The English Lenormand

Table of contents :
Copyright
Introduction
ADVERTISMENT
PREFACE
DIRECTIONS TO POUR OUT THE COFFEE GRINDS
INSTRUCTIONSFOR LAYING OUT THE CARDS
EXPLANATIONOF THE EMBLEMATICAL FIGURES,REPRESENTED BY THE GROUNDS OF COFFEE IN THE CUP.I.THE ROADS
The Card Verses
List of Lenormand Cards
The Spaewife
A Contemporary Reading
The Interpretation
The Surprise Cards
A Further Card Draw Method
Conclusion
Bibliography

Citation preview

THE ENGLISH LENORMAND By Mary K. Greer, Tali Goodwin & Marcus Katz Transcribed from Les Amusemens des Allemands, London, 1796, and with additional commentary.

Published by Forge Press (August, 2013) 1 Wood Cottage, Old Windebrowe, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4NT Cover: ‘A Consultation of Mlle. Lenormand’, 1843 The English Lenormand © Mary K. Greer, Marcus Katz & Tali Goodwin, 2013. All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise – without written permission from the publisher.

Join us in your national Tarosophy Tarot Association for support and learning at http://www.tarotassociation.net including subscription to Tarosophist International Tarot magazine, immediate access to 1,000+ pages of the previous issues, video lessons, a five-week free introductory course and Tarot support at all levels. For Learning Lenormand on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/298383766946724/ You may like to also join our free Tarot Facebook group at: http://www.facebook.com/groups/tarotprofessionals You can purchase a copy of the Original Lenormand deck at: http://www.originallenormand.com And discover Learning Lenormand courses for all levels at: http://www.learninglenormand.com If you would like to meet us face to face in the company of the wonderful Tarot world, learn incredible new Tarot approaches, and discuss the art of Tarot, check out our annual Tarosophy Tarot Conventions worldwide from the main site at www.tarotconvention.com.

Introduction The revival of the Lenormand deck throughout online cartomantic groups has been unparalleled in the last two years. It has generated more new Lenormand decks in this short period alone than in the whole of the preceding century, and a number of new books in English on the subject. The reading of Lenormand cards is no longer a sub-category of many forums or social networking spaces, but now has its own forums and social sites. The authors of blogs on the subject, who have for many years been lone voices of interest and experience, have found themselves the subject of a wider scale of interest. The singular marker of growth is of course the contracting and publication of new decks and books by major publishers, which has now commenced; self-published decks have also found themselves acquired by several of the major publishers as the market has developed. This interest remains a niche of a niche of a niche, though, and whilst there may be seemingly intense debates about various aspects of the situation, they are in actuality confined to a small group of interested parties. We have been delighted to see the development of interest, which one day may make a book in itself. In the meantime, there are still many discussions and practices to share, and develop and research to complete. An important driver in this revival is the historical aspect of the deck, its symbols and reading method. Our own Learning Lenormand (pub. Llewellyn, 2012) and Original Lenormand deck were based on our personal return to cartomantic roots. On our part, the Lenormand was always a minor note in a grand chorus composed of Papus, Etteilla, Wirth, Levi and the Professor Foli’s of the cartomantic world; an “antique” style of reading bridging from early Fortune Books to contemporary Tarot. So it has been a constant bemusement to witness the flourishing of this “petit” deck.

In this booklet, we present a major discovery by Mary K. Greer. Her research work has been ongoing and whilst only in the last few years turning to Lenormand, has always been immersed in the history of cartomancy. In discussion with her, we visited the British Museum where Mary had come across a reference (and photographs) of a book, Les Amusemens des Allemands, dating from 1796. This book appeared to be a chap-book collecting 32 cards, which were stuck into the book. However, we suspected it contained more than the cards, even if the additional material was not photographed. On viewing the book, we discovered that there was an additional “pamphlet” of some 31 pages pasted into the book ahead of the card images. This contained not only explanatory text of the card images, but incredibly, a definitive statement that the card images were derived from coffee-grind reading symbols, which had previously been suspected but never proven. The text also goes on to provide many other previously unknown aspects of card reading, demonstrating that the Lenormand “method” is plainly a card-based version of coffee-cup reading. We have provided a complete transcript of the booklet herein, and the card images themselves can be viewed on the British Museum website [Ref. 1982,U.4637.1-32]. We have also provided a comparison with the Hechtel deck, “The Game of Hope” which became the template of what is now commonly referred to as “The” petit Lenormand deck. We then show how these original and authentic instructions and meanings from 1796 can be used in contemporary readings with any Lenormand deck.

Les Amusemens des Allemands; OR, THE DIVERSIONS OF THE COURT OF VIENNA, In which the Mystery of FORTUNE-TELLING is UNRAVELLED, BY MEANS OF THIRTY-TWO EMBLEMATICAL CARDS, WITH A BOOK OF SUITABLE DIRECTIONS. LONDON: Published February 20th, 1796, BY CHAMPANTE and WHITROW, Jewry-Street, Aldgate. Price Three Shillings. ENTERED AT STATIONERS HALL.

