need help

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 07 Nov 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

anjocoxo	07 Nov 2003
My dear friends, you don't know what happened to me. A school is opening tarot courses and they asked me to present the project and, if they like it, I'll do the courses myself. They know I've never done a tarot course in my life and that all I've learned was through studying the cards and practicing, but are willing to take the chance with me. Now, I have a few ideas about what a tarot course should be about, but I would like your help on this one. How should I organize the course? I was thinking about starting with a bit of history and different decks, then move on to major arcana and finally, the minor arcana. I have to present the classes program on monday, and I'm terribly nervous, because I've never even done a tarot course in my life, how am I gonna give one? I would really love to do this, but I'm scared to death... what if I'm not good enough? I'm used to teach, since I work in a school (I teach english), but this is not the same thing... Oh, well, can you give me some guidelines on what would you like to see on a tarot course (it will probably be a beginners course... I hope) Thanks in advance for all your help. Anjo

Inana	07 Nov 2003
Dont worry, Anjo, you will do it fine. I only can speak from a student perspective. I think if you want to talk a bit about history, theory, types of deck, how tarot works, different uses of tarot, etc... you can mix it with some working on the cards in the same class. I mean is more fun an entertaining when one change the subject a bit in the same class. So half "tarot theory" an half about studying the actual cards. Once ended the major arcana, you can start with practicing collective readings or so. But I dont really know. Just want to wish you good luck. Sure you are going to be a great teacher.

Moongold	07 Nov 2003
Anjo............ Who are you teaching? That makes a difference ~

Dark_angel	07 Nov 2003
How about some small group work? My degree places a lot of emphasis on work we do in small groups (10 or fewer), and I think this is a very effective way of teaching, provided the students are of a reasonable level of maturity. You could have groups of about 4 or 5, and have them brainstorm a card, writing down what they see in the card, what symbols speak to them, what the card means to them, etc. Kind of like journaling, but as a group. Then each group could feed their interpretations back to the rest of the class. Believe me, it's actually a fun way to do it, even though it can be scary. Maybe start with a deck like the Rider-Waite as a base deck, and then later on, once people have got the hang of interpreting the cards and understanding the basic relationships, possibly move on to the numerology, kabbalistic, etc. interactions.

anjocoxo	07 Nov 2003
I don't know their ages yet, but I asume it will be classes for adults. Yes, I was thinking about putting theory and practice in the same class, or else students get bored and easily distracted (even adults). The idea of making groups sounds great, dark_angel, thanks for the suggestion, I'll probably do that. In the meantime I'll be searching for more information regarding the history of tarot. Anjo

SongDeva	07 Nov 2003
I like to read intuitively, so I like the idea of writing down my first impressions before knowing the meaning of the cards. To teach this, you could choose one card, have everyone write their impressions for 5 minutes. Then have them 'read' the card for another class mate by writing for 5 minutes. Then share answers, and read the meaning in the book. Usually people are close or get some elements right, so it teaches them to trust their intuition, their gut instinct, which will surely come in handy when they start doing readings on their own! Another exercise I learned from the Froud Fairy oracle: Take all the cards and look at them, and start to put them in groups. Try several categories: Happy Cards/Sad Cards Cards with people/no people All the queens, all the pages Cards you like, cards you hate By color etc It's a great way to get to know a deck, and at the same time, get a feel for the energies of the cards. Finally, Choosing the card you like best and the card you dislike the most, and writing on both. This is an old tarot exercise, and Froud's book calls them your "power cards" for what is going on in your life right now.

Moongold	07 Nov 2003
Anjo, Everyone has given excellent suggestions. There is a lovely book by Nina Lee Braden called Tarot for Self Discovery which has a range of good exercies for people to do in their explorartion of Tarot. It was published by Llewellyn in 2002. It would give you some creative ideas to use with the whole class, individuls and in groups. Best of luck, Anjo. I'm you'll be fine. Moongold

