Learning the Tarot focuses in detail on the actual process of discovering meaning in the cards. Lessons cover topics such as how to consider one card by itself, how to look for card pairs, and how to create the "story" of a reading.

A convenient reference section contains two pages of information for each card including a picture from the popular Waite deck, a description, keywords, action phrases and suggestions for cards with similar and opposite meanings.

There is an excellent section on all card meanings, with extremeley thoughtful and descriptive key words and summaries. I personally appreciate the upbeat approach that Joan takes, not shying away from negative card meanings, but illuminating the underlying forces at work. Her viewpoint is slanted toward utilizing the challenging aspects of our personalities and fate for growth and clarification, via the tarot.

If I were to nitpick, it would be to say that I wish she had covered card reversals more extensively. Many books avoid the subject entirely though, as it is a difficult and often confusing aspect of divination that may be considered beyond the range of the beginner. I also got the feeling that she has a lot more to say, but perhaps that is what second books are for! All in all, I highly recommend this as one of the very best beginning books on tarot, and equally valuable for the more seasoned tarotist as a refresher course.


Not for beginners   June 5, 2005
 32 out of 37 found this review helpful

I was disappointed with this book for several reasons. First, the only spread covered is the Celtic Cross. No other spreads are mentioned. Second, there is nothing explained about giving readings for a seeker. All instructions for readings are about reading for yourself (with a question, without a question, and with another person in mind).

Lastly, the layout of the book is maddeningly confusing. I've been studying Tarot for only a year, so feel I'm past a beginner, but not much more. I don't see how someone who has just picked up a tarot deck could navigate this book.

The "sections" are divided into "parts;" lessons are in one section while the excercises for the lessons are in another part. In Lesson 4 on p. 14, the book is defining spreads. It mentions to turn to Exercise 4.1 on p. 70. On p. 70, the book tells you to look at the section on the Celtic Cross spread. That's it. No page #. No section #. No explanation. After searching, I found the Celtic Cross discussion way in the back, on p. 275. Why wasn't p. 275 referenced on p. 14, without the unnecessary stop on p. 70?

For exercise 2.1, it says to look at section 4. Section 4 of Lesson 2 for which it's referring? There weren't really any sections to Lesson 2. I finally figured out, the book was referring to Section IV! the discussion on card meanings.

Section III is labeled "Suggestions for Exercises." I thought it was suggestions for more exercises. Instead, it was suggested ANSWERS for the exercises covered in the previous section (part? lesson?).

It seems like the publishers took Joan Bunning's website and tried to plop it into a book format, referencing back and forth like hyperlinks. They didn't realize they were writing a book. I'm hoping I can get more out of this book than I have so far. Some of the exercises, especially about the court cards, seem very good. But I wouldn't recommend it for true beginners. Too confusing. Beginners might want to try "Tarot for Beginners" by P. Scott Hollander. The compact size of Hollander's book is nicer, too.


An excellent introduction to the Tarot   March 7, 2000
 29 out of 30 found this review helpful

I first read this material when it was an online course, and I'm very pleased it is now in book form. The author's approach is clear and easy to follow. She provides an excellent introduction to the cards. There are only a handful of good Tarot books for beginners, and this is one of them. I would rank it with Mary Greer's "Tarot for Your Self" and with Anthony Louis' "Tarot Plain and Simple." I think that any beginner with these three books would gain a very solid grounding in the art of Tarot.


Great Book for Beginners In Tarot!   May 2, 2001
 24 out of 25 found this review helpful

If you're a beginner in tarot (like myself), than this IS the book for you. The author guides you through the book in lessons, and the best part is, you DON'T have to read each lesson. You can still have fun with your tarot deck without getting weighted down in, "tarot theory," If you forget something, you can easily look it up in this book. Joan Bunning gives GOOD and understandable meanings for each card, as well as "teaches" you how to do readings, and how to ask questions. She even has exercises, where you can practice your skills. She knows how to make tarot fun! Since I am still practicing doing readings, I use this book for referece A LOT! I am SO glad that I bought it. The only negative is that she does not review the meanings of cards being reversed. Also, she focuses on one deck, Rider-Waite, but you can use any deck with this book. It's a GREAT book and a MUST HAVE if you're a novice, and want to learn more about tarot.