I am experienced in doing tarot readings but not in teaching tarot. I will soon be conducting a 90 minute seminar on tarot for beginners at a local library - should be about 15 in attendance. I am thinking of having each participant give a one card reading as the hardest thing for beginners is to just get started and maybe that will help them over the hump.It would also get them focused on interpreting what they see on a particular card which I think should be done in advance of memorizing traditional interpretations. There won't be time to cover this on a card by card basis anyway. Would be grateful for any comments and suggestions as to what might be appropriate for beginners in that time frame.

Anything to get them out of the daunting mindset of 'here's 78 cards you have to memorise before you can do anything'

If you can see how your own mind puts two and two together as a natural process regarding images and metaphors you can get get a better understanding in how everyone else works - making it much easier to 'give' a reading

So I think you're right

In addition to the Major Arcana, perhaps a general overview of the meanings and attributions of the suits and general numerological interpretations of the numbers 1-10 would be helpful. This would give them the ability to quickly learn the basics of the Minor Arcana. (And also provide them with the ability to read standard playing cards. This was the approach I used years ago when I taught Tarot to beginners.

Good thoughts,

Bob

Need a nice beginners book to sell them at your workshops?

http://www.privatetarot.com/LearnTarot.html

Bulk discounts available.

Thanks Bev and Bob. I'll take a pass on the book. I do not intend to sell anything at this event.

Loren Tindal's "Journey Within" @ mindseyeview.com is an excellent workshop instructor's guide.