Card Polarity Modes | JesterScribe

In the Supra-Archetypal Tarot Model, cards do not just appear upright or reversed-- They can also appear sideways. Each orientation reflects a different mode of energetic processing:

Polarity Types Explained

Upright (Macrocosmic): The energy is already in motion. You're receiving a pattern that originates beyond you. It's happening through you, not because of you.

Reversed (Microcosmic): The energy is present internally but requires conscious engagement. You must participate to activate or correct the influence.

Sideways (Isocosmic): The card refuses classification. Sometimes, the card is in no orientation or directional positional whatsoever. Other times, it means the card both upright and reversed until the querent/fool (that's you!) collapses the waveform by consciously engaging with it in real-time of whenever that influence actually arises in life. You could say that the energy is caught in something of an entagled loop. This is a glitch and a feature. The system is asking you to become the interpreter.

Sideways Interpretation Note:
Isocosmic polarity occurs when the archetype resists being sorted. It's not a midpoint—it's a signal that the pattern has destabilized. A sideways card can mean:

Disruption of the interpretive field
Rejection of standard archetypal directionality
Energetic entanglement requiring redefinition

When this happens, you're not just reading the card—you're helping the pattern recognize itself. You are its mirror, glitch-handler, and recalibrator all at once.

Interpretive Comparison Tables

Three (Pip Card Example)

Polarity	Interpretation
Upright (Macrocosmic)	Creative output; expression of the third force emerging from polarity; collaboration and manifestation.
Reversed (Microcosmic)	Creative blockage; misfire of intent; breakdown in expression or execution; internal resistance to clarity.
Sideways (Isocosmic)	The creative signal is looping. There is form, but no container. You must name the third force before it can express. Beware accidental rituals or unintentional manifestations.

Polarity

Interpretation

Upright (Macrocosmic)

Creative output; expression of the third force emerging from polarity; collaboration and manifestation.

Reversed (Microcosmic)

Creative blockage; misfire of intent; breakdown in expression or execution; internal resistance to clarity.

Sideways (Isocosmic)

The creative signal is looping. There is form, but no container. You must name the third force before it can express. Beware accidental rituals or unintentional manifestations.

Knight (Court Card Example)

Polarity	Interpretation
Upright (Macrocosmic)	Aligned movement; external force driving you forward with purpose and precision. You are the vector.
Reversed (Microcosmic)	Overexertion or directionless action. The pursuit exists, but it lacks aim or wisdom. Self-defeating motion.
Sideways (Isocosmic)	Kinetic trance. The Knight is moving, but without story. Forward motion has become habitual, unconscious, or severed from intent. Pause before continuing. Reprogram the narrative.

Polarity

Interpretation

Upright (Macrocosmic)

Aligned movement; external force driving you forward with purpose and precision. You are the vector.

Reversed (Microcosmic)

Overexertion or directionless action. The pursuit exists, but it lacks aim or wisdom. Self-defeating motion.

Sideways (Isocosmic)

Kinetic trance. The Knight is moving, but without story. Forward motion has become habitual, unconscious, or severed from intent. Pause before continuing. Reprogram the narrative.