Logiatrix	07 Nov 2003
...epecially SongDeva's attention to intuition. As a student, I wish I would have learned intuition much earlier than I actually did. I believe use of intuition will be the most valuable tool you can give your students, even if they don't continue to use their tarot knowledge. Moongold also suggests an excellent book to reference. Another book to look at--you might even already have it--is "Tarot For Yourself," by Mary Greer. Therein contains some excellent means of learning the cards. My own suggestion is that the student leaves each class with SOMETHING. That is, something to try at home, something to carry with him/her until the next class, something to apply in daily life. This is especially vital with the very first class, because that's when people decide if they're gonna come back. Perhaps working toward the completion of a simple two-card reading by the end of the first class could work. This is do-able, but those who do not know tarot think that's pretty amazing, even if it's just two cards. Anyway, I think it would demonstrate both the accessibility and magic of tarot, if your students can take that little bit of reading ability with them after the very first class. ((((((Anjocoxo)))))) Good Luck and BLESSINGS, Tauni

Star Spirit	07 Nov 2003
Teach the way you would like to be taught :)

wynde	07 Nov 2003
anjo, i've never given a course and i've only taken 2 short ones, but i can tell you that my attitude going into courses (and all research) is, "here's a chance to understand someone else's approach, and any information is good information." ultimately it's just me and the cards. so relax, what you say can't be bad or wrong in any way because it's simply what you have to offer, and that's perfect because it's totally unique. just give of yourself. that's how tarot works, right?

Emily	08 Nov 2003
Maybe also getting them to work out their soul cards, teacher, year cards etc. It would make them feel closer to their decks knowing they have cards specific to themselves to study or meditate on. :)

Majecot	08 Nov 2003
Anjo, I trust in you that it will be a wonderful learning experience for you and your students. How exciting for you. Think of is though your teaching your best friend and you will be fine. Good luck and I can't wait to hear your progress. And what lesson plans you have decided to use.

Logiatrix	08 Nov 2003
Quote: Originally posted by wynde ...so relax, what you say can't be bad or wrong in any way because it's simply what you have to offer, and that's perfect because it's totally unique. just give of yourself. ...that's how tarot works, right? Excellent point, wynde! :D

anjocoxo	11 Nov 2003
I just wanted to thank all you guys and the advices you gave me. I went to the enterview and they are going to start advertising the course. If, by january, they have students, they will conatct me, and I'm gonna be the one to give the classes. I'm a bit scared, because sometimes I loose confidence in myself... oh, well, if I ever have problems, I'll ask you here. Once again, thanks Anjo

Requiella	11 Nov 2003
Everyone here has great ideas. I'd only add that you might want to include something about spreads, probably later in the course. I especially like the idea (can't remember whose) of taking each card (or all that you have time for) and writing impressions of it and then sharing these. This can be a wonderful way to get people talking to each other too, which will ultimately give your class a warmer, more intimate feel (if that's what you want). I teach college courses, and I always try to plan some sort of ice-breaker type activity for the first day or two, just to set the tone--it gets everyone comfortable with each other more quickly. Good luck!

silvie	11 Nov 2003
i believe the magic about teaching is sharing what you love with others. It's wonderful and amusing. And ,after axiety, you'll be excited and happy. i don't teach tarot but some times work with adults in communication subjects. In the beggining i feel rather nervous but in minutes i adore to be there. Think about exercises after theory. It's great and very funny. You ´ve received so good messages, that i just send you my best wishes. Remember: relax and smile!! Light for you, Silvie

lunalafey	11 Nov 2003
What an awsome opportunity! congratulations! I like the intuitive - 5 minute- approach. one thing you might want to do is have a question box. go over a few good ones each day. also, you could have everyone do a card- like our collective deck made by AT members- it can be turned in at the end of the class, and would be a card they felt connected to. It would be interesting to see who does what, especially after learning of thier personalities. take a look at some on-line courses & see how they set up thier studies. build from your experiences in teaching yourself, the suggestions offered here and from what other resources you come across. good luck! Have Fun!

skytwig	11 Nov 2003
Wonderful opportunity for you, wow! :D Remember, too, that as you teach, it will evolve.... it will be a work in process also.... as you 'read' the needs of the students.... The key is, as lunalafey just mentioned.... have fun!! Joy opens us to our hearts and to Spirit itself..... delight is, after all, a very bright light!! :)

The need help thread was originally posted on 07 Nov 2003 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.