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A significator is a tarot card, chosen by tradition or by inquiry, that you select to represent yourself. It may represent how you see yourself and the qualities within you, it may resemble you physically, or it may symbolize qualities within yourself that you want to develop.

You can use your significator in all personal readings, only as a meditation or inquiry tool, or somewhere in between those two extremes. I choose not to incorporate my significator into my spreads very often, but you may find it helps you personalize your readings for yourself.

Common significators

The first several cards of the Major Arcana are the most common significators. The most popular of all are the Magician, the High Priestess, the Empress, the Emperor.

If you choose to use a significator in your practice, is important to select one that best represents where you are now, or represents an archetype you want to develop within yourself. You may also decide to choose one based on your astrological sign, your chart ruler, or another facet of your chart. The Major Arcana cards are most often used as significators, but a minor card that holds particular significance for you is appropriate as well.

An older tarot tradition is to use the court card that corresponds to one’s gender, age, and general appearance, but I feel this is a limiting practice. If you are attracted to a particular court card as your significator, that’s splendid, if you’re choosing it because of the card’s qualities and not according to some formula.

Do I need to choose a significator to read tarot?

Not at all.

If you’re new to tarot you may decide, if you like the concept, to choose a significator based on intuition, and then study the meanings of the card to learn more about why you chose it. You may also decide to study for a while first, and then choose the card you feel is most appropriate for you.

Some people don’t resonate with this concept much, and don’t find it important to their practice. This is totally fine; it’s not a required aspect of tarot, just another tool for self-inquiry.

Selecting a new card

Over time, as your life circumstances and goals change, you may find it appropriate to choose a new card that represents you more accurately.

If you’re at this point, think about why you feel that your current card doesn’t resonate with you in the same way any longer. Have you integrated the qualities of that card? Have you gone in another direction, where working on that archetype isn’t as important any more? Is there another card that represents you better, or another trait you need more urgently?

The answers to these questions will help you figure out whether it’s time for a change, and if so, what direction to look for a card that will suit you better.

Photo by Szilvia Németh (cc)

What exactly is tarot, anyway?

Tarot, fundamentally, is the use of oracle cards that display a set of archetypes and images to gain insight into a question or situation. The images and structure of a tarot deck have been distilled into a commonly accepted framework, although there are hundreds of variations. Cards should at least nominally follow this structure to be considered a tarot deck, otherwise they fall into the wider category of divination tools. Like all art, tarot images can also be used for creative inspiration.

Is there a standard deck I should buy first?

The classical tarot deck contains 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana cards, which display a succession of archetypes, and 56 Minor Arcana cards, which are numbered and organized into four suits (the modern deck of playing cards is based on the minor arcana). The vast majority of decks follow this basic arrangement while varying in theme. Some decks vary slightly from the format, but for your first deck it’s recommended to choose this system as most books are written for it, and it will make the art of tarot easier to learn.

What are the most common tarot decks?

The most commonly used deck in the United States is the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. You will find it referenced in many tarot books, and a large number of newer decks are based on its symbolism and art style. Another influential deck is the Thoth, which was designed by scholars from the Magickal Order of the Golden Dawn and has quite a few descendants as well. However, another deck may appeal to you more, so don’t limit your first tarot deck to the most popular choices.

I heard your first deck is supposed to be a gift from someone. Is that true?

Historically, the stigma against tarot reading was so great it was not possible to walk into a store and buy tarot cards; your first deck had to be a gift from another reader because there was no other way to get one. This developed into the old saw that your first deck has to be a gift. If it is, that’s wonderful! However, don’t feel that choosing your own is breaking the rules somehow.

Where can I buy a tarot deck?

Most bookstores carry a couple styles now— even the big chains have them. US Games, Amazon, and other online sellers also have a wide selection, but I strongly recommend buying your first deck in person for two reasons. First, choosing a deck is a very personal process, and you will want to give yourself time to look at and handle as many decks as possible: card size, the intensity of art, and how strongly a deck interests you is best judged with the deck in your hand. Second, once you’ve made your selection you can take it home right away, rather than waiting until the letter carrier shows up sometime next week. Save the fevered anticipation for classes, books, or your second set of cards.

Anything else to keep in mind?

The most important consideration is to choose a deck that inspires you! Be ready to spend some time evaluating the decks in the shop. If there are demo decks available, this is the best way to compare. Check out the artwork to see what styles appeal to you most; some people like the bolder traditional look, while others are interested in more subtle images. The size and shape of the cards can be important too. Try to narrow it down to three, and then go with your instinct. You may also find yourself drawn to a style you weren’t expecting: my current deck (not the one I went in to buy) practically jumped off the shelf at me, and I carried the demo around for fifteen minutes before I just gave in and bought it.

