There is no quick way of learning tarot. It's like learning another language and to become fluent in it you need time (lots and lots of time) and practice.
It sounds to me as if you're doing the right thing by pulling a card each day and journalling your thoughts on it.
You could also try learning a bit about numbers and the elements too as that's how the Minor cards are grouped (although Joan Bunning doesn't seem to give you a system to use, just keywords to learn).
Think about the numbers and how they interact with the element. For example 4s are stable, they're about boundaries, foundations to build on, security etc. Put that with the element of water (as in the suit of Cups) and you get emotional security or stability within a relationship but then remember that water likes to flow and if it's contained for too long it will get stagnant and stale.... All that will lead you to the image on the Rider-Waite-Smith card; 4 of Cups where you see someone who looks bored sitting under a tree.
A good dictionary of symbolism is useful too because if you know about the symbolism used in the cards you actually have something to read. This one's good:
''Pictures from the Heart: A Tarot Dictionary'' - Sandra A Thomson
The thing to remember most though is that it takes time and it's a journey that shouldn't really be rushed. To be at the beginning, where you are is a really good place. Tarot is one of those things that you're forever learning, whether you've been reading for a day or for 30 years.
It took me at least 3 years before I really felt like I was starting to 'get it'.
Oh and try not to rely on books when you're actually doing readings. I found that my learning really took off when I decided to read the cards and not what loads of other people had to say about the cards and what they meant.
I think books are fine for studying but when you're actually doing a reading, the cards are all you need. If you use books during readings you find yourself second guessing what you see and doubting that your own thoughts are good enough - they are and they'll get better and more detailed the more you use your cards and the more you journal.
Have fun
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