ADVERTISMENT THESE entertaining games first made their appearance at VIENNA, in 1794, where they still are the favourite amusement of the EMPRESS of GERMANY, and the Imperial Court. They have since been diffused through all the fashionable circles in that country. The Editor, therefore, has to hope that, in a country where the liberality and curious discernment of its inhabitants is so conspicuous as that of Britain, they will not be held in less estimation.

PREFACE If we consider the baneful influence which the pretended occult and super-natural arts have at all times had upon the credulous and weak-minded, if we calculate the fatal and ruinous consequences which they have produced, and are still found to produce upon the deluded victims of superstition, it cannot be but a benefit to humanity in general, to detect the artifices by which a set of impostors, by the name of conjurors, fortune-tellers, magicians, alchymists, cabalists, judicial-astrologers, gypsies, &c. have at all times endeavoured to fill their purses. Thanks to our enlightened age that their number is no more so considerable as it has been in the last century, and that the mischiefs resulting from the practices are less frequent and extensive at present. We cannot, however, say, that those dangerous tribes have quite lost their credit among the present generation; persons of both sexes still consult them here and there, and the mischiefs occasioned by their pretended divinations are still incalculable. Amiable and hopeful young women and men owe their ruin to their predictions, by which they regulate the conduct of their life; parents reduce their families to beggary by exposing their fortunes to the pest of gambling, at the instigation of those detestable hornets who flatter them with the acquisition of wealth by those means; hundreds of weak individuals have hanged, drowned, shot or otherwise destroyed themselves, because accident made some circumstances of their situation agree with the false prophecies of those crafty cheats. The natural propensity to believe in supernatural causes and effects is still too prevalent among the majority of the people, and reason and conviction alone are not always able to suppress it. Were all men penetrated with the belief, that nothing can happen in this world without a sufficient cause, and that the effects must agree with the causes, the professors of the occult sciences would long ago have been compelled to starve, or to embrace a more useful employment than that of living upon the silliness and credulity of their

fellow-creatures. Though it cannot denied, that those juggling tricks have lost for the most part their reputation, yet they still meet with popularity, and it is a duty to weaken this popularity and more; nay, to destroy it, if possible, entirely. I have, therefore, thought the best way to bring upon them that ridicule and contempt which they so justly deserve, would be to change them into games and entertainments, which operate more forcibly upon young and inexperienced minds, than philosophical arguments. In my late travels to Germany [footnote: 1793]I visited the library of a convent in that country, where I found a book of Egyptian hieroglyphics, which was said to have been discovered by the Emperor Constantine the Great in Egypt, in the year 320 after the birth of Christ. A translation of it in the Latin language being also shewn to me, I begged leave to make an English version of it, and copied the emblematic figures, in hopes of its being likely to become an acceptable present to my countrymen. This book, does not, properly speaking, teach the method of Fortune telling from the grounds of the coffee cup, because coffee was not in use at that time: but as sherbet is a very favourite liquor among the Egyptians and the people of the East in general; the art used to tell Fortunes from the dregs of that liquor, has been applied here to the grounds of coffee, which is drank in every country of Europe. With regard to the figures represented on the cards, it may easily be imagined, that they will not appear so plainly in the coffee cup, some degree of resemblance being sufficient, and a fertile imagination will easily supply the rest. Thirty-two figures have therefore been chosen, though the grounds in the cup may perchance represent more. THE EDITOR.

DIRECTIONS TO POUR OUT THE COFFEE GRINDS Pour the grounds of coffee in a white cup, shake them well about in it, so that their particles may cover the surface of the whole cup; then reverse it into the saucer, that all the superfluous parts may be drained, and the figures required for Fortune-telling be formed. The person that acts the Fortune-teller must always bend his thoughts upon him or her that wish to have their fortune told, and upon their rank and profession, in order to give plausibility to their predictions. It is not to be expected upon taking up the cup, that the figures will be as accurately represented as they are in the pack, and it is quite sufficient, if they bear some resemblance to any of the 32 emblems; and the more fertile the fancy shall be of the person that inspects the cup, the more he will discover in it. In other respects every one who takes a pleasure in this amusement, must himself be a judge, under what circumstances he is to make changes in point of time, speaking just as it suits, in the present, the past, of the future: in the same manner, their ingenuity ought to direct them when to speak more or less pointedly and determinately with regard to sex.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR LAYING OUT THE CARDS This pack of cards which is called the coffee pack, because the figures are borrowed from those represented by the grounds in the cup, is shuffled by somebody in company, who according to the sex, is to be called the cunning man or the cunning woman, cut by the person that demands to have his fortune told, and then laid down in four rows of eight cards each. If the person who wants to have his Fortune told be a man, he is represented by the male figure on foot; if a woman, the female figure will represent her. Every card therefore, that stands in the row of the pedestrian gentleman, besides all the cards immediately above or below the male figure, regards the person that wishes to have his Fortune told if he be a man, and if it be a lady that consults, the same rule to be observed with the cards in the row in which the female figure is, and with those immediately above and under it. I will illustrate this theory by two practised examples, by dealing and laying out the cards for a gentleman (A), and a lady (B) with a specimen of Fortune-telling. A. FOR A GENTLEMAN. 32. 6.

