FindYourSovereignty Posted February 7 Posted February 7 In March I am offering an intro course on tarot. I'll be briefly reviewing: History to present day The top 3: RWS, Thoth, Tarot de Marseille Why people read: divination, self-inquiry, self-help and healing, storytelling, creative expression Approaches to learning how to read the cards Hands-on activity I'd appreciate any thoughts and suggestions.
Rose Lalonde Posted February 7 Posted February 7 (edited) Your list covers all the basics well. Looks like a great course. If I were enrolled, hearing #3 on your list first would draw me in as I thought about which of those might be my interest(s). Which would then make the rest seem more personal. -- (Though I assume everyone who's signing up will have an interest in tarot, so maybe no 'drawing in' is needed.) Edited February 7 by Rose Lalonde
FindYourSovereignty Posted February 7 Author Posted February 7 1 hour ago, Rose Lalonde said: Your list covers all the basics well. Looks like a great course. If I were enrolled, hearing #3 on your list first would draw me in as I thought about which of those might be my interest(s). Which would then make the rest seem more personal. -- (Though I assume everyone who's signing up will have an interest in tarot, so maybe no 'drawing in' is needed.) Thank you! This is a great idea. I agree completely. Thank you!
DanielJUK Posted February 7 Posted February 7 The only thing I can think to add..... is maybe addressing common superstitions and myths about tarot. What is true and is not.
FindYourSovereignty Posted February 7 Author Posted February 7 32 minutes ago, DanielJUK said: The only thing I can think to add..... is maybe addressing common superstitions and myths about tarot. What is true and is not. Yes, I like this idea, too. I keep thinking there may be someone there that opposes it and this will be helpful to be prepared. Thank you for sharing.
JoyousGirl Posted February 8 Posted February 8 (edited) Is this just one session or will there be more? If it is one session only, I'd be very brief with the history and forego item 2, the "top 3". I'll ask you some questions because I've got a little experience that might be useful. Have you got people booked in or will they just show up if interested? Bookings mean you can ask questions beforehand as well as after. In any marketing material, did you tell people what to bring? (e.g. cards, journal, or that you'll supply cards?) Devise a questionnaire for feedback from attendees, such as "What made you decide to attend / what did you hope to learn from attending?" "What did you like," "What didn't you like?" Make the majority of the time with you hands on activity. Interactions will make for a better experience, and they'll remember cards through interactions, too. Edited February 8 by JoyousGirl
Raggydoll Posted February 8 Posted February 8 When I have been teaching tarot to those that know very little about the topic, a good portion of the time has been spent on the structure of a tarot deck; what makes tarot tarot, and the difference between majors, minors and court cards. These people have not been as interested in the different systems (Thoth vs marseille vs RWS), but rather the difference between oracle decks and tarot decks, and how they could be used together. The history of tarot also has not been a big interest. I have found that those topics are more interesting to people with a little more general knowledge and experience with tarot. I’m sure this will differ, those are just my personal experiences 🙂
Chariot Posted February 8 Posted February 8 (edited) 58 minutes ago, Raggydoll said: When I have been teaching tarot to those that know very little about the topic, a good portion of the time has been spent on the structure of a tarot deck; what makes tarot tarot, and the difference between majors, minors and court cards. These people have not been as interested in the different systems (Thoth vs marseille vs RWS), but rather the difference between oracle decks and tarot decks, and how they could be used together. The history of tarot also has not been a big interest. I have found that those topics are more interesting to people with a little more general knowledge and experience with tarot. I’m sure this will differ, those are just my personal experiences 🙂 Yes, I would agree about the history part. In fact, the history of the tarot is quite nebulous ...and it takes a lot of study to make a connection between how the cards began (playing cards, etc) and how they have evolved, to how we tend to use them today. I'd say the history portion is the last thing beginners will be interested in. You can, of course, make a few brief statements about history—but, by brief, I mean only a few sentences. I'd say to begin with your own philosophy about what tarot is and does (again, only a few sentences) then get into how it actually works in a practical sense. I like DanielJUK 's suggestion about myth-busting as well, as there will probably be people who are skeptical —even fearful—who are attending the session. Maybe ask questions at the start of the session? Find out why these people have attended. Find out what people want to know or are concerned about. This approach will draw people in, right away, and will give you an idea of how advanced they may or not be. Edited February 8 by Chariot
gregory Posted February 8 Posted February 8 I would mention almost in passing that there are three traditions and leave it at that. I am guessing your hands-on activity will be with the Waite/Smith, so focus on that and how to use it. Myth-busting is a good one, as you want them to go away with the "right" ideas. I went to one of these things once - admittedly for those who already read - and every chair had a card on it, face down. Participants were asked to turn it over when directed and see what they thought it meant - then exchange the card with someone else and repeat, then compare notes as a pair. Even among seasoned readers, it was very interesting.
