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Topic: Considering taking the correspondence course (Read 4375 times)
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JANE
Newbie

Posts: 1
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Hi Everyone,
I am new to the Forum.
I have considered doing the correspondence course as a natural progression from an astrology diploma, but one thing holds me back - living in England I am wondering about the mandatory telephone discussions and how much these will cost, on top of the course fee.
Jane.
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Reez
Newbie

Posts: 1
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[b[color=Blue][/color]][/b] [b][/b]
Hi im new here at TAROT SCHOOL.
my name is Reez and i know how to use this forum and looking for chat with other people. I have been learning Tarot for about 6months now and wanted to find out more about the Tarot correspondence course, is this a free course.
Thanks Reez
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Ruth Ann & Wald
Administrator
    
Posts: 21
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Dear Dana, The Tarot School Correspondence Course is NOT a biginner's course. It is designed to stretch you to your limits and beyond, even into dimensions you didn't know you had. The process is intense and the results justify the effort. Still, it is a course that a beginner can take. At The Tarot School, we never treat anyone like a beginner. By the same token, we never regard anyone as advanced (including ourselves). Everyone is a student who moves forward from wherever they are when we meet them. Many specific techniques of the kind that you want to learn are included in the lessons. Others will be covered at length during the coaching sessions that accompany the degree program. By the time you finish, you will be a much stronger reader than you were when you began, regardless of where you began. We hope this adresses your concerns. If you have any further questions, we'd happy to answer them. Bright blessings, Wald & Ruth Ann Hello everyone!
I'm also interested in the correspondence course, but I'm looking for a course that addresses intermediate to advanced instruction. I don't mind repeating some of the basics. That's always good and we learn things that passed us previously. My concern is that the focus of the course may be directed more at the beginner, that the majority of the course is going over defining the major and minor arcana. I want instruction on learning more about dignitities and correspondences, designing spreads, dealing with various kinds of questions, timing, etc.
I have a basic understanding of the majors and minors and court cards. I've been reading for about 2 years, and I have 3 favorite decks that I use. I've explored spreads of various kinds from books and online, and I'm active in several online tarot communities. I also read for the Free Tarot Network, and soon the Word Tarot Readers. In addition, I read through my personal web site.
So, given the above would the correspondence course be of benefit for the things I want to learn? Thanks so much! Dana
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Mishka
Newbie

Posts: 4
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Wow! I'm flattered that you took the time to reply in person. That speaks to your level of dedication to personal involvement; volumes, actually. If I wasn't pretty much sold before, this message would have done it. Thanks so much for the information; I'm pretty certain you'll be seeing me soon.  Mishka Hi Mishka, We thought we'd answer this one ourselves. To answer your first question about how long you have to do each assignment, there are no time requirements, no deadlines. You really do work at your own pace. This is how it works -- Before you even begin, we'll schedule a preliminary coaching session in which we'll go over the instructions and give you guidance for the work in the first lesson. After you've completed the first lesson's work and sent it in, we'll review it and schedule a lesson coaching session to discuss your work. At that time, you'll be given instruction on how to proceed with the next lesson. This back-and-forth takes as long as you need. Again, there's no hurry. And, of course, you can always call or email to ask questions as you need to. Each lesson contains several exercises, some of which are standard and some of which vary from lesson to lesson. The coursework will be a written record of your performance of these exercises. They include observational, interpretive, contemplative, psychological and magickal work. There are also a number of spreads throughout the course. We hope this helps. We look forward to welcoming you as a student. Bright blessings, Ruth Ann & Wald
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kelpcritter
Newbie

Posts: 1
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Hello everyone!
I'm also interested in the correspondence course, but I'm looking for a course that addresses intermediate to advanced instruction. I don't mind repeating some of the basics. That's always good and we learn things that passed us previously. My concern is that the focus of the course may be directed more at the beginner, that the majority of the course is going over defining the major and minor arcana. I want instruction on learning more about dignitities and correspondences, designing spreads, dealing with various kinds of questions, timing, etc.
I have a basic understanding of the majors and minors and court cards. I've been reading for about 2 years, and I have 3 favorite decks that I use. I've explored spreads of various kinds from books and online, and I'm active in several online tarot communities. I also read for the Free Tarot Network, and soon the Word Tarot Readers. In addition, I read through my personal web site.
So, given the above would the correspondence course be of benefit for the things I want to learn? Thanks so much! Dana
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Ruth Ann & Wald
Administrator
    
