When the Lenormand Oracle entered my life over three decades ago, packs were far from scarce. But there was little variety. The cards of Piatnik and Carta Mundi were the two most prevalent patterns. When the AG Müller cards were sold, it was often the version with German or French lyrics.
Things have changed over the last decade. For me, the (often independent) publications of historical decks have been the particular focus. In particular, the Wanderwust Lenormand—a creative remix of the C.L. Wüst pack —has become a firm favourite. The early diet of Carta Mundi or Piatnik seems to cast long shadows, so I haven’t much explored the themed offerings.
La Santa Muerte Lenormand is a themed deck combining the traditional 36 pictures with Our Lady of the Holy Death. It was one of two Lenormand Oracle birthday gifts I found waiting for me. Not being involved in the cult of Santa Muerte or a deck collector, I was unaware of its publication but recognised the artist from the popular Rana George Lenormand.
The cards come in a sturdy, beautiful scull-themed box and number 38. There are two Lord and Lady cards. Inside, the cards sit in a small well. When the book is placed over the cards and the box shut, the two “eye-sockets” offer a glimpse of the book’s cover.
Callie L. French’s artwork is superb, with beautiful, rich, deep colors. My favorite cards are the Key, the Park, the Owls, the Moon, and the Fishes; the Ring, the Rider, and the Letter cards are my least liked. Full playing card inserts are in the lower right corner, with the cards’ titles in Spanish. I would have liked the cards completely borderless, but the Spanish titles seem appropriate. The cardstock is excellent, and the deck shuffles smoothly.
Dan M. Pelletier writes the small companion book, and it is a serviceable introduction from the Lenormand perspective. Mr. Pelletier attributes much to an Eastern European school of thought. There are no references or sources, but you can see the influence of several uncredited authors. The book also demonstrates the care and attention to detail in the art, from candle colors to Mexican culture.
Mr. Pelletier states it is not the object of the guidebook to introduce the reader to the cult of La Santa Muerte. He assumes the reader is or soon will be.
It has become my practice with new decks to seek a small introduction. After a good shuffle, I cut the deck into two piles and the La Santa Muerte Lenormand introduced itself with the Key and Lilies—a promising but pertinent opener.
Since receiving the cards, they have sat beside my journal and Carène fountain pen. I find they lend themselves for late evening and night-time deals. Although not a follower of the cult of Santa Muerte, the cards will open their wisdom if approached with respect as the cut shows.
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La Santa Muerte Lenormand by Dan M. Pelletier and illustrated by Callie L. French is published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
Journal of a Cartomante 