Lenormand Cards

The Lenormand Deck Structure

The Lenormand deck consists of 36 cards, each with a specific image or symbol. These symbols are simple and direct, often representing physical objects, people, animals, or concepts. The system is known for being more grounded and practical compared to the symbolic nature of Tarot.

The 36 Cards and Their Meanings

Each card has its own meaning, but when read in combination, the meanings change and blend to provide more context.

1. The Rider (1): A messenger, news, or a visitor. Can symbolize something coming quickly or movement in your life.

2. The Clover (2): Luck, opportunities, or small fortunate moments. Can also indicate something unexpected.

3. The Ship (3): Travel, movement, or expansion. Can also represent business or moving toward something new.

4. The House (4): Home, stability, family, and your personal life. It indicates a foundation or things that are familiar.

5. The Tree (5): Health, growth, and personal development. Can also represent family roots or longevity.

6. The Clouds (6): Confusion, uncertainty, or unclear situations. Things are in flux or unclear at this moment.

7. The Snake (7): Deception, temptation, or hidden issues. It can represent betrayal or someone with bad intentions.

8. The Coffin (8): Endings, loss, or transformation. Something is coming to a close, but this can also symbolize healing or transformation after difficulty.

9. The Bouquet (9): Joy, gifts, beauty, or compliments. Can represent a pleasant surprise or something positive.

10. The Scythe (10): Sudden changes, cutting something out of your life, or a need to make decisions quickly.

11. The Whip (11): Conflict, arguments, or repeated patterns. Can also indicate physical activity or repetition.

12. The Birds (12): Communication, messages, or social interactions. Represents conversations or small talk.

13. The Child (13): New beginnings, innocence, or something small or young. It may indicate a new phase or a literal child.

14. The Fox (14): Cunning, self-interest, or things related to work. It can suggest the need to be cautious or think strategically.

15. The Bear (15): Power, strength, financial matters, or authority. Can also represent a dominant person in your life.

16. The Stars (16): Guidance, inspiration, or clarity. Can symbolize hope or a sense of being on the right path.

17. The Stork (17): Change, transition, or movement. Can also indicate a shift in your circumstances or life direction.

18. The Dog (18): Loyalty, friendship, or trust. It often points to someone reliable or a sense of comfort and companionship.

19. The Tower (19): Authority, institutions, or isolation. It may represent government, a workplace, or distance from others.

20. The Garden (20): Social life, public places, or events. Can point to gatherings, networking, or your community.

21. The Mountain (21): Obstacles, delays, or challenges. Something stands in your way, or there are struggles ahead.

22. The Crossroad (22): Choices, decisions, or a turning point. Indicates a moment when you must choose a direction or path.

23. The Mice (23): Loss, theft, or decay. Small, gradual losses or something being slowly taken away.

24. The Heart (24): Love, emotions, and relationships. A clear symbol of affection, romance, and emotional connections.

25. The Ring (25): Commitment, contracts, or promises. It can indicate partnerships, agreements, or long-term connections.

26. The Book (26): Secrets, knowledge, or hidden things. Could point to information that is not yet revealed or learning.

27. The Letter (27): Written communication, documents, or messages. Could indicate news, a letter, or something that’s been written.

28. The Man (28): A significant male figure in the reading, often the person in question if you’re asking about a man.

29. The Woman (29): A significant female figure in the reading, often the person in question if you’re asking about a woman.

30. The Lily (30): Peace, maturity, or a long-term connection. It may indicate wisdom, harmony, or resolution.

31. The Sun (31): Success, vitality, or clarity. A very positive card, often indicating achievement or a bright future.

32. The Moon (32): Intuition, emotions, or cycles. It can point to creativity, moods, or a sense of connection to the subconscious.

33. The Key (33): Solution, answers, or unlocking potential. Represents something important or the key to a problem.

34. The Fish (34): Wealth, abundance, or finances. This card represents prosperity, resources, or material matters.

35. The Anchor (35): Stability, security, or a fixed situation. It can represent staying grounded or a place where you feel secure.

36. The Cross (36): Burdens, challenges, or spiritual matters. This card points to hardship or the weight of something on your soul.

Reading Lenormand Cards:

Unlike Tarot, where cards are typically read individually and in more abstract ways, Lenormand readings are more about the combination of cards. In a Lenormand spread, each card can modify or clarify the meaning of the neighboring cards.

For example:

• - If The Heart (love) is next to The Fox (cunning or deceit), it could suggest someone is hiding their true feelings or intentions in a relationship.

• - If The Rider (news) is next to The Ship (travel), it may indicate that you will receive news about travel or an opportunity for movement.

Types of Lenormand Spreads:

1. 3-Card Spread: A simple spread for quick answers. The cards may represent past, present, and future, or situation, challenge, and outcome.

2. 5-Card Spread: Gives a more detailed view, and cards can represent aspects of a situation, such as the cause, effects, and potential outcomes.

3. Celtic Cross Spread: Similar to the Tarot Celtic Cross, it uses a 10-card layout and offers a deeper exploration of a situation or question.

4. Grand Tableau: A full 36-card spread. This is the most detailed and can provide a broad overview of many aspects of life. It’s typically used for more comprehensive readings.

Interpreting Lenormand:

• Cards in combinations**: The meaning of a card can shift depending on its neighboring cards. For example, The Ring (commitment) next to The Whip (arguments) could indicate a committed relationship facing conflicts.

• Positioning: In a spread, the location of the cards also matters. Cards in the past position describe past influences, while future positions suggest upcoming trends.

Lenormand readings are often used for clear and practical guidance, focusing on the "here and now" rather than the deep, symbolic reflection that Tarot often provides. It's a great system for people seeking straightforward insights into their lives, relationships, or specific issues.

Would you like a sample reading or more details on how to perform a Lenormand reading yourself?