I've only got a little teeny tiny version of the tarot cards myself, but plan to get a good sized deck in the future. For now, and for the purposes of learning, I'm going to be using this website:
http://serennu.com/tarot/pick.php
To begin, my plan is to learn the different spreads, and what situations call for which spread. I think that's a good a place as any to start. I've grabbed several ebooks on tarot, spreads, card interprations and such and plan to start reading those. BUT! For today, I chose to just try a simple 3-card spread, with a somewhat loose intent (which relates to my own spiritual path, and what the future might hold for me in that respect).
These are the cards I pulled:
Past - Six of Wands - Returning knight or perhaps someone of royalty, laurel wreath on his head, holly wreath on the stave. White horse with gold.
Seeming as though he is sitting higher than those around him, which could mean that he has conquered whatever trials were set out before him, and is returning home to enjoy the spoils. Holly wreath signifying peace, tranquility.
Present - Death - Armored skeleton atop a red-eyed white horse. He carries a black flag with a white flower emblem on it. Both Death and his horse tower over everything around them, the dead bodies, the wounded, and what appears to be a Bishop, or other religious figure. Sunrise or perhaps sunset in the distance between two towers.
As it pertains to this reading, it signifies a conquering over the beliefs of organized religion, moving away from the old person beneath the horse signifying moving away from old ways of life. Heading towards the rising or setting sun, signifying the impending changes to life. The only way towards that change of life, is through the towers which appear to be quite strong, possibly even fortified, so perhaps moving towards change outside the normal "safe" environment one is accustomed to.
Future - Queen of Swords - Queen sitting on a silver throne, with angels and butterflies on it. She wears a white robe, signifying purity, possibly wealth, under a robe of blue and what appears to be clouds. She also wears a golden crown, again with the butterfly motif. In her hand is a simple silver sword. The throne resides on a mountain top, a few trees in the distance, and nothing else to be seen except white clouds, blue sky, and a bird above her flying. She raises her hand and points to the right, as if pointing towards the future.
Significance of the card as it pertains to the reading, a rise above everything, with a spiritual basis to start from. The butterfly symbology speaks of an emergence, change. The bird flying overhead representing freedom. The sword signifying being armed with whatever one might need to face any oncoming challenges.
I'd welcome insights, or even suggestions on how to progress. I realize that this isn't necessarily the most "traditional" method of learning, but then when do we really follow everything "by the book"?