards
Trust Your Intuition
The meanings provided here are guides, but your personal connection to each card is most important. When a card appears sideways, pause and notice your immediate response. What does this card’s horizontal position tell you?
Consider the Imagery
Look at the card’s artwork when it’s sideways. Does the imagery suggest anything different in this position? Some cards have obvious visual cues when horizontal.
Context is Everything
A sideways card means different things depending on:
- Where it appears in a spread
- What question was asked
- What other cards surround it
- Whether it’s the only sideways card or one of many
Journal Your Experiences
Track your sideways cards in readings. Over time, you’ll develop your own relationship with how these liminal positions speak to you.
It’s Okay to Not Use Sideways
If sideways cards don’t resonate with your practice, that’s completely valid. You can choose to read them as upright, reversed, or simply shuffle until all cards are oriented vertically. Your practice, your choice.
Working With Sideways Cards in Your Practice
Sideways tarot cards offer a third dimension to readings, the space of “not yet,” “almost,” “maybe” and “in-between.” They honor the reality that life isn’t always clearly defined as positive or negative, forward or backward. Sometimes we’re simply in the middle, in the waiting, in the uncertainty.
Learning to read sideways cards is learning to be comfortable with liminal space, with transitions, with the messy middle of any journey. It’s acknowledging that answers aren’t always immediate, that clarity comes in its own time and that sometimes the most honest reading is “you’re in process.”
May your readings honor wherever you are on your journey, whether you’re moving forward, backward or simply standing at the crossroads, watching the paths and waiting for the right moment to choose.
Photo by Edz Norton on Unsplash
