Oh Dear

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 22 Oct 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

loveinspirit	22 Oct 2004
ive taught my first class last night, and i feel like it was terrible, it was such a struggle for me, i went with handouts for the class. there was suppose to be 14 in the class, only 5 turned up and two of them were late. i introduced myself etc, and then asked the class to introduce themselves, have they been to a reader before, and have they read for people etc . they seemed very confused by the fact that there are so may books, with different meanings, i dont think they knew where to start... then my plan for the class went down hill... i was trying to explain to them that they dont need books to understand the cards meanings... its more down to self awareness and intitution, so we started with the majors and i got them to look at each card starting with the fool. and write down how they felt about the card what they saw, what they thought the card meaning would be.... on this they did really well.. after three cards the fool, the magician and the high priestess, i asked them to turn the cards over so they couldnt see them, shuffle them and just take one card and try read someone else in the class, this they didnt get, but they gave it a go.. it didnt help where they all chose the fool. why that happened i dont know, i would have liked the class to be more interactive, and fun for them, but i dont feel i gained that, all i got them to do was to write down the meanings of how they felt about the cards we got through 11 cards, whether with 5 people and 2 hours this is good i dont know...i did explain to them that this is how also to do a tarot journal... one woman got upset when she said she had been to a reader who told her, her partner was going to die from cancer... he was in hospital with cancer and that was 5 years ago and hes still alive.... and another woman started to cry when she was describing the hermit, she seemed lost and looking for hope and guidance like the hermit, i also felt like i had an out of body experience, like my body didnt want to be there, but my willingness to teach stayed in the room... i dont know whether to cry because i wanted to do so much more with the class, and i feel like it didnt go right at all, or cry with relief and happiness because i got through my first time teaching..... i now have 2 weeks before my next class as the school where i teach is having a half time break.... i would really like some guidance from anyone to make my plan for the class better, and fun. and if possible for someone to give me a reading to find out if i should continue with teaching this class....... a big thank you to all who gave me, good luck for my first lesson .... many many thanks

jmd	22 Oct 2004
It is probably firstly important to reflect on each positive aspect and instance that emerged through the class - and reflect on even those more difficult situations in ways which deepens understanding. For example, that there were only 5 people out of the number who enrolled may have allowed for those five to possibly be able to shed some of their own more deeply held hurts and distresses (which appears to have been the case). Also, and this is of course partly a socio-cultural factor, lateness may need to be 'expected'. Just because you may not (perhaps) ever be late highlights that for some even getting there at all is perhaps a personal struggle which may have to be juggled on a week-by-week basis. Some may perhaps be having to leave behind virtually impossible-to-leave-behind spouses or children - the very effort they make to even be there needs to be accepted implicitly, with gratitude and understanding. For some, emotions may, as you experienced, come to the fore quite strongly. This has not occured for quite some years in various courses I have held (at least, not to the extant you describe). But remember, you are dealing with one person who may as a result allow some healing and acceptance of some part of herself to take place. Perhaps take some time to just ask her if she's alright - just a simple gesture may help, and if she is in need of greater assistance, do not hesitate to suggest that she may find speaking to a professional counsellor helpful (you will need to both sensitively assess, and sensitively suggest, if appropriate - but do it not in the group situation, but when she has more privacy within the group). That books are numerous and distinct does not mean that they may not find them useful - learning from books, I often say, is like listening to a taped lecture, or watching a re-run of an interview: it is written or produced in a particular way which cannot, given its medium, take into account the here and now of the situation at hand, but may still be useful. A course allows for weaving changes to occur through time, and responses and replies to be made directly to the situation as it arises. You have already given them much to work with... now I would suggest to reflect, see what guidance given what was done and said appears to be required, and prepare for that. Remember to review in your imagination the event - as though you were a fly on the wall, and thus not a participant, but a disinterested observer. ...And I suggest to do this for three consecutive evenings before going to sleep, and in the next morning allow any insights to be noted. Finally, give yourself a great big hug and a pat on the back - you obviously did far better than your post suggests at first reading! :):):)

cheekyminx	22 Oct 2004
I am sure you did well but did not notice you did. How was your attitude before you began the class? When we do something for the first time we are normally always nervous and expecting the worst. We are all different from one another and see things in different ways. It is up to us as an individual to interpret what we feel the cards are saying to us. Just tell the students that you are teaching them what you feel the cards mean, but that they are all entitled to their own opinions. But in reality, every book does have similar meanings for each card. I honestly think that you should still do the classes. Remember practise makes perfect. You will get there. Please don't let this so called 'bad experience' stop you from doing something that you're very good at. You will turn out to be a great teacher! Good luck!