7. 8.

2.

17.

19.

11.

1. 27.

18. 24.

21.

3.

22.

16.

4. 30.

10. 31.

13. 15.

14.

25.

29. 26.

5. 9.

20. 28.

23.

12.

PREDICTION.

(17.) You have children, or (if he be a bachelor or widower) you shall have children, but your married state (11.) is not without troubles, yet these should not make you be downcast, because all will depend (22.) on the moderation you shall shew in the quarrels and disputes in which you shall be involved; a passionate man has to dread more from illness that the steady and composed. Let me, therefore, recommend to you composure, especially (25.) as you will come into company where that virtue will be of great service to you. (12.) The clouds which you see immediately below, teach you the same salutary lesson, because the milder you shall be in your temper, the less exposed you will be to meet with people that shall provoke you to anger; strive to be as perfect as possible in this point, and you will soon find no occasion at all to be angry. How happy will you then be! Let me, also (2.) warn you, in your married state, (or after your future union) not to be frightened by the phantoms of your imagination, and do not destroy by the caprices of jealousy your own domestic happiness, and that of your family, which can only subsist in the full confidence between man and wife. But you have no occasion to discover all your concerns to your wife, as such unnecessary communications might frequently overwhelm her with care, without its being of the least service to either. Rather make use of your good sense, which will furnish you with an expedient to extricate yourself; (7.) Let not the rich bequest which will fall to your share, tempt you to relinquish your moderate and regular way of living, and do not be angry or vexed, if, in your unexpected good fortune you find envious people, who would rather have all your property in their own hands, (22.) The fruits of your fortune will then be more pleasantly enjoyed by you, the less you shall be indebted for it to others; and (8.) the star which you see at the end of this row fully confirms my prediction. B. FOR A LADY. 7. 2.

1. 13.

29.

12.

21.

16.

27. 32.

8. 15.

3.

20. 11.

6. 24.

22. 9.

26. 25.

17. 23.

4. 10.

31.

14.

19.

18.

28.

30.

5.

PREDICTION Fortune is far from frowning upon you, my dear lady, you have, indeed, the best of prospects, because, (14.) Your noble way of thinking will procure you many advantages, and you will particularly promote bit it your easy circumstances, and make yourself friends, who shall contend to please you. Since nothing perfect (30.) on earth, you need not wonder, if there are little minds envy you, who being themselves without accomplishments, endeavour to lessen them in others. But I must advise you (21.) not to let your liberal disposition lead you to commit a fault, which is very common to generous hearts, have a vigilant eye upon your domestic concerns, lest your servants should find an opportunity in your negligence to wrong you. But should it already have happened (19.) you may recover your loss again, if by unseasonable warmth you do not deprive your reason of its rights. Never rate too high the loss you have sustained, (11.) but rather think that things once done, cannot be undone. If you are afraid of being involved in (32.) disputes, I advise you in a friendly and well-meaning manner, not to suffer yourself to be hurried by that warmth, so peculiar to your sex, but to curb the rising choler as much as possible, on account of the fatal effects which it may produce upon your health and delicate frame. I cannot take my leave of you without expounding to you in a plainer manner, the prudential rule exhibited in the card (6.) Let not your frankness misguide you, because without the necessary knowledge of men, and the world, your sex is but too apt to take every one for their friend, that has something flattering to say; but this must not be, if you want to be blest in your wishes. Especially, (24.) if you desire to become the lawful partner of a good and worthy husband. In this

case, never cast your eye upon bodily imperfections, for these soon vanish, and afford no perfections, and afford no lasting happiness. But let not what has been said here, make you question the goodness of men in general (20.); the good ones ought only to be fought after like a rare merchandize they will amply compensate for the loss which you may supposed to have sustained in your everyday friends who assume the name of friends (9.), to have a constant opportunity to interfere in your concerns, and intrude upon you only for selfish motives. These two practical examples, which may be varied in many different ways, will shew the method in which each card is to be expounded, and are certainly sufficient to clear up what has already been stated. The cards may also be played as other cards, being dealt out in equal amounts to the company, and made to go round. No. 31 and 32, or so many of the last numbers may be discarded, as the number of persons playing shall require. When the cards are dealt, the next to the dealer, of the first hand plays out, and he that has the following number plays to him, till one of the players has no more cards in hand. This one wins the game, and the rest pay him for every card that remains in their hands as much money as shall have been agreed upon to be paid by the parties, after which they begin a fresh game.

