What does the reversed Lust card mean in the Thoth Tarot?

In the Thoth Tarot, the Lust card is equivalent to Strength in the Rider–Waite–Smith deck. Upright, it represents passion, vitality, courage, and embracing life with full intensity. Reversed, it often signals excess, indulgence, or lack of self-control. It can also reflect fear of your own desires, repression, or feeling disconnected from inner strength.

In tarot readings, the Lust card reversed may appear when passion becomes obsession, or when desires are denied out of fear or shame. It can also warn of burnout, lack of discipline, or giving your power away to external influences.

When this card appears reversed, it asks: Am I mastering my instincts, or am I being mastered by them?

Symbolism and Imagery of the Reversed Lust Card in the Thoth Tarot

The Lust card in the Thoth Tarot is filled with esoteric symbolism:

• The Scarlet Woman Riding the Beast: Upright, she symbolizes the union of instinct and spirit. Reversed, it may represent losing control to passions or repressing desire.
• The Seven-Headed Beast: Each head reflects different forms of desire and energy. Reversed, it suggests imbalance or being consumed by one aspect of desire.
• The Grail Raised High: Represents divine ecstasy and spiritual fulfillment. Reversed, it can symbolize false pleasures or seeking fulfillment in empty indulgence.
• Radiant Colors of Fire: Indicate vitality and power. Reversed, they may symbolize burnout, chaos, or lack of direction.

Symbolically, the reversed Lust card warns against either overindulgence or repression—both extremes block authentic strength and joy.

How does the reversed Lust card relate to love?

In love readings, the Lust card reversed often points to imbalances in passion, intimacy, or power dynamics.

• Singles: It may show being consumed by attraction without true emotional connection, or avoiding intimacy out of fear of vulnerability.
• Couples: This card can highlight issues of jealousy, control, or sexual imbalance. It may also suggest passion fading because of overindulgence or lack of balance.

The message: true love thrives when passion is tempered with trust and respect.

How does the reversed Lust card affect career and work?

In career readings, the reversed Lust card may reflect misuse of ambition, burnout, or power struggles.

• Overconfidence may lead to reckless decisions.
• Workplace conflicts may stem from ego or lack of discipline.
• At times, it suggests you’re repressing your true passions—working for approval instead of pursuing what inspires you.

The guidance: find balance between passion and discipline. Success requires both drive and self-control.

What does the reversed Lust card mean in finances?

In financial readings, the reversed Lust card warns of reckless spending, gambling, or material overindulgence.

• You may be chasing excitement rather than long-term stability.
• Alternatively, it may indicate fear of money, avoiding responsibility, or not claiming your financial power.

The advice: balance indulgence with responsibility. True abundance comes from mastery of desire, not enslavement to it.

What does the reversed Lust card mean in health?

In health readings, the reversed Lust card often signals imbalance, burnout, or unhealthy indulgence.

• Overexertion, addiction, or ignoring self-care may be issues.
• Sometimes, it reflects repression of vitality—denying yourself joy and pleasure to the point of stress.

The message: honor both body and spirit. Health comes from balanced expression of energy.

What does the reversed Lust card mean spiritually?

Spiritually, the Lust card reversed suggests fear of embracing your full power or misusing it.

• You may be repressing desires that could actually lead to transformation.
• Alternatively, you may be giving in to false pleasures that distract from true spiritual growth.
• It can also indicate difficulty trusting yourself to handle spiritual power responsibly.

The lesson: embrace your inner fire with integrity, not fear.

Astrology and Elemental Associations of the Reversed Lust Card

In the Thoth Tarot, Lust corresponds to the zodiac sign Leo, representing passion, creativity, and courage.

Elementally, it aligns with Fire—raw energy, vitality, and transformation. Reversed, this fire may be misused, suppressed, or uncontrolled.

Numerologically, Lust is Major Arcana VIII (or XI in Rider–Waite numbering), representing mastery of instinct. Reversed, it reflects imbalance, indulgence, or fear.

Card Combinations with the Reversed Lust Card

• Reversed Lust + The Devil: Obsession, addiction, or unhealthy desires taking control.
• Reversed Lust + The Tower: Destructive consequences of overindulgence or reckless passion.
• Reversed Lust + The Lovers: Imbalance between passion and true connection.
• Reversed Lust + The Hermit: Repression of desires or denial of authentic passions.

Advanced Interpretations and the Shadow Side

At its shadow level, the reversed Lust card may represent:

• Excess – being consumed by passion, desire, or indulgence.
• Repression – denying your instincts or passions out of fear.
• Loss of Control – letting ego or temptation override wisdom.
• Burnout – expending too much energy without balance.

The transformation comes from owning your desires with integrity—neither denying them nor letting them rule you.

Story Example: A Real-Life Tarot Reading

A querent asks why they feel drained despite pursuing their passions. They draw the Lust card reversed. The card suggests their energy has been spent recklessly, chasing excitement without balance. The guidance: channel passion more mindfully, and avoid burning out by giving power away to fleeting desires.

Is the reversed Lust card a yes or no card?

As a yes or no card, the Lust card reversed generally leans toward “no” or “not right now.”

It suggests imbalance, lack of discipline, or misuse of passion. The answer may shift to “yes” once self-control and clarity are restored.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Reversed Lust Card

1. Is the Lust card the same as Strength in Rider–Waite? Yes. In the Thoth Tarot, Lust corresponds to Strength but with added emphasis on passion and raw energy.

2. Does the reversed Lust card always mean excess? Not always. It can also point to repression—avoiding desire or denying instincts.

3. What zodiac sign is associated with Lust? Leo, representing courage, vitality, and passion.

4. What does the reversed Lust card mean in love? It suggests jealousy, imbalance, or passion without respect or trust.

5. Can the reversed Lust card be positive? Yes. It may indicate releasing unhealthy patterns or reclaiming power by bringing passion back into balance.

Final Thoughts on the Reversed Lust Card (Thoth Tarot)

The Lust card reversed in the Thoth Tarot warns of imbalance—either being consumed by desires or repressing them out of fear. Upright, this card celebrates passion, vitality, and courage. Reversed, it calls for balance, integrity, and responsible mastery of energy.

In love, career, finances, and spirituality, this card asks: Are you controlling your desires, or are they controlling you?