SoulFlower	22 Oct 2004
Try to make a few plans for the class, organise everything a bit. I would also create some interactive "games" to do in between. Another thing, how where you sitting? Was it really in a class with you in front and the rest in the back on shares? If so, next time you are with few people, just put the desks in a circle or gather around on the flour. This will make your relation with your students more personal. The hardest thing about explaining things ist that you seem to think it's all obvious if you want it or not, but for some of your students, everything can be new. Maybe they didn't even realise a tarot deck has 78 cards. Maybe you could give them an assignment where they have to browser all there cards and look for there favourite one. This favourite one can be on meaning or just on how it looks. You can make them explain why they picked if and than if it fits in with there lifes or more with there dreams. I'm just giving some ideas.

Eco74	22 Oct 2004
Oh, wow... What an experience... Firstly I agree with Jmd about you being given the oportunity to really focus with these fewer students. And it also seems that with less of an actual plan, you have all the material you need to get through a couple of hours. Do still have a "spine" for the two hours, but don't have it all scribbled down to the last detail. Just have the topics up, enough of them to cover the time should nothing come up from the students, but let the class be more "alive" and don't go slavishly by the plan. Try seing it as Learning With them instead of Teaching them. Oh, and give them little "homework". Something easy that they can take time for even if they have little of it. Like a certain card or a few certain cards that catch their interest. They can start a Journal just on those cards in four parts (four pages); 1. Taking the card in, writing down whatever gets their attention. 2. Looking only at the positive aspects. 3. Looking only at the negative aspects. 4. Taking the card in and writing whatever gets their attention. - That way they'll get an overview of the card that goes a little deeper. This can also be done during class ofcourse to set the example and make it clearer to them how to get to know the cards. And take subjects with you for next time. From thisone you have; - Reader Ethics, to give bad news or not? - Reader Ethics, how to present negative readings. - How cards touch on different levels. - Archtypes, what are they really? You might also want to write on the blackboard (or whatever you have access to) what the subjects of the day will be and maybe some pointers for the next one aswell so the students can prepare questions and such and come more prepared. And again I find myself rambling... Sheeesh... :rolleyes:

loveinspirit	22 Oct 2004
thank you for all the advice, i did explain that there are 22 major arcana 56 minor arcana making 78 cards altogether. i put the tables in a horseshoe shape with all of us sitting on chairs..... with all the confusion over the card meanings i did explain to them its ok to still look in the book at the meanings, but for them to understand its how they feel and get from a card that is more important... and that the books are good for finding out about meditating cleansing and storing..... i did try to make plans for the class and get it as organised as i could... i thought i had every aspect covered... but when they were looking at the cards and writing down their meanings, i was looking at the card at the same time. i was just sitting there thinking opps. no one was talking. you could cut the atmosphere with a knife... they are students wanting to learn and i am wanting to teach them... it was more like being back at school something i didnt want to happen.... i would like to do interactive games with them but cant think of any. i was very nervous at the start because i told there were going to be 14 people in the class. instead only 5 and i do really feel whether it was 5 or 14 i didnt handle the class well... in a day or so i might realise that thre are some positives from it. i suppose i am being to hard on myself...

