The Celtic Cross, or Grand Cross, spread was recommended for answering questions by Arthur Edward Waite, who was part of the short-lived but influential magic order of the Golden Dawn, founded at the end of the nineteenth century.
Later, Waite devised the Tarot pack named after him, which was designed under his direction by Pamela Colman Smith.
Layout photo by Steve Bonner. Waite photo from TAROT by Jane Lyle.
By Michelle Crandell
The Order of the Golden Dawn (OGD) was a secret society formed in London, England, in 1888. Its members devoted themselves to the study of the Qabalah, astrology, the Tarot, and mystical practices.
OGD members Alistair Crowley, A. E. Waite, and Pamela Coleman Smith revised existing Tarot decks, creating the most famous deck in history. Smith, an artist, illustrated the Minor Arcana for the first time. The group realigned two Major Arcana cards, Strength (Leo) and Justice (Libra), to match their corresponding Zodiac signs. The suit of Coins/Disks became Pentacles.
The OGD used significators for visual meditation and reading Tarot. One way they established a significator included the astrological birth sign (Sun sign) of the individual being read for, along with their age/maturity.
AIR SIGNS: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius SWORDS
WATER SIGNS: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces CUPS
FIRE SIGNS: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius WANDS
EARTH SIGNS: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn PENTACLES
Thus, a mature masculine person who is a Taurus would use King of Pentacles as a significator, while a younger Leo who is a novice, learning about life, would use Page/Princess or Wands.
According to Order of the Golden Dawn scholars, the most accurate way to discover your personal significator is to determine your astrological “rising sign” by having a horoscope reading. They created a chart that matches your rising sign with a specific Minor Arcana significator, leaving the Pages/Princesses out of the equation. Your significator would then match the precise time and place of your birth.
Michelle Crandell provides individual Tarot readings for a fee. Once a year, she teaches LEARN TO READ TAROT. Call if interested in her next class. To learn more, email michelle.crandell@gmail.com or call 501-655-6242.
{Find more of Michelle’s Tarot wisdom and articles on our website at thespringsmagazine.com/category/health-wellness/tarot/.