EXPLANATION OF THE EMBLEMATICAL FIGURES, REPRESENTED BY THE GROUNDS OF COFFEE IN THE CUP. I. THE ROADS Or serpentine lines indicate ways; if they are covered with clouds, and consequently in the thick, they are said to be infallible marks, either of many past or future reverses. But, if they appear in the clear and serene, they are the surest token of some fortunate chance near at hand, encompassed with many points or dots they signify an accidental gain of money, likewise long life. II. THE RING SIGNIFIES marriages; if a letter is near it [footnote: This means only something similar to a letter, as it has already been observed respecting the figures in the cup in general], it denotes to the person that has his Fortune told, the initial of the name of the party to be married. Married. If the ring is in the clear, it portends happy and lucrative friendship. Surrounded with clouds, designs that the party is to use precaution in the friendship he is about to contract, least he should be insidiously deceived, but it is most inauspicious, it the ring appears at the bottom of the cup, as it forebodes an entire separation from the beloved object. III. THE LEAF OF CLOVER Is as well here as in common life a lucky sign. Its different position in the cup alone makes the difference; because, if it is on the top, it shews that the good Fortune is not far distant, but

it is subject to delay, if it is in the middle or at the bottom. Should clouds surround it, it shews that many disagreeables will attend the good Fortune; in the clear, it prognosticates serene and undisturbed happiness, as bright as the party wishes. IV THE ANCHOR. The emblem of hope and commerce, implies successful benefits carried on by water and by land. Land, if on the bottom of the cup; at the top and in the clear part, it shews constant love and unshaken fidelity. In the thick and clouded part it also denotes love, but tinctured with the inconsistency of the butterfly. V. THE SERPENT. ALWAYS the emblem of falsehood and enmity. On the top or in the middle of the cup, it promises to the consulting party the triumph which he desires over his enemy. But he will not obtain it so easily, if the serpent be in the thick or cloudy part. By the letter which frequently appears near the emblem, the enemy may easily be guessed, it makes the initial of his name. VI. THE LETTER. By the letters we communicate to our friends either pleasant or unpleasant news, or such is the case here; if this emblem is in the clear part, it denotes the speedy arrival of welcome news; Surrounded with dots, it announces the arrival of a considerable remittance in money; but hemmed in by clouds it is quite the contrary, and forebodes some melancholy or bad tidings, a loss, or some other sinister accident. If it be in the clear and accompanied by a heart, lovers may expect a letter, which secures to the party the possession of the beloved object. But in the thick it denotes a refusal.

VII. THE COFFIN. The emblem of death prognosticates the same thing here, or at least a long and tedious illness, if it be in the thick or turbid. In the clear, it denotes long life. In the thick at the tip of the cup, it signifies a considerable estate left to the party by some rich relation; in the same manner at the bottom, it shews that the deceased is not so nearly related to the consulting party. VIII. THE STAR Denotes happiness if in the clear, and at the top of the cup; clouded or in the thick it signifies long life, though exposed to various troubles. If dots are about it, it foretells great fortune, wealth, high respectability, & c. Several stars denote so many good and happy children, but surrounded with dashes, shews that your children will cause you grief vexation in your old age, and that you ought to prevent it by giving them a good education in time. IX THE DOG. BEING at all times the emblem of fidelity or envy, has also a two-fold meaning here. At the top, in the clear, it signifies true and faithful friends, but if his image be surrounded with clouds and dashes, it shews that those whom you take for your friends are not to be depended upon; but if the dog be at the bottom of the cup, you have to dread the effects of extreme envy or jealousy. X. THE LILY. If this emblem be at the top, or in the middle of the cup, it signifies the consulting party either has, or will have a virtuous spouse, if it be at the bottom, it denotes quite the reverse. In the clear, the Lily further betokens long and happy life; if clouded, or in the thick, it

portends trouble ad vexation, especially on the part of one’s relations. XI. THE CROSS Be it one or more, it generally predicts adversities. It position varies, and so do the circumstances. If it be at the top, and in the clear, it shews that the misfortunes of the party will soon be at an end, or that he will easily get over them, but if it appears in the middle or at the end bottom in the thick party must expect many severe trials; if it appear with dots, either in the clear or the thick, it promises a speedy change of one’s sorrow. XII. THE CLOUDS, If they be more light than dark, you may expect a good result from your hopes, but if they are black, you may give it up. Surrounded with dots they imply success in trade, and in all your undertakings, but the brighter they are, the greater will be your happiness. XIII. THE SUN An emblem of the greatest luck and happiness if in the clear; but in the thick, it bodes a great deal of sadness; surrounded by dots, or dashes, denotes that an alteration will easily take place. XIV THE MOON. If it appears in the clear, it denotes high honours, in the dark or the thick part, it implies sadness, which will however pass without great prejudice. But if it be at the bottom of the cup, the consulting party will be very fortunate both by water and land. XV. MOUNTAINS.