Anna	22 Oct 2004
I'm sorry you had a difficult time of it loveinspirit :( It sounds like it was very hardgoing. And it totally changes your lesson plans when only a third of the students turn up. Perhaps more will come next week, that is sometimes the way with adult education courses. I have never taught tarot, but I have done quite a bit of teaching adults. Often in challenging situations. The hardest was giving mental health awareness training to Nurses from an Accident and Emergency department. They had been told they needed the training and were very resentful about being there! I've learnt a few tricks along the way, that have helped a lot!! I always start a session by introducing myself, I say a little about what experience I have with the subject and why I am enthusiastic about teaching it! Then I ask the people in the group to introduce themselves, eg; asking them to say what they are hoping to learn, why they are here, a bit about who they are. I sometimes will ask questions to show that I am intrested in what they have said. It can be time consuming, but I feel that if everyone has already had to speak once, and feels that I have listened, it will be easier for them to speak again when I ask a question. It also people get to know each other, helps the group to become a group rather than a collection of individuals, if that makes sense. Jokes are good! People like to feel at ease, and if you can make them laugh early on, then you break down some of the nervousness in the room. It can also help to get people on side too, and make them want to listen to what you are going to say. I always talk briefly through my lesson plan at the beginning too. People like to know what is going to be expected of them. It helps them to feel more comfortable. This all usually takes up the first 10-15 minutes, which is quite a lot of time. But, the atmosphere in the group becomes so much easier to work with when I spend this time at the beggining on the "getting to know you" stuff, and it means that the rest of the session will be far more productive and enjoyable for everyone! Another thing that I think is very important is to be passionate about what you are teaching!! When someone is enthusiastic and loves their subject, you can't help but want to listen to them. The most knowledgable teachers in the world can make a class fall asleep with boredom if they aren't enthusisastic. But, someone with less knowledge speaking passionatly about a subject can really grab a classes attention, and get the class to feel passionate and enthusiastic too! I sometimes think that even if the people don't learn very much, at least they will have enjoyed the session. Throwing in some excercises that can be done in groups or pairs early on in the class helps too, it gets people talking to each other. Don't think of yourself as the teacher, think of yourself as giving the tools people need to go out and teach themselves. Kind of as a facilitator really. It helps take the presure off! Anyway, that is just what I have learned for myself over the years, and I thought I would add it incase it might be useful to you. It always feels for me that its not so much what I teach, but the way that I teach it that makes a difference. Good luck for next time!

shelikes2read	22 Oct 2004
When I was studying sign language interpreting, if someone did an interpreting exercise either in class or in Real Life, and it was going to be discussed by the rest of the class, this is how we did it: Up to the first five minutes, the student was permitted to rant his/her head off about everything they THOUGHT went wrong. "I could barely hear the speaker... the spotlight was giving me a headache... I totally misunderstood one of the points, but didn't realize it until AFTER I'd interpreted it wrong..." and so on. We called it "The Dump" and it was the way to let the person get all their frustrations out of their system. The next part was the feedback from fellow students (who, by the time we were in this class, all had at least SOME real-life experience to go with the book learning) and the instructor. And it was incredible to me how many GOOD things that the other students pointed out that the one actually DOING the interpreting totally missed. Be it exceptionally clear renderings of something complex, a good recovery after missing or mis-interpreting something (correcting themselves and then continuing without missing important information), etc. Often, you would think that it was two completely different interpreting events that were being referred to, if you listened to the student venting and then the rest of the class and the instructor giving THEIR take on it. Usually the student didn't see ANY of the good things they'd done -- they were totally focused on what went wrong. I picked up a favorite phrase during all this. One of our instructors would try to give people perspective by asking, "Did anybody die?" Of course, the answer to that was no. And everything else -- EVERYTHING else -- is secondary and can be recovered from. But in truth, the event never, EVER went as badly as the student thought it did. So, what's this got to do with the class? Your post reminded me immediately of those "The Dump" times in my classes where one of us students was getting all their frustrations out of their system. I only wish that some of the rest of us were there to give OUR feedback on the class, to balance it out. Because I guarantee you that we would have found a whole bunch of things that went WELL during the class... things that might not be crossing your mind right now because you're still feeling frustration from things you wanted to turn out differently. Nine times out of ten, the interpreting student was surprised to hear some of the positive things that happened, as rendered by fellow students, because s/he hadn't even NOTICED them at the time. My belief is, if any of the rest of us had been there to give feedback, you would be pleasantly surprised to hear the number of things that went well... things which, at the time, went unnoticed.