Chariot Posted February 8 Posted February 8 8 minutes ago, gregory said: I went to one of these things once - admittedly for those who already read - and every chair had a card on it, face down. Participants were asked to turn it over when directed and see what they thought it meant - then exchange the card with someone else and repeat, then compare notes as a pair. Even among seasoned readers, it was very interesting. An excellent idea to get the 'hands-on' dynamic going right away! What kind of reaction did cards like The Devil, Death, etc get?
FindYourSovereignty Posted February 8 Author Posted February 8 9 hours ago, JoyousGirl said: Is this just one session or will there be more? If it is one session only, I'd be very brief with the history and forego item 2, the "top 3". I'll ask you some questions because I've got a little experience that might be useful. Have you got people booked in or will they just show up if interested? Bookings mean you can ask questions beforehand as well as after. In any marketing material, did you tell people what to bring? (e.g. cards, journal, or that you'll supply cards?) Devise a questionnaire for feedback from attendees, such as "What made you decide to attend / what did you hope to learn from attending?" "What did you like," "What didn't you like?" Make the majority of the time with you hands on activity. Interactions will make for a better experience, and they'll remember cards through interactions, too. One drop-in session. I might offer more in the future, but we are only organizing one right now. Yes, the marketing material includes that they can bring a deck if they have one, but not needed. Thank you for the questions to ask. I knew I would create a questionnaire for the end, but I often get stumped with what questions to ask. Definately focusing on hands-on. 5 hours ago, Raggydoll said: When I have been teaching tarot to those that know very little about the topic, a good portion of the time has been spent on the structure of a tarot deck; what makes tarot tarot, and the difference between majors, minors and court cards. These people have not been as interested in the different systems (Thoth vs marseille vs RWS), but rather the difference between oracle decks and tarot decks, and how they could be used together. The history of tarot also has not been a big interest. I have found that those topics are more interesting to people with a little more general knowledge and experience with tarot. I’m sure this will differ, those are just my personal experiences 🙂 Thank uou for sharing. I had not considered the interest in oracle decks being a topic. This is helpful insight. Also regarding the different systems. I can easily switch this to a sentence or two just for their awareness, or not at all as the session goes or interest presents. 4 hours ago, Chariot said: You can, of course, make a few brief statements about history—but, by brief, I mean only a few sentences. Yes, my intention is to basically share that tarot has been around for a very long time and has had a resurgence of interest. Not much more than that. Myth-busting sounds more interesting and could be incorporated into the hands-on activities. 3 hours ago, gregory said: I would mention almost in passing that there are three traditions and leave it at that. I am guessing your hands-on activity will be with the Waite/Smith, so focus on that and how to use it. Myth-busting is a good one, as you want them to go away with the "right" ideas. I went to one of these things once - admittedly for those who already read - and every chair had a card on it, face down. Participants were asked to turn it over when directed and see what they thought it meant - then exchange the card with someone else and repeat, then compare notes as a pair. Even among seasoned readers, it was very interesting. Yes! I do want the hands-on connection to be right from the beginning. This is a great activity. Thank you! I really appreciate all the insight and suggestions. Thank you so much!
Saturn Celeste Posted February 8 Posted February 8 Gregory's suggestion sounds great! The only thing I can add is just have fun with this course! Who knows, it might turn into something permanent for you!