If it represent only one mountain, it indicates the favour of people of high rank, but several of them, especially in the thick, are signs of powerful enemies, in the clear, they signify the contrary, or friends in high life, who are endeavouring to promote the consulting. XVI. THE TREE. One tree only, be it in clear, or thick part, points out lasting good health; several trees denote that your wish will be accomplished. If they are encompassed with dashes, it is a token that your fortune is in blossom. And will require some time to bring it to maturity. If they are accompanied by dots, it is a sign that you will make your fortune in the country where you reside. XVII. THE CHILD. In the clear part it bespeaks innocent intercourse between the consulter and person, in the thick part, excesses in love matters, attended with great expense; at the bottom of the cup, it denotes the consequences of libidinous amours. XVIII THE WOMAN. Signifies much joy in general. If in the clear this emblem has a more favourable signification than in the thick; there it shews very great happiness; here a great deal of jealousy. If dots surround the image, it explains the lady’s fertility, or her wealth. The different position in the cup, shews at the top and in the middle that you will be in love with a virgin, but at the bottom it marks that she is a widow. XIX. THE PEDESTRIAN [Man] DENOTES in general a merchant, good business, pleasant news, and recovery of lost things. It also signifies that the consulting party will soon enlist, or get some engagement.

XX. THE RIDER DENOTES good news from abroad, in money matters, a good situation in a foreign, or good prospects. He that doubts his fortune, is promised a lasting one by this emblem. XXI. THE MOUSE As this animal lives by stealth, it is also an emblem here of theft or robbery; it is also an emblem here of theft or robbery; if it be in the clear, it shews that you will get again what you lost in a wonderful manner, but if it appears in the thick you may renounce this hope. XXII. THE ROD. SHEWS differences with relations about matters relating to legacies; in the thick, illness. XXIII. THE ROSE, THE CARNATION, OR ANY OTHER FLOWER The greatest success in any science or art; if the consulting party be married, he may expect good children, and all the fruits to be expected from their good education in his old age. XXIV. THE HEART. If it be in the clear, it signifies future pleasure. It promises joy at receiving some money, if surrounded with dots. If a ring, or two hearts be together, it signifies, that the party is about to be married or betrothed; if a letter be perceptible near it, it shows the initial of the persons’s name; if the letter be in the clear, the party is a virgin; if in the thick, a widow. XXV. THE GARDEN, OR WOOD.

SIGNIFIES a large company. In the clear, it indicates good friends, of which it will consist; in the thick, or encompassed with streaks, it warns the consulting party to be cautious, and not to take for his friends those who merely profess themselves as such. XXVI. THE BIRD IN GENERAL. In the clear it signifies, that the disagreeables and troubles, with which you shall have to combat, will soon be over; in the thick, it is a sign of good living, and of a speedy successful journey or voyage, which, if there are dashes will be directed to a great distance. XXVII. FISH IN GENERAL THEY imply lucky events by water, if in the clear, which will either happen to the consulter or or improve the state of his affairs beyond the water. If they are in the thick, the consulter will fish in troubled water, and rely upon that which others have already lost before him. Surrounded with dots, they signify that his destiny calls to him some distant place. XXVIII THE LION, OR ANY OTHER FEROCIOUSF BEAST. AT the top in the clear, it signifies all kind of prosperity with people of quality. At the bottom it warns the consulter to shun all such intercourse, as he will at all events find persons who will envy him his fortune, and not see it with indifference. XXIX THE GREEN BUSH. Shews the benevolence and favours of all patrons; it gives you hopes of attaining the honour you wish for; without foliage it a token of the caprices of fortune; in the clear it announces an unexpected remittance of money. XXX

WORMS. AT the top, or in the middle of the cup, it denotes good luck at playing, and in matrimony; below, it warns against rivals in your courtship, and against enviers in your trade and profession. XXXI. THE HOUSE. INDICATES, at the top of the cup, blessing and success in all your enterprises; if your situation be ten not the most favourable, you may hope that it soon will change for the better. In the middle, or below, it cautions you to be vigilant over your servants, as your vigilance alone will prevent you being injured. XXXII THE SCYTHE. If combined with an hour-glass, it denotes imminent dangers of all kinds. Below, it signifies a long and happy life. FINIS

The Card Verses [These are the verses that are written upon the 32 cards themselves, given here for reference]. 1. Crossroads/Fingerpost: Excesses will certainly make you unhappy, avoid them therefore while it is time. 2. Ring: In the happy marriage which you are about to enter; avoid Jealousy for the sake of your own peace of mind. 3. Clover: You may be very fortunate indeed if you always discharge your duty with honor and integrity. 4. Anchor: A person as honest as you in his dealings, will never want a rich harvest of gain; your wishes too are likely to be accomplished. 5. Snake: A secret enemy endeavours to injure you; try by kindness to make him your friend. 6. Letter: You may flatter yourself with good hopes in your enterprise but act prudently and speak not always as you feel. 7. Coffin: You may rejoice at a considerable legacy, but many people will envy you for it. 8. Star: Do your part, and you will soon experience the good effects of it. 9. Dog: You will easily find better friends among strangers than among your own relations. 10. Lily: You wish for a virtuous wife, this wish may be granted if you requite the same for the same. 11. Cross: There is no misfortune however severe, that does not produce some good; hope therefore all will be for the best. 12. Clouds: Just as the clouds are dispelled, so let your anger vanish, then you will soon be superior to all vexations. 13. Sun: You will make an unexpected fortune, use it so that no body may covet it.