Eco74	22 Oct 2004
As for trying to balance out "The Dump"... Having a student feel so comfortable in your presense that she actually started crying during class means that you as a teacher are providing a very save and comforting environment. Having another student ask your advice (or at the very least oppinion) on a previous reading gone terribly wrong is proof that already you have their attention and trust. Feeling a bit better now? I hope you are.. :)

Jewel-ry	22 Oct 2004
I am sure you have done much better than you think! I think giving them homework, perhaps asking them to write down their feelings about a card. You could ask them to write an A4 sheet. You want them to talk about the colours, the people, the symbolism, how the card makes them feel. Does it remind them of anyone? They could look up any symbolism they don't know. You could then spend time the following week discussing the card. This would make the class interactive and act as an ice-breaker each week. Another thing which may help, could be a 5 minute meditation type tape. I once did a course about stress in the workplace and they finished up with a tape like this. The author took us all to a river bank on a sunny day and we only sat there with our eyes shut but it was a good exercise in visualisation. I don't know if you can buy tapes like that but if not they can't be that hard to tape yourself. Obviously these techniques would help as many people go on to meditate with different tarot cards. I think he emphasis has to be on the fact that there is very often no right or wrong way to study the tarot. We all do what is right for us as individuals. If you make that the focus, then you only have to guide them. The learning will be done by them. Good luck!

Francesca	22 Oct 2004
It sounds like they want some grounding as they learn the tarot because you mentioned books twice in your post. Even if you don't use any books, you might want to suggest a short, select list for them to pursue. Also, try varying the exercises you do in the class if only between majors and minors. 2 hours of majors can be pretty intense and exhausting. I think also it would keep the students interested if you got them to a basic 3-card reading by the end of the 2nd class, using the whole deck, not just a few majors. My main beef with most books is that they start with the majors then go to the minors. In class, try breaking up the majors with the minors and courts. It will help keep the atmosphere lighter. Also, did you have a short break in the middle? 2 hours isn't very long, but a 5 minute bathroom break could be helpful. Good luck. I think you are very brave for taking this on. Francesca

Imagemaker	22 Oct 2004
Facing so few students can be disconcerting when the class is 2 hours and you don't know each other yet. I've been there--feeling like I need to tap dance to keep the energy up, while they're just staring at me. I can only suggest that you process the experience as suggested so far, then resolutely start fresh in the next class. Sharing your love of tarot is the key here. Keep focusing on what's fascinating to you and, if the other 9 people show up, you'll need to give the intro class all over again. That could be an asset :-)

WalesWoman	22 Oct 2004
I bet you did much better than you believe you did. You will be come more comfortable as the course moves along. You were already nervous and most likely felt let down and not taken seriously when fewer students showed up. Your expectations may have been on the high side, but they were most likely nervous and having expectations of their own. It's hard just explaining Tarot to someone, much less teach it. Quote: it didnt help where they all chose the fool. why that happened i dont know, i would have liked the class to be more interactive In an ironic way, it makes a lot of sense, it was the beginning for all of you, opening themselves to new and different knowledge, a gateway to the unknown, and for you to trust implicitly the path you are on and proceed on it with enthusiasm and joy. I agree that a writting assignment would be great, makes them focus on the card and their feelings about it. Have them do One Card a day studies, sort of like a Daily card, or maybe to choose a daily card and study it in depth and keep a journal, so they will see the relationships, how it did pertain to their day. Perhaps, break the cards down and focus on each suit, one class at a time. Point out the progressive nature of each suit through the minors, that it's almost like a story. Make the correlations between the majors and the minors that support them or visa versa. Did you have discussions about people's conceptions of Tarot and what it is all about, those would be good, but could also tend to go off on a tangent. When your students read for each other, did you do a group discussion about it later? (Sort of like Your Readings) Where everyone could offer their insights and give feedback? There is just so much to learn that the best way to go is keep it as simple as possible, that you might be able to start medium and advanced level courses to expand on the numerological and astrological aspects as well. I hope you give them this website and maybe some other good learning/discussion sites to help them develop their skills. I have some good books that have helped me a lot, but I have learned so much invaluable insights here...that weren't in any book and could only have come from sharing our experiences. Good luck, believe in yourself and give yourself a break, I'm sure you really are doing a great job.

