I discovered the tarot at a time in my life when I was seeking and exploring. I was open to whatever might help me understand my inner experiences. It was in that spirit, when by chance I sat next to a psychic at a conference. We got to talking, and he eventually gave me an intuitive reading. The first words he said to me were “You should study the tarot.” I had heard about the cards, but knew very little about them. My inner guidance suggested I heed his advice, so I did.
I bought some books, a deck of tarot cards, and began to practice and take notes. I immersed myself as I tend to do. One day, a rough, but fully-formed chapter about the court cards appeared in my mind. “What is this?” I thought. I was puzzled, but intrigued, so I wrote down what I was receiving. One thing led to another, more chapters followed, and eventually I had written a book. I tried to get it published, but with no success, so I put the manuscript away.
Some years later, I developed a course and created a website for it, www.learntarot.com. My goal was simply to share what I had written while pursuing what seemed like a fun project. I began receiving feedback the very next day.
And so began many years of correspondence with people from all over the world. Some had been using the tarot for years, others were curious seekers such as myself. Many told me they had always wanted to study the cards, but didn't know how to begin until they found my site. I was deeply grateful for this chance to learn more about how the cards enhanced others’ lives and experience.
From the beginning, my inner guidance has been rather clear that my contribution to the tarot is as a writer and teacher. Now I'm able to look back and follow the train of synchronicities that has guided me along this deeply rewarding path. It led me to write and publish three—and now—four books. I can appreciate the purpose the tarot has offered me and, I hope, the benefit to other people drawn to it.
The Big Book of Tarot brings together all the key information and techniques from my earlier books in a unified, comprehensive format. The material is organized so that the content flows naturally from the basics to more advanced concepts, and I've refined and supplemented it with what I've learned in the intervening years. I walk you through learning the tarot step-by-step. I also include exercises to help you practice and teach you how to develop a relationship with your Inner Guide, that wise intuitive voice that is essential to any meaningful tarot practice.
This book is divided into five parts:
PART ONE covers the basics—what you need to know to get started with the cards.
PART TWO covers the reading process itself—how to carry out a tarot reading with techniques for interpreting the cards.
PART THREE is the core of the book. It offers a detailed description of the meaning of each card, including reversals. This section is designed to be a continuing source of reference and inspiration.
PART FOUR covers tarot spreads and teaches you how to use the Celtic Cross Spread and my own Flex Spread, a basic framework that you can customize to fit any reading.
PART FIVE includes a number of helpful references such as shuffling methods and step-by-step reading procedures.
My main purpose in all my writings is to show you how to use the tarot for yourself. The tarot can help you better understand yourself and teach you how to tap your inner resources more confidently. You do not have to have psychic powers to use the tarot successfully. All you need is a willingness to honor and develop your natural intuitive abilities.
The tarot remains an amazing tool for self-discovery. It just may be the tool you've been looking for to develop your own unrealized potential. May the cards always bring you many insights!
Joan Bunning
Vienna, Virginia
December 26, 2018