14. Moon: The liberality of your mind will always rather increase than lessen your prosperity; it will also daily endear you more to your friends. 15. Mountain: You may easily get in favour with the great, but remember always that the higher you rise the deeper you will fall. 16. Tree (3 Trees, two in sleeves): Never regret labor or pains; a good work is its own reward, be this your consolation. 17. Child: The consequences of the good education which you will give to your children, shall gladden your old age. You shall live to see much joy from them. 18. Woman: Gratify your partiality to the fair sex, but never offend decency. 19. Man: Depend upon receiving some good news; the loss you have sustained will recover likewise. 20. Rider: Despair not of Men’s goodness for you shall have an unexpected proof of it; you may expect news, and restitution of that which you thought lost. 21. Mouse: Have a vigilant eye upon your servants, as your negligence may make an honest man a thief. 22. Birchrod/Whip: You are involved in disputes. Do not engage in them too warmly else your body will be afflicted with illness. 23. Flower/Rose: You sport with fortune, but whatever the cards refuse, your good sense, your skill, and learning will amply compensate. 24. Heart: You meditate a project of marriage, if you consult reason, you will abound with blessings. 25. Garden: You frequently go into company, if you wish to be benefited by it, hear much and say little. 26. Bird/Turtledove: You are very happy, but love entirely swayed by passion will render you very unhappy.

27. Fish: Don’t let yourself be caught with baits like the fish; circumspection is very necessary especially on a long journey. 28. Lion: Be always on your guard; he easily believes is easily deceived. 29. Tree (Single tree, fully grown): The industrious, in whose number you are comprised, will never want for lucre and decent support. 30. Insects and Pests: Your unexpected good fortune will create you many unknown enviers, who shall grudge you it. 31. House: From the visit which you and your house will receive, great advantages must ensue, but let prudence guide your conduct. 32. Scythe: Wait quietly for the harvest, proportionate to your labor; for every one is the make of his own fortune. List of Lenormand Cards In order to compare and contrast this earlier set of cards and instructions with the later Lenormand, we present here a list of the 1796 cards with the Hechtel Deck “Game of Hope”, which was then later used as the model for “the petit Lenormand” cards. 1799/1800 (Hechtel) 1.

Rider/Messenger

2.

The Clover Leaf

3.

The Ship

4. The House

1796 (Amusemens) Roads Ring Leaf of Clover Anchor

5.

The Tree

6.

The Clouds

Letter

7.

The Snake

Coffin

8. The Coffin 9.

The Bouquet

10. The Scythe

Serpent

Star Dog Lilly

11. The Rod/Whip 12. The Birds/Owls 13. The Child/Little Girl

Cross Clouds Sun

14. The Fox

Moon

15. The Bear

Mountains

16. The Stars

Tree

17. The Stork

Child

18. The Dog

Woman

19. The Tower

Pedestrian (Man)

20. The Garden

Rider

21. The Mountain 22. The Ways

Mouse Rod

23. The Mice

Rose/Carnation/Flower

24. The Heart

Heart

25. The Ring

Garden

26. The Book

Bird

27. The Letter

Fish

28. The Gentleman Beast

Lion or any Ferocious

29. The Lady

Green Bush

30. The Lily

Worms

31. The Sun

House

32. The Moon 33. The Key 34. The Fish 35. The Anchor 36. The Cross

Scythe

Hechtel possibly merged the four duplicate symbols out of the earlier deck (i.e. bush/trees became “trees” and worms/serpent became “Serpent”) and then added six additional symbols, all of which are common to coffee-grind symbol reading; Ship, Fox, Stork, Tower, Book, and Key. This would have been to create a deck more suitable for the common decks of the area which had 36 cards, not 32. These in part, we might suggest, are also iconic for the Nuremburg area, as the ship in Hechtel’s deck features the flag of Nuremberg (half of a double-headed Eagle, in itself a symbol used in coffeegrind reading), the Tower is modelled on the Nuremberg castle tower, the Stork and the Fox are both common and popular folk-lore creatures of the area (the tales of Reynard and the Frog-King tale), and the Book and Key may be just personal choices. In a 1763 German list of coffee grind symbols (discovered by Huck at trionfi.com), the additional symbols are all present, other than the Book. Ship: Fox:

Riches and Good Income Treacherous Person (or people)

Stork:

Moving (place of residence), travel

Tower:

Long life and happiness in old age

Book: Key: (reversed)

Not mentioned Good career prospects (upright) and bad

Other symbols that Hechtel may have wished to use from this list could have been as diverse as a double eagle (luck in marriage or unlikely hope, depending on position in the cup), grapes (special luck), and a flag (luck). Neatly, a flag bearing a double-headed Eagle appears on the Ship in Hechtel’s deck. This general list of 35 known symbols in 1763 is otherwise similar in meaning and symbol to the cards used in the 1796 book; birds are “good friends”, garden is “pleasant conditions”. It is of interest that there are alternate meanings such as the “fishes” being slander, and

