In Tarot, the significant card (also known as a “significant card”) serves as a representation of someone or something in your current life. In most cases, people use the significant card to represent themselves. In this sense, the significant card is the central figure or question that arises during a tarot reading. This is done by incorporating a person’s significant card as a specific key card in a tarot spread. As a key card, the signifier represents the central person or theme that is read with the surrounding cards that relate to it.
The beauty of meaningful tarot cards is their ability to help the tarot reader stay focused on a specific person or problem during a tarot reading. In essence, they make sure that the tarot reading stays on course. In most tarot readings, the significant cards are placed in the center of the tarot spread. This helps the tarot reader identify the key challenges facing the subject.
Meaning cards can also influence the design or pattern of a tarot spread. Depending on the needs of the subject, tarot readers will often incorporate spreads that are quite specific in nature. Significant cards play an important role in determining the type of spread a tarot reader will choose to use during a tarot reading.
Significant cards are usually identified through one’s astrological association with tarot cards. Both the Major Arcana and the Court Cards have astrological associations. It really is up to the individual to choose his own personal preference. The major arcana cards tend to focus on the developmental stages of a person’s life, while the court cards focus on personality types and physical attributes. In general, most people prefer to work with Court Cards because they tend to be more descriptive in nature.
When working with Court Cards, age can also play a role. As a general rule, Court Cards can represent various ages. The pages are associated with children and adolescents. Knights are associated with young adults. And queens and kings are associated with mature adults. Obviously, there is great flexibility in identifying significant cards based on chronological age. Take for example your 50 old man who is still acting like a teenager.
The most important thing to remember when identifying a significant card is your own personal associations with it. Bad cards are really tools for the tarot reader. In the end, they are there to deepen the tarot reading experience.
Astrological Associations of the Major Arcana
•The Fool: Uranus
•The Wizard: Mercury
•The High Priestess: Luna
•The Empress: Venus
•The Emperor: Aries
•The Hierophant: Taurus
•The Lovers: Gemini
•The Chariot: Cancer
•Strength: Leo
•The Hermit: Virgo
•Wheel of Fortune: Jupiter
•Justice: Libra
•The Hanged Man: Neptune
•Death: Scorpio
• Temperance: Sagittarius
•The Devil: Capricorn
•The Tower: March
•The Star: Aquarius
•The Moon: Pisces
•The Sun: Sun
• Judgment: Pluto
•The World: Saturn
astrological associations of court cards
•Aries: King of Wands
•Taurus: Queen of Pentacles
•Gemini: Knight of Swords
•Cancer: King of Cups
•Leo: Queen of Wands
•Virgo: Knight of Pentacles
•Libra: King of Swords
•Scorpio: Queen of Cups
• Sagittarius: Knight of Wands
• Capricorn: King of Pentacles
• Aquarius: Queen of Swords
• Pisces: Knight of Cups
For more information on tarot readings and tarot card meanings, visit Carolyn’s blog.