Learning Tarot

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 08 Aug 2001, and now archived in the Forum Library.

LaIslaBonita	08 Aug 2001
I am just beginning and i know absolutley nothing about tarot. Sure, it has always fascinated me, but never really had access because of either fear or doubt. But that has melted away =). What are some good books and/or websites that will help a complete beginner like me learn it, in plain english?

arizonagirl	08 Aug 2001
There is a free tarot for beginners course that has just started at the Barnes & Noble website. http://www.barnesandnobleuniversity.com You'll need a deck of tarot cards, but the textbook for the course can be downloaded for free (as opposed to purchasing it) at http://www.learntarot.org

misifu	09 Aug 2001
Hello LaIslaBonita, I don't really know any websites, but I can recommend a book or two, although that depends on how you want to learn card interpretation. For instance, do you want to learn the "gypsy" way of reading cards, or do you want to delve, say, more into spiritual guidance? Either way, I think "Power Tarot" by Trish McGregor and Phyllis Vega is a pretty good book for beginners. One thing about this book, is that it does not give the reversed meaning of the cards. However, even if you read them all upright, the Tarot is never wrong, and you will learn eventually. Another good book for beginners is "Learning the Tarot" by Joan Bunning ( I think I spelled her last name right ), and "Tarot Plain and Simple" by Anthony Louis. This book does give you the meanings of both upright and reversed cards, plus gives a small explanation of numerology and astrology with the Tarot. There are a few more, but I think that's enough to get you started. Also, depending where you live, you may want to check out your local metaphysical store(s), and ask to see if they offer courses in Tarot. Anyway, good luck to you and your Tarot journey. Love, Misifu.

EveAnna	09 Aug 2001
The book I use 'Way of Tarot' by Evelyne Herbin and Terry Donaldson is a good starting book but I also use Joan Bunnings book too - as well as quite a few others :)

RiotFemme	10 Aug 2001
When I first began learning tarot, I found Eden Gray's "A Complete Guide to the Tarot" very helpful. Now, many years later, I find Jana Riley's "Tarot Dictionary and Compendium" a great resource. Joan Bunning is also quite good.

rob	12 Aug 2001
These days, I think one of the best ways to begin is (already mentioned by others here) with Joan Bunning's website: http://www.learntarot.org/ You don't even need to buy a set of cards first. Go to the site, browse around, look at the lessons, think about it, THEN go buy a deck that YOU like the feel of and begin. Remember, what feels right for YOU is what's best. Don't worry too much about "rules". Just have some fun (there's nothing in the "rules" that says tarot has to be UN-FUN) and take your time. Don't feel you have to go out and spend a ton of money right away. Do what YOU want to, when YOU want to, and HAVE FUN. If you have questions, you've already found a great place to find answers... HERE. There are lots of nice people here who enjoy helping, teaching, and talking tarot, and... they also like to have FUN. Did I remember to mention "HAVE FUN"? -rob

The Learning Tarot thread was originally posted on 08 Aug 2001 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.