wildchilde	22 Oct 2004
LovinSpirit, It seems as though everyone has given you very good advice from a place of love! I wholeheartedly agree with all the posts, so I decided to take you up on your request for a reading about the situation. (I hope that is okay with you). I changed the question just a smidge, because it didn't seem like that was the most productive way (should I just quit?!) to handle the situation you are dealing with. So here goes and I hope this is helpful. I did this kind of fast, so further commentary is much appreciated to help LovinSpirit clarify her situation. This was done with the Sacred Rose deck with LawGuy's Harsh Truths spread and 3 additional advice cards to help give you direction. Here is my interpretation: Quote: What does LovinSpirit need to know about her Tarot Class? 1 What you want to see/believe: Queen of Swords RX You want to see yourself as a confident and skillful teacher but refuse to do so b/c of deep seated fears and your disappointment with the first class experience. 2 What you don't want to see/believe: Ten of Wands You have unfounded fears of harsh criticism or lack of approval from others. However, this card signifies a completion of a struggle, and based on the spread as a whole, you will find that being aware of the fact that these fears are UNFOUNDED will move you towards more positive energy with the class. 3 What is True: Two of Cups RX Your expectations for the class have been shattered and your enthusiasm has been short lived. You are feeling disconnected from your personal power and ability as well as from the “group connection” you had hoped to create and maintain within your class. 4 What you want to happen: Two of Pentacles RX You want your class to resonate and nurture growth through individuality within the group experience but are having difficulty handling the challenges of the class experience due to your unfounded fears. 5 What you don't want to happen: Page of Swords RX You don’t want to hear unpleasant news or feedback, such as having your perceived shortcomings as a Tarot teacher/facilitator confirmed by the class participants. And you are concerned over the lack of communication and connection that was experienced in the first class and you do not want this to continue. 6 What will happen: Knight of Pentacles RX Carelessness will lead to disaster so pay attention to your energy/emotions in relation to your group and come prepared! Watch out for an Earth sign with masculine energy that has false intentions and wishes to victimize you. What can LovinSpirit do to change the situation? (three additional advice cards) 7 Advice: II The High Priestess RX Do not over react to the present situation. You can find healing through accepting what IS and following/trusting in the Divine. Don’t allow your fears to poison the atmosphere of the class. 8 Advice: Five of Wands Don’t get caught up in competitive thought or action. In other words, do not compare yourself to others in order to tear yourself down, and pay attention to the motivations of others if they are encouraging this or doing this to you as well. You are experiencing a test of endurance so hang in there and allow the Fates to work in your favor by trusting in them and, by extension, yourself. 9 Advice: X Wheel of Fortune You are a part of a “Greater Cosmic Plan”. Awareness is key to your understanding and it is important for you to be flexible and adaptable no matter what you are currently experiencing. You and others will gain from the current trials. I got a little apprehensive when I first saw all these reversals! However, upon studying the cards it became clear to me that the reversals signify the blocked energy that you are experiencing because of your fears in being able to handle this class and teach what you thought and hoped was going to be a fun and insightful journey through the Tarot. Don't give up! It seems the Wheel card at the end says it all...what you are experiencing is related to Divine Fate and you will gain reward for your trials and tribulations. I felt that the most interesting cards in this spread were the Knight of Pents reversed and the 5 of Wands. What does this mean to you? Is there someone else involved? Perhaps another teacher or a student, who is making things difficult for you or feeding into your fears that is causing you to feel even more ineffective in your teaching style and abilities? It just seems that there is something (someone) there that is perhaps stirring the pot of your emotions or "competing" with you in some way.

loveinspirit	22 Oct 2004
the reading was so good , and it did help a lot.... just wish i could speak more openly about why i felt the class went wrong.. and how i feel about my self without being laughed at. i sometimes feel that what i have and sometimes, fear from not understanding, does not give me a good direction. its hard to pour your heart out to the unknow..