Posts: 21
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Hi Mishka, We thought we'd answer this one ourselves. To answer your first question about how long you have to do each assignment, there are no time requirements, no deadlines. You really do work at your own pace. This is how it works -- Before you even begin, we'll schedule a preliminary coaching session in which we'll go over the instructions and give you guidance for the work in the first lesson. After you've completed the first lesson's work and sent it in, we'll review it and schedule a lesson coaching session to discuss your work. At that time, you'll be given instruction on how to proceed with the next lesson. This back-and-forth takes as long as you need. Again, there's no hurry. And, of course, you can always call or email to ask questions as you need to. Each lesson contains several exercises, some of which are standard and some of which vary from lesson to lesson. The coursework will be a written record of your performance of these exercises. They include observational, interpretive, contemplative, psychological and magickal work. There are also a number of spreads throughout the course. We hope this helps. We look forward to welcoming you as a student. Bright blessings, Ruth Ann & Wald
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Mishka
Newbie

Posts: 4
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Hi everyone! Thanks so much for the information...The correspondence course definitely sounds like it has been a positive experience for those of you who've taken it. If you don't mind, can I ask a couple more questions? First, you mentioned that the course is rigourous, but also that you have as much time as you need to work on the assignments. How does that work? Is there a deadline for an assignment, or can you take a while? I ask because I've just started a new job, and am spending much of my waking time preparing classes. So I'll probably be a little slow at extracurriculars for the next few months... Also, can you give me an idea of what the assignments are like? Are they essays? Spreads? Or is it too difficult to explain? Thanks again, so much!!!  Mishka 
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James_Gladwin
Newbie

Posts: 2
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Hi, Janet - Great question.
>>> are rigorously introduced to the Tarot via one method <<<
My experience is absolutely not. The "one" thing that Ruth and Wald do stress (actually, perhaps "offer strongly" would be better) is the opportunity to realyl experience the totality of the cards - from the sensuous to the sub-atomic!
If anything, they care deeply that the *student* does not (unwittingly) come from a "one method" position and thus not appreciate the depths....
Warmest - James
PS Perhaps I have skewed things in a previous post by using the word "rigour"? Wald may get at me for missing things out that I am meant to do, or whatever (so I then sulk - I've such a fragile ego!) so, yes, they don't miss a trick. If there *is* rigour, it comes from a place of real care. J.
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James_Gladwin
Newbie

Posts: 2
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Hello, Tia.
Sorry that it's taken a day or so for me to reply, but I'd certainly like to add my comments about the correspondence course.
First a little about me. I live in England, I'm 55, and am a partner in a small, busy consultancy. I'm a pretty widely read kind of guy, and perhaps just a little too addicted to professional qualifications and the like!
I can't remember exactly what drew me to The Tarot Schol, or the correspondence course, but I knew as soon as I read the details that this was something I wanted to do. While I was (I thought) fairly well read in Tarot stuff, I had never dived deeply into the water, and I felt now was the time.
Well, let me just say that I am entranced by the course. There are different levels of enjoyment, I think, so I'll start (without any clear plan) at the "surface" and go from there.
In terms of the nuts and bolts, the course consists of twelve lessons which are sent to you monthly - all this detail is on the website, I believe. And, all that is written there is true.
But the *experience* of the course is much, much more.
First, the content.
You are introduced, in depth, to each card, each suit, and every facet of meaning and allusion that you could wish for.
There are "further reading" trails that you can explore if you wish.
There are "to do" exercises that range from in-depth acquaintence with the cards, to meditative exercises that both tease the rational mind and feed the unconscious.
And, these lessons are beautifully written with lightness, verve, knowledge, wit, insight, rigour, and scholarship.
But, for me, the most illuminating aspect of the course are the hourly telephone calls that follow each completed lesson. Mine are with Wald Amberstone who gives feedback on what I've written (and mailed to the Tarot School), and a foretaste of the next lesson. I can't praise the experience too highly.
Okay - so you may be thinking, "Well, James that's all fine and good, but - "
Let me interrupt!
A few moments ago I mentioned the word "Rigour".
This IS a rigorous course. It is serious. It has demanded my attention and commitment. I suppose (being a consultant, wily in the ways of men and confident in my ability to well, maybe skim a little sometimes?) I thought that I would be able to "do" the lessons quickly, get what I wanted, squeeze the juice and - do you know what I mean?
But the course won't allow it. Wald is a charming, but clear. You do what needs to be done, James, and you deserve to give this your best. (He's never said this in so many words, of course, but I've got the message!) If he feels that I have missed something, then he'll tell me, fair and square, that I need to get it right. (Less "Play it again Sam", and more "Do it again, Sam.")
If what I've just written, Tia, sounds a mite stern, relax. Wald and Ruth create a tremendous "space" around all of this. For them, time is not of the essence. There is no need to rush. You can explore avenues and discover trails that deepen your knowledge of Tarot - you have all the time.
Well.......... I don't really have a way of ending this.
Let me say, simply, that for me, the correspondence course is incredible value for money, profoundly awakening, and - fun!
Let us know how you get on.
My best to you - James
Somerset, England.
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Janet
Administrator
    
