A more in-depth reading which includes guidance.
The Lenormand deck is a classic oracle that offers a different approach to using the traditional Tarot and are similar to the Tarot Rider Waite deck and were made by Marie Anne Lenormand in the 19th century. Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand was a famous fortune teller who purportedly read cards for Napoleon’s wife, Josephine.
Much of what is known about Marie Ann Adelaide Lenormand is shrouded in mystery and legend. Though the deck of cards that bears her name – that we’ve come to understand as a “standard” Lenormand, was created after her death and very likely not at all like the cards she used herself, I feel like it’s important to get a sense of the time period that the cards were created in. It informs us on the proper manner to use the cards and creates atmosphere for our readings.
Marie Lenormand was an actual person. She was born in the lower
Normandy region of France in 1772. She
operated a salon, sometimes under the auspicious of a book shop since
divination was forbidden after the Reign of Terror. She was arrested for
divination several times, but avoided spending too much time in prison
due to the influence of her very wealthy clients. She had knowledge of
cards, but she also read palms and cast birth charts. She claimed to
have complete esoteric knowledge, but preferred to channel directly, as a
psychic medium. It is
known that she read for Josephine – the future wife of Napoleon.
The Lenormand as we know it popped up around 1845. Cards were a luxury
of the middle classes at the time. During the second half of the 19th
century, most of Europe was caught up in the Spiritualist craze.
Divination was a popular pastime during dinner parties and gatherings.
While the men would go smoke cigars in one room, the women would gather
in the parlors and read each other’s fortunes.
There is no mystery school or occultism intrinsically attached to the Lenormand. The symbols are modern, simple and direct and usage should be approached similarly. Keep in mind, they were once distributed as a gift when you bought a pack of cigarettes. This is a deck of cards meant for the general population – not just the esoteric or spirituals. And their charm and use has kept the deck in print for 150 years.