HOLMES	22 Oct 2004
it is clear from the way the course went initally that on the soul level you all agreed to have a closer , more intimate, personal course then 14 , possibly loud, some people feeling they arent getting it and feeling shy to speak up. it is for the better that the class was small so you can fine tweak the whole concept, as well as see how people react to the close classes first before going out to teach a more massive classe. nine people makes quite a big differnce in energetics of the class. for the first part about they were confused by the many books did you show them all your books :) if you did that was a good move for it shows you know what you are talking about eheh. it is clear from "you dont' need books to understand the book meanings " you are going for a higly personal inuitve approach instead of the usal systemtic this card means this or that and this and it is up to you to decide. you probaly read the book inuitive tarot ? if not that might help you relate the concepts better. think of using the tarot for yourself as textbook? yet contining on with your inuitve approach, it is good as well, what did you call your class, and what was your goal ? their quickest growth? just to for them to develop their inuition and come to understand the tarot in that growth? initally as i read the letter i thought you meant you had put the cards back into the deck and that would of been a jump into the energy. however i think that you just used the 3 cards with the understanding that they would of used their defined meanings in order to read for the other. which is good. yet it narrowed the chance that they would get the same card. eheh so all of them choose the fool, 1. i would of seen it as a sign to focus soley on the fool for until the energy for talking about it went . you know get more into depth . (you didn't share how the course is outline in time scale, 22 classes, 3 classes ?) 2. i would of saw it as sign that we were all fools in this big world and from there i would of went on to describe the fool journey,, and then the bateleur journey, 3.the part about them describing each card (write down what it means to them 1 through 11) is awesome homework, while the two hours could of been focused on talking, disucssing concepts of the tarot, that is why there was no energy in the class. the part about the cancer,, would of been a good opportunity to describe and discuss how some readers filter their readings with their own throughts and how syvlia browne says no psychic is ever a hundred percent right. as well as perhpas at the time , the cards picked up the 90 percent that the husband would of died,, but the other ten percent was all will and that kept him alive. defying the odds. and her husband was to be commended. then the woman who cried with the hermit ,, i would of said take the card energy home with you and be well with the process of it. i will also do a reading using the old celtic with the class for you. recall the way you also learn the tarot, and what worked and what didn't ,and incorpate what worked into your class. incorpate some enegerizers like for example stop and take the position of the card and tell me how you feel,, (sits sternly like the emperor ) and ask them,, how does it feel to put a smile on that old face ? eheh. find ways to put humor and how to relate it to life, dealing with people. perhaps instead of seeing yourself as teacher, (for me teacher is one who teaches a system of understanding the tarot) while you seem to be more of a guider (you guiding through a personal process of understanding the tarot based on their own interprations ) then afterwards you can give them the handout for that particular card and discuss what was similar and what was differnt. and in your approach,, it would seem that there is no right or wrong as it is subjective to their uniqueness.

Waterlily	22 Oct 2004
Hang in there, and PLEASE don't give up. As others have said, there is a lot that is positive about your first experience even though it may not feel like it. The fact that two of the students opened up emotionally is a big thing. I also think that they were as, or more, afraid than you. I've taught many adult education classes, and they can be really overwhelmed by the situation, by the amount of material, fear of the unknown, fear of their own failure to "get it". They don't have confidence in their own ability to learn intuitively. Especially if they've been out of a classroom situation for a while, it will take them a while to trust their own judgement and may be looking for quick answers. They could just be intimidated. It sounds like you got through quite a lot of material - 11 cards in one class sounds impressive. Don't be surprised if they have panic attacks, "I'll never get this!" "78 cards is too many!" etc. They are starting from zero knowledge (except in one or two cases where what they know needs to be undone!) Remember their fears are at least as strong as yours. You can use those fears as a starting point for discussion in your next class, if they're not very talkative, and then try to alleviate their fears. Focusing on their fears makes it easier to put yours in perspective or even ignore them. Next class you could get more students. You could get less - don't take it personally. If a couple drop out (they usually do) it's because they're overwhelmed, not because you've done something wrong. But you could get a bigger class, so prepare to be flexible. I also think it's cool that they all chose the Fool - definitely something to bring up - could be a bridging topic to start the next class. Nobody walks into their very first class as a ready-made, award winning teacher. In fact, after years of teaching I learned that the situation always changes. Sometimes it's the personality makeup of the students. Sometimes it's the weather. Sometimes it's the moon. :-) But it DOES get easier. Really.

