Learning to read Tarot Cards

Hooraydiation

So I want to be able to perform tarot readings, both to impress strangers and divine the secrets of the universe so that I may hold them in the very palm of my hand. I'd settle for the former, though.

But where do I begin? In a field that is itself "for entertainment purposes only" it may seem inane to seek a legitimate deck and instructional manual detailing proper tarot conduct, but I imagine that all the kids in Salem have some way of differentiating between an amateur reading and the genuine article, even if neither is truly more accurate. So, how can I earn the respect of the informed observer? What do I need to buy and read, if anything?

NightDragon

Well, like you said, seek a legitimate deck and instructional manual. There are also different spreads, sometimes used to interpret different things... so I would suggest it may be a good thing to learn more than the "typical" spread. Research it a bit - there should be a book or two in a library near you, there usually is a section for books like that.

Hooraydiation

NightDragon wrote: »

Well, like you said, seek a legitimate deck and instructional manual. There are also different spreads, sometimes used to interpret different things... so I would suggest it may be a good thing to learn more than the "typical" spread. Research it a bit - there should be a book or two in a library near you, there usually is a section for books like that.

No recommendations?

NightDragon

Not off the top of my head, no...sorry! The last time I think I looked at a book on Tarot cards must've been the 7th grade, heh. I think if you just research a little bit about the history, different spreads, and how to do basic readings...you'll get a well-rounded enough background to actually do a "convincing" read. Just don't base everything off of one resource.

dracolytch

Amongst my many, many side projects, I run a sizable magick/witchcraft/new age site. You'd probably be able to get the help you need on that site. I'd reference you there... but I don't know if that'd be breaking forum rules here, or not.

~D

MKR

Like all "reading" tricks, it's all about reading the person and knowing what's normal, and extrapolating likely outcomes.

There's probably a "...For dummies" book for it.

The Cow

Unless you find a deck you really like, I guess I'd recommend the Rider-Waite deck. It's the most uh universal or traditional.

Nibble

http://www.learntarot.com/

dracolytch

Rider-Waite deck is also exceedingly boring.

Tarot deck art is an interesting subject in and of itself. One of the best sites I know for finding a nice deck is: http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/

They have TONS of different decks there. By far the best resource I've found for exploring decks.

~D

Tube

Just make some shit up that sounds interesting. None of this "tall dark stranger bullshit". Tell them they're going to eat seven men called henry and fuck a lion.

NightDragon

Cardboard Tube wrote: »

Just make some shit up that sounds interesting. None of this "tall dark stranger bullshit". Tell them they're going to eat seven men called henry and fuck a lion.

I retract all prior suggestions and condone this one.