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The traditional meanings of each card can be applied to situations to help you interpret events and situations.  Use the little white book (sometimes called a LWB) for your deck, or a tarot book you like. Some cards have cue words printed right on them.

Some things to look for when reading a spread:

• How many Major cards are there? How many Minor cards? Are there more females or males? Do you see a pattern of numbers, shapes, or colors? Are there many cards from one suit?

• What parts of the illustrations catch your eye? Do some symbols seem to repeat or draw your attention? Do any cards seem to go together for some reason? Trust your instincts here.

• If your deck has other symbols and you are comfortable with them, these can add meaning. Does your astrological sign appear in a card? A color that represents a certain element? Search for clues.

Try lining your Major cards up in order- place the Fool on top, and then make three rows of seven cards with the rest. Do you see any patterns? Which cards do you find the most interesting? Do some cards look similar?

Photo by BitchBuzz (cc)

(I originally wrote this page for the Seattle Tarot Meetup; it’s been localized for South Florida now.)

Here are some points to consider if you are choosing your first deck:

• Choose a deck that makes you feel comfortable and secure, but also inspired. Since you will be spending a lot of time with your cards, you don’t want to pick a deck that strikes you as odd, unpleasant or boring. Later, you may seek out unusual decks for the challenges and insights they offer, but it’s better to start with one that attracts you. If a certain deck calls out to you, go with that one.

• There is no official tarot deck. Decks come in many different forms, but the “standard” deck has 78 cards with 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana cards divided into 4 suits. Most decks are built on this model. You should probably stick with a traditional deck at first, so that you are familiar with the most common format.

• Many decks are oriented around a theme. This is especially true of modern decks. Typically, the images, the names of the suits and the court card figures reflect this theme. If you choose a deck with a theme, be sure it is one that suits you and that has lasting appeal.

• The Rider-Waite is probably the most common deck in the United States, and many tarot decks are based on it as well. Cards in these decks often have the same subject matter as the Rider-Waite, but are drawn with a different style and artwork. The Universal Waite is essentially a copy of the Rider-Waite, but with softer colors and less contrast. The Albano-Waite has bright, unusual coloration.

• In some tarot decks, the pip cards, or numbered suit cards, all have unique picture scenes. In other decks, these cards simply show the suit symbol repeated the appropriate number of times (similar to regular playing cards). Some people like these symbolic decks, but for learning and memorization, it is often easier to have the pictures.

• Some newer tarot decks have been created in the spirit of light-hearted fun. Two examples are the Halloween Tarot and the Silicon Valley Tarot. These decks are amusing, but not the best choices for deeper, more thoughtful tarot work.

-from www.learntarot.com

You can also find a detailed article on Aeclectic Tarot.

If you’re ready to go shopping, there are a few different places to look. A regular bookstore is more convenient for many people, but they probably won’t have a large selection. A local new age or magic shop will have more decks to choose from, but some people are nervous about going into one of these stores for the first time. Here are some local places to find tarot cards:

Five Sisters: A Spiritual Journey
A great store in South Miami/Pinecrest with a good selection of beginning decks and some books. Open until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, if you just can’t wait. (305)251.YOGA

The Spider Web
A brand new shop and tea bar in Dania Beach. Very friendly and helpful, open until 10pm. (954)926.5513

The Goddess Store
Neat store in downtown Hollywood. Open until 9:30pm during the week, 10pm on Saturdays. (954)929.2369

Crystal Vision
Metaphysical and crystal shop in north Hollywood. Closed Mondays. (954)981.4992

Metaphysical Chapel of South Florida
This group in Dania Beach has a small bookstore with a selection of tarot decks. Call for hours. (954)923.0066

There are, of course, the old standbys of your local Borders, Barnes & Noble, etc. The larger locations will have a better selection. Amazon and some other online sellers also offer an excellent selection, but I recommend buying your first deck at a regular shop for two reasons: first, choosing a deck is a very personal process, and you will want to look at and handle as may decks as possible. Second, instant gratification! Why wait for the post office when you can take it home tonight?

Be ready to spend some time comparing decks when you get to the shop. If they have demo decks available, that is the best way to look. Check out the artwork to see what styles appeal to you most; some people like the bolder traditional look, while others are interested in more subtle images. The size and shape of the cards can be important too. Try to narrow it down to three, and then go with your instinct. You may also find yourself drawn to a style that you weren’t expecting- my most recent deck (not the one I went in to buy) nearly jumped off the shelf at me, and I carried the demo around for ten minutes before I just gave up and bought it.

And remember, the bit you may have heard about having to receive your first tarot deck as a gift is a myth. If you did, that’s great, but there’s no shame in “gifting” one to yourself either. Happy hunting!