HOLMES	22 Oct 2004
how the next course can go better. o. soul position five of cups you are seeing this as a lost chance, due to the three things you mentioned, 1. the lack of people, 2, the lack of energy/spiritual presence, and the lack of emotional connection to the people. you feel disappointed for your couldn't bring your love of the tarot across well as well as seeing this as your learning expereince and you can only get better. these two things are your two cups. ask your higherself to guide you before the next class and bring up the light to raise up the vibrations of each. also there is more to this then just your class. for you were emotionally dealing with at least two other events that the energy kind of drained over into your class affecting your ability to project your love of the tarot. 1.the heart of the matter. the emperor reversed there was a lack of logical understanding, that would have gaved the basis for the inuition to flow open. you feel it is because of your worth of a teacher is limited, not ready, or simply not good at it. but in truth you are learning, were ready, and you will only get better. for me the heirophant is the teacher and the emperor is the one who decides the rules that the heriphant will teach. there was a mention of class plans but before you do that, you have to use your mind to say this will be this , and that will be that week. see your subjects in your class as the four elements of the tarot . some of them will be pratical, some of them ffeeling, some of them mental , and some of them social and so every lessons you teach should incorpate all these elements into them. 2. the opposer as helper four of swords reversed. were you rested mentally, did you take time to center yourself before hand ? this card is a lack of mental rest, and you need to rest, as this card for me is the warrior preparing for the battlefield. (think spock in the movie star trek 6 as he lies there mediating trying to calm his mind ) the secret opposer is to bring the teachign of acknwoledgement of ego into the class as help people to transcend that so their inuition flows like spirit wants it to. 3. the distant past king of cups reversed your basis for the tarot cards, recall your difficulty to bring your spiritual inuition out feeling, you felt and knew two differnt things, and how did you learn to harmonize them in order to get the message across ? also examine where the source of the tarot comes, god or higherself and let that be good that it comes from both :) 4.the recent past emperess reversed, you work best as feminie, emotions, inuitive reader, and while you were trying to teach that class,, you were using your emperor self(who was blocked as that isnt' how you read the tarot ) to teach your emperess reading style. some modifications would best come by looking at your femine energies and receptivity in reading the tarot and trusting that nature flows , and from that nature is where we get our logic emperor self. in other words in trying to teach the emperor style with your emperess style, it created a disharmy as it is would be me trying to incorpate astrology into teaching a class on tarot as while i understand it basically , i am not astrology master in order to teach it as well. you see ? 5. your present, queen of rods, ah you are deciding to incorpate spirit, social teachings into your next class excellent. for the emotioanl connection to the spirit will facilate your wanting to teach the logical of emotion. also you are realizing what you have to take steps in to make your class better. for they were good, what stuck you was the lack of energy, openess. and that comes from sharing that there is no right belief, that all beliefs are accepted and please share your light with us. 6. your possible future ace of pentacles, DO IT, you know you want to,, start the class at scratch, telling them that nothing was wasted, that you were learning to teach as they were learning to read the tarot,, and you will now teach to your strenghts. which is pratical reading by inuition, feeling and picture style, instead of the logical, tactical reading of books. 7. yourself, nine of swords reversed. stop worrying about it , and crying(err that is what the woman looks to be doing in the card and not saying you are whining )_ for your mind can't rest enough to allow inuition to come and work with you for the next class. be at peace and you shall teach good 8.your enviroment, three of rods, trust that within three classes your would of found your groove, your peeps would understand you and themselves better. and that interaction of socialness that you crave in your class will be there especially if the ace of pentalces and emperess are heeded. (some teachers would be happy there is no talking for that means they are seriouslly studying, i am like you , no talk and that means to me they are bored ) 9. your hopes and fears eight of pentacles, reversed you fear that you dont know enough that you could of prepared better you secretly hope that you dont' know enough giving you reason to stop the class. 10. the outcome page of pentacles reversed. earth in conflict with earth ? not it means to me to avoid going to extremes of pratically reading by what you see on the card, as that will leave them closed to some other areas like pure inuition, and even to feeling and you wouldnt even know why . show them that the card pictures need not be a crutch , how ? bring in five of your tarot decks, use that to focus on next class how decks are differnt yet they say the same thing, and so will they as readers. say the same thing but differntly it will go well.

MeeWah	22 Oct 2004
Loveinspirit: I am sure your class was not ineffective & given time, ye will feel more comfortable (& so will your students). Keep in mind that results do not always mirror the expectations. As this is a new experience, best to not enter with pre-conceived notions nor cloud the view with worries. As one new to teaching Tarot & the students apparently also new to Tarot, this can make for some interesting learning on both sides! A smaller class is preferable for those reasons; also for the better ease of class management & for lending itself to the one-on-one attention especially given the time constraints. If I understand correctly, all 5 of the students drew The Fool. That is a study in synchronicity; certainly a conversation piece! That is, it can be discussed relative to its meanings, which includes the beginning of a journey; learning something new, etc. Covering 11 cards in the class is quite an accomplishment! Lesson plans for each class can be a guide, but permitting some flexibility for adjusting may be a good idea. This can be based on the progress of the class &/or the individuals. Perhaps switching gears for the next class or consider covering the minor arcana to illustrate the elemental aspects of the Major Arcana. The pip cards of 1 through 10 may be seen as reflective of the Majors already discussed. Do not give up on the self as a teacher nor on the students. Y'all may well be surprised.

