How to open a pomegranate
Step 1: Score the pomegranate into four sections. Be sure to cut through the skin.
Step 2: Pull the pomegranate apart into four sections.
Step 3. Hold the sections, one at a time, upside down in hand over a large bowl. Hit the pomegranate section with the back of a wooden spoon (pretty firmly) to knock the arils (seeds or pips) out. A word of advice: this can be messy so be prepared with a dish towel and don't wear your favorite white sweater!
For a little extra help, Martha Stewart demonstrates this technique here.