“key” being a good sign for career prospects. Again, some symbols depend on their location in the cup – higher is usually better, lower is worse – and higher is usually “sooner” and lower is “later”. It is interesting that the Book is the only item not included in the alternative list, although there may have been many available at the time from which to draw more symbols. The Book to Hechtel was a “spell book” containing secret knowledge which could actually set you back. It was a symbol of “forbidden knowledge” and secrets. The Spaewife We can also see how this English tradition became corrupted as it was copied in many chapbooks of the later period. The Spaewife, or Universal Fortune-Teller, was published c. 1850 and was one of many similar titles; The Old Egyptian Fortune-Teller’s Last Legacy (c. 1850), Conjurer’s Guide: the only real Fortune-Teller (c. 1850), The Fortunate Gypsy; or, the Young Lady Turn’d Fortune-Teller (c. 1820), etc. [See n. 54-55, Owen Davies, Witchcraft, Magic and Culture 1736 – 1951]. It includes much the same text as given for the individual cards in this present book, however, abbreviated and without the footnotes. It is patently at least a once-removed copy, some seventy years later. The Spaewife can be read online [http://www.electricscotland.net/canada/library2-2.htm], and we can now see that it is incomplete, for example, the text for the Coffin is not complete in the online transliteration. Similarly, images such as the Pedestrian (Man), the Rose (Flower) and Heart are missing. Our own viewings in situ of copies of Partridge & Flamstead (one of the earliest, if not the earliest list of card-meanings for playing cards) have shown variations in publication from one version to the next.

A Contemporary Reading Using the meanings given herein and the method, we asked a question and performed a layout, using the current version of Lenormand (based on the Game of Hope and using 36 cards). We laid it in an 8x4 tableau with 4 cards discarded. We chose to use those cards as the “surprise” cards of the reading, an antique cartomantic method by which discarded cards or a single card are kept face-down during the reading, and then turned up at the end to provide a “surprise” or summary. We also take from this “English” method, that where cards are given alternative meanings depending on whether they are “clear” or “thick” refers to their position in the layout – the top two rows are “clear”, or “top of the cup”, the bottom two rows are “thick” or “Bottom of the cup”. With some lee-way, you can also consider alternative meanings given the card image in contemporary Lenormand decks being ‘darker’ or ‘lighter’ to one side or another. As an example, the Cloud meaning being in the “thick” would be the one used if the darker side of a Clouds card was closer to the Pedestrian Man, for a male Sitter. A few cards such as the Mountain have a meaning which was variable depending on the coffee-grind symbol (i.e. one Mountain or many Mountains appearing). In these cases, we take the meaning overall, if it is not clear in the context of surrounding cards and the overall interpretation, from the summary verse as a final arbiter. In terms of timing in a reading, we consider that the higher up in the layout a card is, the more “soon” it is likely to manifest. A situation where the Pedestrian (Man) or Woman is in the lower part of the layout is a long-term event, whereas to us, if the Man or Woman is up at the top-right of the layout, with just one or two cards to their right, that is a quick and simple resolution to a situation foretold.

The Question: Will the Japanese contract go through and will it lead to financial success? The Questioner: A Man The Cards: The Man appeared in the bottom row, with 18 (Dog) + 17 (Stork) + 2 (Clover) to his left, and to his right, 25 (Ring) + 31 (Sun) + 21 (Mountain) + 12 (Birds). Above him were 1 (Rider) + 35 (Anchor) + 13 (Child). The Interpretation Given the meanings here, and style of reading, we read, literally, as follows; You will easily find better friends among strangers than among your own relations (Dog) + Moving, Travel (Stork). You may be very fortunate indeed if you always discharge your duty with honor and integrity (Clover). This is a startling confirmation of the interpretations herein, because usually the “Dog” would be read by many readers as ‘a loyal friend’, whereas here we see perfectly relevant advice to find friends among strangers, followed by a card of moving and travel, i.e. foreign. That the contract in question is in Japan, a place where indeed one would be fortunate to act with “honor and integrity” is just perfect. On the right of the Man we now read; In the happy marriage which you are about to enter; avoid jealousy for the sake of your own peace of mind (Ring). You will make an unexpected fortune, use it so that no body may covet it (Sun). You may easily get in favour with the great, but remember always that the higher you rise the deeper you will fall (Mountain). You are very happy, but love entirely swayed by passion will render you very unhappy (Birds). Again, this is perfectly apposite advice with a warning not to get too proud of success and keep a level head. The “marriage” here is the relationship with a single business partner. So, the overall reading is extremely positive – and notice the literalness of the SUN being