magpie9	22 Oct 2004
O dear, I've been where you are, and I know how awful it feels. Here's some practical advice that hopefully wil be useful: The smaller class is a blessing. keeping track of 14 people in this kind of intractive situation would be a nightmare. At this size, they can pair off to work together (do rotate the pairs) and read for each other. You can work one on one with the 5th, or float around, dipping into what each pair is doing, helping here, explaining there. The last time I did a class it was a lot harder for me than it had to be because I had this wild hair about how I should teach the minors primarily from a numerological viewpoint, instead of elemental. (Elemental being what I am best at, and most comfortable with.) that kind of idea about the "right" way to teach tripped me up more than I want to admit. Do it the way that feels comfortable to you. It will work best, really. Books. In my opinion, there arent a lot of really good beginner tarot books. But, for the student who likes things very orginaized, cut and dried, in marching order, nothing beats "Easy Tarot Guide" by Marcia Masino. For the Intuitive freethinker, "Tarot Plain and Simple" by Anthony Louis rocks. Gives loooots of choices, different ways of looking at things and promotes the concept that the student is the real authority. For You I suggest "Professional Tarot" by Christine Jette because she has reasonable lesson plans and a coherant approach to teaching. She makes it so much easier, even if you throw out 9/10 of what she says. the last 1/10 is priceless, pure gold. For instance, she does 2 hour classes, gives a long break halfway through the class, and devotes the 2nd half of the class period to hands-on practice. the class comes out of that kind of pattern feeling they've really gained something. 11 cards in 2 hours is a killing burden. You don't have to work that hard. Really. and I don't have to do a reading to know that you don't have to be this hard on yourself. Remember, you can always give up later, after a few more class meetings. :D These people have come to you because you are the right teacher for them. so let that teacher within come out. Chin Up. you can do this.

WalesWoman	23 Oct 2004
Here's a thought for the 5 of Wands from the first reading- have fun in the exchange of ideas. The key words is Have Fun, fives aren't all about unpleasant conflicts and challenges.

Nycelle	23 Oct 2004
I can't really offer much advice, but I'll give you what I can! Most of your class will have taken some literature classes in school - classes where you can say what you like about books provided you can back it up! Alluding to those could be helpful talking about card meanings - I sometimes get ideas about card meanings from colours and their componants (such as "Oooh, purple, that is a sexual colour. But red is passionate and blue is serene, so maybe it's a kind of confused passion. . . ." A slightly superficial example but you see what goes on in my odd little brain now). I have never known anyone else to use, or credit, this method, but it works for me. I hope your class goes well. If only every teacher came home thinking "How could I have done better?" The fact that you are thinking and questioning already tells me you are a strong and good teacher, and that you'll go far in your work.

HOLMES	26 Oct 2004
Bonnie Cehovet reviews the two hour tarot tutur, http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/books/two-hour-tarot-tutor/ it sounds almost actually like the style you are trying to teach. if you haven't perhaps pick it up and give it a read. then perhaps it can become a textbook in your next class ?

Ace	26 Oct 2004
Lovinspirit: for a first class, I think you did JUST FINE! It is tough to teach people and it seems that you got some people with agendas that were pretty sensitive. My suggestions: Next class, DON'T repeat old stuff (old cards) if new people show up, they missed so they lose. Give them handouts and start fresh. 10 cards a session is probably plenty. Remember, they have to absorb all this as new material. You might use points brought up in class as part of future classes, but keep to what ever is YOUR agenda, don't let them take control of the class, if you can. Sit down and think about what you want to make sure to cover in the coming class. 10 cards? reading exercise (ASSIGN them each a card this time!)? more about journaling? Don't do too much a class, and don't WORRY. You are learning as you are teaching, and KEEP us posted: I, for one, am learning as you describe it! The out of body sense is nervousness, it will ease as you go. Practice is making better, really it is!

The Oh Dear thread was originally posted on 22 Oct 2004 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.