Anyone can learn the basic figures on a deck of tarot cards; but to become a truly skilled tarot reader, one must go beyond mere symbols to recognize the deeper stories the cards are telling. This generously illustrated guide will help you gain confidence and enjoy a greatly increased understanding of the tarot deck. Chapter by chapter, you'll build skills and put that newfound knowledge to work through an assortment of practice readings, intriguing exercises, and even games. With the expert advice and proven techniques included here, you'll quickly begin to understand how each of the major and minor arcana interact, when and why to use focused spreads, and why the court cards can be especially tough to interpret. And for more serious students, there's even a chapter on becoming a professional tarot reader.