FindYourSovereignty Posted February 8 Author Posted February 8 37 minutes ago, Saturn Celeste said: Gregory's suggestion sounds great! The only thing I can add is just have fun with this course! Who knows, it might turn into something permanent for you! Thank you! It feels really fun already. 🤞🏻
Chariot Posted February 8 Posted February 8 31 minutes ago, FindYourSovereignty said: Thank you! It feels really fun already. 🤞🏻 And you'll be doing a great service to tarot and the tarot community. The more people there are who understand it and practice it the better! All the best for your venture. I hope you'll keep us informed as to how it works out.
FindYourSovereignty Posted February 8 Author Posted February 8 1 hour ago, Chariot said: And you'll be doing a great service to tarot and the tarot community. The more people there are who understand it and practice it the better! All the best for your venture. I hope you'll keep us informed as to how it works out. Thank you. 😊 💖 I feel the same. I may offer to host the intro class once a quarter just to get people interested. We'll see. Yes, I definitely will post an update here.
Karrma Posted February 8 Posted February 8 Please have several types of Tarot decks available and not just RWS. Maybe a Gaian Tarot or other more nature based deck. I was held back for years from doing Tarot as I thought RWS was the only deck.
gregory Posted February 8 Posted February 8 That sounds great as theory - but for a group of people who have never done this before, I think it's actually quite important to USE only one for exercises. By all means show all three, but don't spend time on the traditions and the history at this point.
Raggydoll Posted February 8 Posted February 8 4 minutes ago, gregory said: That sounds great as theory - but for a group of people who have never done this before, I think it's actually quite important to USE only one for exercises. By all means show all three, but don't spend time on the traditions and the history at this point. I agree. You can always have a couple of decks in different styles available for people to look at, at the end of the workshop.
FindYourSovereignty Posted February 9 Author Posted February 9 5 hours ago, Karrma said: Please have several types of Tarot decks available and not just RWS. Maybe a Gaian Tarot or other more nature based deck. I was held back for years from doing Tarot as I thought RWS was the only deck. 4 hours ago, gregory said: That sounds great as theory - but for a group of people who have never done this before, I think it's actually quite important to USE only one for exercises. By all means show all three, but don't spend time on the traditions and the history at this point. 4 hours ago, Raggydoll said: I agree. You can always have a couple of decks in different styles available for people to look at, at the end of the workshop. I do intend to have a variety of decks to show at the end for those that are interested. I also have a sample of the RWS, Thoth, and TdM, but will only be using the RWS for all hands-on activities. My biggest goal is to have fun and introduce people to tarot. I will now bring an oracle deck also.
Raggydoll Posted February 9 Posted February 9 4 hours ago, FindYourSovereignty said: I do intend to have a variety of decks to show at the end for those that are interested. I also have a sample of the RWS, Thoth, and TdM, but will only be using the RWS for all hands-on activities. My biggest goal is to have fun and introduce people to tarot. I will now bring an oracle deck also. That sounds great!
Misterei Posted February 9 Posted February 9 19 hours ago, Chariot said: … the history part. In fact, the history of the tarot is quite nebulous ... This is a tough one. When I taught an in-person group class i didn’t go into history at all. But my online teaching I do. Tarot scholarship has improved since I was a newbie. Now we can teach fact-based history. It’s not full of fakelore as it used to be. Anyway, depends on how the class is advertised and what students expect. The in-person classes people were there to learn to read Tarot. I petty much stuck to RWS and got students going with it hands-on asap. No history. My full course — history is an integral part of the teaching style and the manual. But it’s advertised as comprehensive. On 2/7/2025 at 12:44 PM, DanielJUK said: The only thing I can think to add..... is maybe addressing common superstitions and myths about tarot. What is true and is not. I’ve found this arises organically in the Q & A. It’s good to know answers when someone asks [and they often do] but it would be difficult to list every crazy superstition as part of the class. Sometimes I get hit with new ones I’ve never heard!
FindYourSovereignty Posted February 28 Author Posted February 28 8 hours ago, Wyrdkiss said: Tell us how it goes, I'm definitely curious to hear. Thank you , I will do that. 😊 Twenty-two days away....
FindYourSovereignty Posted March 20 Author Posted March 20 Today's the day! I welcome positive thoughts and thank you all for empowering me with your magnificent ideas. I think it is going to be great fun. 🙂💞💫
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