Nippon, the original word for Japan, meaning “the sun’s origin” or translated as “the land of the rising sun”. That there is a mountain from which the sun is arising to offer a ring to the man is a perfect combination and almost literal. Reading the column above the Man we add; Despair not of Men’s goodness for you shall have an unexpected proof of it; you may expect news, and restitution of that which you thought lost (Rider). A person as honest as you in his dealings, will never want a rich harvest of gain; your wishes too are likely to be accomplished (Anchor). The consequences of the good education which you will give to your children, shall gladden your old age. You shall live to see much joy from them (Child). Again there is an observation to be honest and authentic, and an interesting additional piece of advice to offer training (education) to younger people (children) to bring long-term rewards. As this was not a consideration of the original contract as written, the reading here gives us clear advice to add “training and education” into the contract as a term. This is obvious in retrospect, but it was missed and the reading has prompted a significant addition to the contract. The Surprise Cards The surprise cards are: 24 (Heart) + 32 (Moon) + 23 (Mice) + 16 (Stars). We read that here as; You meditate a project of marriage, if you consult reason, you will abound with blessings (Heart). The liberality of your mind will always rather increase than lessen your prosperity; it will also daily endear you more to your friends (Moon). Have a vigilant eye upon your servants, as your negligence may make an honest man a thief (Mice). Do your part, and you will soon experience the good effects of it (Star). So again, so long as we are reasonable, do not let our ambitions overtake us, and keep an open mind, we will prosper. However, we

must keep an eye on any employees of the project, and quick results will soon follow. This is a “beginner” reading simply using the card meanings as they are written on the cards, adding only where necessary (here, the Stork) for the four images in Hechtel’s deck/modern Lenormand not found here, but again, from a source of the time. It does not require any elaborate combinations or applying one card to another. This “by the cards” reading style is a good starting method for students, and can soon be developed by using the fuller symbol descriptions given here in this book, combinations, and what the author here calls “fertile imagination”. As an example, notice that the fuller description of the mountains refers to “friends in high life, who are endeavouring to promote the consulting”. Again, this is incredibly apposite the situation.

A Further Card Draw Method The English work, Partridge and Flamstead’s New and Well Experienced Fortune Book, dating from England and Scotland in c. 1750, gives a simple method of one-card drawing which can be used for a single or multiple card drawing of the Lenormand. According to the original instructions, the cards are shuffled and spread out on the table face down. Those drawing for a reading are to close their eyes, place their right hand on their left breast, and say “Honi Soit Qui Mally Pense”, which means, “evil to him, who evil thinks”. They then draw a card [or for Lenormand, draw 3-5 as you wish] and consult its meaning. This was originally used with a deck of playing cards, and verses were given for both sexes, such as: Ace of Diamonds: [Men] Since this Ace it seems your lot/You‘ll wed one that’s fierce and hot. [Women] But if woman kind draws it/She’ll have one with wealth and wit. In the English Lenormand style, we simply read the verse of the card (or the brief meaning from the four additional cards, i.e. if you get BOOK, it would be “a secret is being kept”) and apply that as best we can to the situation or question with a “fertile imagination”.

Conclusion We trust this little booklet of the English Lenormand has given you further insight into the development of Lenormand reading, and will inform your practical reading in addition to being a piece of historical research. We would like to thank Mary K. Greer for kindly allowing us to publish this work with her, based entirely on her discovery in the British Museum. There are many further treasures in the Museum, and other archives, some of which are mis-catalogued and overlooked. In our most recent visit, we discovered an old English fortune-telling card deck which is similar to Lenormand, but with an almost unique set of symbols. This was mis-catalogued and given to us “by mistake” on a request of other decks, and we wonder just how many collections are full of hidden gems which are yet to be discovered and shared with the cartomantic communities. A final question remains here. Is this present book, published in 1796, the first card-version of what became the Lenormand, and did Hechtel take it from this particular publication? It is unlikely. There may be earlier decks of similar ilk – perhaps even in Vienna as the anonymous author states, and decks that preceded and inspired Hechtel’s “Game of Hope” around the late 1700’s. We bemusedly look forward to a transcript of an ancient Egyptian papyrus indicating that the ancient Egyptians actually did use sherbet and listed 32 hieroglyphs as interpretive icons, such as the Owl (Birds), the Rod, the Man, Woman, Tree, Child, Sail (Ship), Rudder (Anchor), Serpent, Jackal (Fox), Ibis (Stork), Sun, Moon, Star, Lotus (Flower) Tet (Tower) … What remains for now is that this book, Les Amusemens… is certainly the earliest, most complete and practical book in English on the Lenormand tradition, and we are delighted to share it with you. We remain,

Votre très‐humble et très‐obéissante servants Tali Goodwin, Mary K. Greer, Marcus Katz Summer, 2013.

Bibliography Goodwin, T. & Katz, M. Learning Lenormand. Woodbury: Llewellyn, 2013. Davies, Owen. Witchcraft, Magic and Culture 1736 – 1951. Manchester University Press, 1999. Mary K. Greer Blog http://marygreer.wordpress.com/ Tarosophy Websites & Resources Learning Lenormand Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/298383766946724/ The Original Lenormand Deck: http://www.originallernomand.com Learning Lenormand Courses and Book: http://www.learninglenormand.com Tarosophy Tarot Associations: http://www.tarotprofessionals.com Tarot Professionals Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/tarotprofessionals Hekademia Tarot Course: http://www.tarosophyuniversity.com Tarot Town Social Network: http://www.tarot-town.com Tarosophy by Marcus Katz: http://www.tarosophy.com Tarot Book Club: http://www.tarotbookclub.com The Tarot Review: http://www.thetarotreview.com