Posts: 18
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Hi there,
I'm posting on behalf of Debbie who's having trouble navigating the board. She writes:
Greetings Michelle,
In response to your inquiry about the Tarot School Correspondence Course, what a wonderful Christmas present! This course is extremely in depth, a complete and thorough program of study. I am taking it and I have learned a great deal. When I embarked on this Tarot path I was a beginner, in the truest sense of the word, and I've learned and perfected my readings by doing the correspondence course. The instructors Ruth Ann & Wald Amberstone are extremely great with helping and guiding one through the duration of the course. They've helped me with understanding what is required within it and have inspired me, to go on when I was really stumped. Also it's been a wonderful inner spiritual experience, for I have grown by leaps and bounds.
What are included in the course by the student, if you are going after a degree, are a close examination, intuitive interpretation, comparison and a contemplation of each of the 78 Tarot cards. There are 12 lessons in all and each lesson delves deeply into the individual detail, of each card. What's more, there are some fun exercises included and loads of information, which is hard to find in one place, as this course. I have benefited from Ruth Ann & Wald in reading and understanding the cards, from taking their Teleclasses, too.
I've gone from a "Babe in the woods" to an "experienced and accomplished" Tarot reader since I have been doing the course and the Teleclasses. I hope this helps and the Tarot course will be a great Christmas gift!
All the best to you, Debbie
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Csaba
Newbie

Posts: 7
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Hi Michelle, My name is Csaba, and I have been in the Correspondence Course for more than a year. I have started the course with close to zero knowledge about the Tarot and any related esoteric topic. The desire to come to know more about myself and the world around me through Tarot was so intense that I was blinded to all the possible further difficulties with the subject. And I am still happy about this blindness! It was like falling in love. The Course is demanding, yes, but it lets you work at your own pace. This means that you don't need to know and understand all the details that you receive in the Lessons, when you write your exercises. You work with what you can work with, and you can start working right away! That's so great about the course, especially because most or all of us, I presume, have our busy daily life of work to take care of. So you can start with the little you know, and soon enough you will feel you need to fill the holes and read some books. Now I am in my Fourth Lesson and only now did I start reading a book an alchemy, a very good one, the first one in my life, the Sorcerer's Stone by William Hauck. The Course is demanding in that it is a course, i.e. it is to foster your growth. It challenges you to think and be reasonable. It does not ask you to be a genius. You will need to write a lot, and our masters equally have to read all the submitted material. And they are great teachers to have - too bad they are so busy, but this is why it's good to have this Forum. Here you can ask questions and someone will possibly reply. To me all related topics of astrology, alchemy, qabalah were unfamiliar, but I found that I could start with pieces of information that I looked up here and there. So I think the Course would be a nice Christmas present for you. You could even ask your husband to make it an early present, because the material is mailed out only in the first days of the month. But I would also recommend to look at the desire you have towards the course. That's the only thing that counts, don't let be distracted by some possible difficulties. Cheers! Csaba
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Mishka
Newbie

Posts: 4
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Hello everyone-- I'm considering asking my husband to buy me the correspondence course as my Christmas gift... I've looked at the description of the course on the website, and am torn. I'm having a hard time getting a feel for how long/intensive each lesson is, what the focus is, and the like. So, if anyone has a chance, I'd love to hear about your experience with the correspondence course, along with any information you can give me about what it consists of...At this point I'm not quite sure what questions I even want to ask about it, so your opinions would be a great starting point! TIA.  Michelle
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