There are basically two main methods for learning to read the Tarot.

The 'Authoritarian method', which uses only traditional decks and meanings which have to be memorised by rote. This way is strict and very hard work, sometimes boring and tedious and has the drawback that if you forget or do not know the card meanings well enough you will stumble and falter in your interpretation and ultimately your readings will suffer because of this. However this method, once learnt, can be used on practically any deck with very little alteration, taking into account any unique cards or name changes other decks may have, and so is quite easily transferable.

Then we have the more modern 'Trigger Method' which relies on intuition and your own interpretations of the cards. Each card is studied using various methods and the 'meaning' of each card is 'learnt' instinctively according to the impression the picture has triggered within. This allows for individualism and is a much easier, faster and fun way to learn the Tarot. There is no stumbling over meanings, the cards act as an instant trigger to the memory.  But it can mean that for every different deck there is a period of initial learning.

Both methods can come up with extremely accurate readings.

Both methods can use reversals, but I think its best to leave those for later on. Some people don't use reversals at all, but read the cards as if they are upright. Reversals usually emphasise an area, or card, or they can completely alter the meaning to be the opposite. If you hand-shuffle your cards carefully there is no reason to ever get any reversals, but if you do, then you know that card has a special message.  The most common way to get lots of reversals and give the cards an opportunity to reverse, is when you flat-shuffle and lay all the cards face down on the table and then mix them. This method is very useful for over large cards and arthritic hands.

Both methods may use 'significators', a card chosen to represent the querent and the deck is then used without that card which is usually laid in position 1 or the centre.

What I am going to try and do on these boards is to help everyone gain confidence in their chosen method.  In many ways it pays to start your learning journey by using the trigger method, this gains crucial insight and helps your intuition to expand and many people find that they automatically grow more sensitve and 'are able to read from inside.

The exercises and 'homework' that we go through over the coming weeks and months will be the start of this journey. Hopefully it will stimulate your interest and also start your quest for deeper understanding and meaning behind the cards.

We will start at the very beginning, so anyone can join in, even if you do not own a tarot pack or if you have never picked one up before. So for those of you who have some experience or knowledge already things may seem kinda slow to get going. Please be considerate of new learners.

I think that small bites of information are easily swallowed, whereas larger chunks need more careful chewing and consideration.

Something to dip into and out of.......No pressure, and as much hard work and time as you want to allocate to this project.

Self-study is a marvellous thing, you can take your cards in your pocket instead of a book and look at them, have them in the car, or by the bed.

Taking a card a day is a good way of looking deeper into them, Meditation is another way of getting to know them too. It's up to YOU!

I will be here to help you, guide you and gently nudge you through your journey until you all reach your goal, whether it might be to do readings for others or just to gain an insight into the World of Tarot.



***Please remember that all information given here is for fun and entertainment purposes only.***

Two Methods