Tarot Card Classes | What, Where and Why

What is in it for me? Why now? How do you intend to learn and from whom? How does learning the Tarot effect my religious beliefs? What will my family and friends think and say about me? And, the list could go on and on if we would let it.

Let me start by telling you up front that if you are considering learning any of the metaphysical subjects that you are indeed growing in spirituality and opening up to developing your psychic ability. Some experts would argue with me about that last statement. Some separate the two skills and are adamant that they are not necessarily an absolute product together as we learn. I adamantly disagree.

I have known it to be a constant as I have taught Tarot and Psychic Development classes over the years. Even those that have no intention for it to happen, psychic doors open as we grow spiritually.

Now, that does not mean that each individual has or will consciously use the psychic part on a daily basis or work for the public using that venue. It does mean that each human and spiritual sense will be sharper and ready for use when needed.

So, please don’t be concerned or afraid of that part of your development. Embrace it and use it.

What is in it for you?
Purely and simply, it is for your growth. I have found that whenever there is a thirst or curiosity for any kind of knowledge that there is a need to be able to use and share that new knowledge. Is it really new to us? For some of us, yes. For others they are being reminded or even awakening a lost talent. I am always delighted when I offer a card to someone that is unfamiliar with the Tarot and ask them what they see and feel from the card. Most of the time, they are close to the meaning of the card if not right on.

Why now?
Something has been nagging at you. It could be dreams, feelings, how pretty the cards are; maybe a friend that insists that you attend a class or lecture with them.

Under all of that or any other pull is the spiritual thirst for knowledge and now the time is right, the study time is there, money is available to pay for the classes and above all, you are ready to hear and understand the information and to be able to use it to help yourself and others.

How do you intend to learn and from whom?
That is a big question, but don’t let it steer you away from the effort. First of all, buy a set of cards and at least one book that you will enjoy holding and reading.

Start with an introductory book for your set of cards. If possible, find one that has been written by the creator of the cards. For example, if you can not find a Paul Foster Case book for the Ryder-Waite deck, then purchase a book by Eden Gray. They are similar and easy to read. Do the same for any other deck, by replacing one writer with a similar one. Most book store employees can help you with that. Next, try to attend lectures about the subject. Psychic fairs are a great place to do that. And, then ask around and find a good Tarot teacher in your area. Again, book stores are a favorite place to find names. Then, interview the potential teachers.

It is crucial that you trust the leader of the class and that you can understand what they are saying.

By that I mean, try to join a class that is appropriate for the level that you are interested in.

Some instructors only teach basis courses while others teach highly evolved ones. That can include classes in the Tarot and the Bible or even the Tarot and the Kabala, etc. However, I encourage all levels of students in a class. This gives all of them a chance to hear questions and opinions that a one level venue might not offer. I believe that part of the learning comes from class members as well as the leader.

Please don’t be afraid to leave a class if you are not happy with the teacher or the method of instruction. Ask for your money back and search for another class.

I encourage folks to take at least three classes and have five or more Tarot books by different authors in their collection. It is good to have a variety of views for this material.

I can tell you that after a while; you will be reading the same thing over and over again but presented in different ways. I encourage students to look for the oldest books possible, even searching for out of print books.

Remember, today’s material is a version and translation of ancient material. Find authors that you enjoy and learn from them, just as mentors will be available for you to learn from.

How does learning the Tarot effect my religious beliefs?
One’s religious beliefs are such an intimate thing and should be respected by all around you. With that in mind, it is going to be up to you to find the balance that is needed to trust yourself and be stable in your systems. The Tarot cards are not going to take away from or interfere in any way with your beliefs.

In fact, it is thought by some scholars that they were created to teach the masses the secrets of spirituality and what ever religion was not in vogue at the time, mostly Christianity. The cards are meant to enhance and nurture ones beliefs.

The scary side to learning the cards is the old saying that the Tarot cards “are the Devil’s words.” NOT SO! I think that comes from old world church talk as an attempt to control what, how and where the masses learned anything at all, much less messages meant to be from the recognized Bible of the time.

If you are uncomfortable with this talk to your religious leader and go from there. You are the only one that can make the decision to move forward with your education.

What will my family and friends think and say about me?
Any time we take a step that is not like what the others around us are comfortable with or not familiar with there is the chance that they will not approve of our actions. I doubt that there is any other area that is truer in than the one of spiritual or religious changes.

My goodness, tell someone about a dream that came true, or a feeling that you had that manifested. Then tell them that a spirit gave you a message for them that they related with and see the reaction!

If they are not familiar with such abilities they could react in a negative way or just be fearful of you. Goodness, you might be able to read their mind!

You get the point. And, in some states you could be considered crazy if you hear, see and smell people and things that others around do not.

Although I understand now that those laws are becoming more and more difficult to up hold because of the mountains of research and education coming forth over the last thirty years or so. Thank Goodness!

In their behalf, family and friends can be genuinely concerned for your mental stability. Be patient, try to explain what is happening in your life and why, encourage them to trust you in your decisions.

In the long run, know that not all are going to support you. There is the chance that you will lose some of even the closet of friends and that some family members may continue to love you from a distance.

Be assured that you will have many like minded friends to be there for you as you continue to grow into your spiritual and psychic greatness.

I am sure that you will have many more questions as you navigate your journey, whether it is learning the Tarot cards or some other subject. I encourage you not be afraid to ask the questions, let the answers become part of your subconscious and move forward with your lessons.

I look forward to seeing you on the path.

Blessings, Elaine