Question: Golden Dawn: First Operation

Can someone help me out? I tried the GD first operation. After I have four packs turned over...and have chosen the pack with the significator..how do I then "count" the cards?? and im not clear on the concept of pairing it up....I think it is with the first and the last card in that pack....and the 2nd card and the 2nd last and so on...so I supposed I count after the pairing up?? If that is the case...the how do I count?? I havent been able to find a reliable source that shows how to "count"......can someone shed some light...thanks

You count first, *then* pair up.

The counting is described here: http://supertarot.co.uk/lessons/16coun.htm

The only place I disagree with him is that I think once you pick a direction, you keep it, regardless of what you encounter.

After that step, then you pair up, as you said, from the outside edges, then so on in.

Thanks! But how can I tell which Major cards are Planetary and Zodiacal?

Fool -Air
I. Magician - Mercury
II. HPS - Moon
III. Empress - Venus
IIII. Emperor - Aries
V. Hierophant - Taurus
VI. Lovers - Gemini
VII. Chariot - Cancer
VIII. Strength - Leo
VIIII. Hermit - Virgo
X. Wheel - Jupiter
XI. Justice - Libra
XII. Hanged Man - Water
XIII. Death - Scorpio
XIIII. Temperance - Sagittarius
XV. Devil - Capricorn
XVI. Tower - Mars
XVII. Star - Aquarius
XVIII. Moon - Pisces
XVIIII. Sun - Sun
XX. Judgement - Fire
XXI. World - Saturn