What is the method for 'keying' new tarot cards & selecting a signifier?

Accurate and detailed replies appreciated. I also seem 2 have tuned off the rider waite deck that i am learning on...just dont seem 2 like/connect with it suddenly! Any guidance on what can be done and suggestions for any other interesting, mystical deck. Love n light...Thx

What is the method for 'keying' new tarot cards %26amp; selecting a signifier?
When I have a new deck I like to go through making sure they are in order and all there. I've had brand new still in packaging decks missing a card, or having a miss print. After I know they are in order and all there I deal them one at a time into 7 piles. I like to do this to give me a chance to look at all the cards and to start to get them into a random order. I then start shuffling adding a pile at a time until I'm shuffling the entire deck. I think this really gets my energy into the cards and also gives me the time to play with them. Personally I don't think it's necessary, but it's nice.





As for a Significator, I use a separate deck and chose a card the I feel feels like where I am right now. I choose from the entire deck. I will also sometimes chose a card that show what I want to create in my self and use this as a final card. So I have a signigicator that I start with, drawn the cards for the spread, and place my chosen end card as the final card. I like to use a separate deck for a few reasons; the two main ones are:


1. I'm not removing a card from the readings in case it has something to show me, and if it does match one of my chosen cards I take that as having additional meaning and weight.


2. It gives me an opportunity to use a deck I may love the art of, but don't really use for readings.


I don't use significators for the majority of my readings.





You can of course add extra ritual to all of this, you can place the deck in the light of the moon the night before you do this. Message a special oil into your hands before starting, I use sandalwood. Light a candle. Say a prayer. Do a calling ritual. Anything that fits with your spirit and feels right. None of it however is necessary. If you think the deck is yours it is.
Reply:Hello SH





I teach tarot %26amp; have Yahoo Group (link below) will always help if I can.





With that in mind im not sure what you mean by 'keying'?





Significators are a matter of choice, some do not like to take an important card from the deck. A significator doesnt always have to be a court card either.





From a court card pospective you can use them from an astrological, colouring or personality view point. Make sure that you only choose one if your new to tarot or it can get confusing.





Pam
Reply:I never connected with the RW deck.


I found decks with themes of things that I already have an interest in.


For a long time I used the Legends deck which is about King Arthur %26amp; Camelot.


I'm not sure what you mean by keying, but as a signifier goes, there are a few ways.


One way is to choose a Court card that is most like the person being read for.


Another way is to use the persons birthday and the Majors.


Example- someone born on 4-18-1972


add the numbers up until you have a number between 1 and 22; 22 being 0 the Fool


4+18+1972=1994 1+9+9+4=23 2+3=5


5 being The Hierophant


a person with the birthdate of 11-30-1942 would add up to 22 (Fool), which can be reduced to 4, the Emperor if this card seems more fitting.