Learning the Tarot - An On-Line Course

Welcome to Learning the Tarot - my course on how to read the tarot cards. Here you will find everything you need to know to use the tarot cards successfully. The tarot is a deck of 78 picture cards that has been used for centuries to reveal hidden truths. Reading the tarot is an ancient art, but I believe the cards have a place in the modern world. The tarot can help you understand yourself better and teach you how to tap your inner resources more confidently. If you're curious, then read on ...

[ Table of Contents ]

[ Lessons ]

[ Cards ]

[ Spreads ]

[ Sample Readings ]

[ Download the Course ] [ Get a Copy of the Course ] [ Browse Tarot Decks ] [ Updates ]

How Does This Course Work?

Learning the Tarot consists of a self-paced series of lessons that begin with the basics and then move gradually into more detailed aspects of the tarot. For each lesson there are some exercises that reinforce the ideas presented. The Cards section contains a page of information about each of the tarot cards. You can refer to this section as you go through the lessons and later as you continue your practice. The Spreads section contains information about the patterns for laying out the cards. These are the main features of the course, but there are many other pages to explore here as well.

What is the History of this Course?

I began writing this course in 1989. I had been studying the tarot for some years, and I found that I was developing some ideas about the cards and how they could be used as a tool for inner guidance. In October 1995, I created this website. In October 1998, Learning the Tarot will be published as a paperback. My experience with the cards is in doing readings for myself, friends, relatives and acquaintances...probably the kind of tarot you are interested in. The tarot cards are not difficult to learn, but there is always more to them that can be learned. They are deceptively simple, but surprisingly rich.

What Is Needed For the Course?

The only real requirement for this course is a tarot deck. Nowadays, there are many choices. Browse through my Tarot Deck Section to see some examples. I use the Rider-Waite which is probably the most popular deck in the United States. It's a good starter deck because there are pictures on every card (which helps when you are learning), but you may use another deck if you wish. The principles of tarot work are much the same no matter what deck you use. Tarot decks are available in many places now, particularly bookstores with New Age or metaphysical sections.

Buy a deck online:
[ directly from me ] ..... or [ amazon.com ] [ barnesandnoble.com ] [ borders.com ] [ www.books.com ]

How Can I Take This Course?

Internet: You can use this course while connected to the Internet, just as you are now. The course is free, but please read the copyright message first. When you're ready, go to the contents page and begin exploring!

At Home: You can download the course to your own computer for personal use at home (while not connected to the Internet). You can also order a copy of the course from me either in print or on diskettes. After October 1998, Learning the Tarot will be available in paperback at many bookstores.

I hope you're intrigued enough to try this course. If you're still not sure, read Lesson 1. It explains why using the tarot cards makes sense. I think you will find Learning the Tarot interesting whether you are totally new to the cards or an experienced tarot practitioner. If you have any questions or comments, do not hesitate to send me an email. I would really like to hear from you. Have fun and good luck!

"Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck (R), known also as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by permission of U. S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyright © 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck (R) is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc.