timtoldrum

24 June, 202627 June, 2026

Timing in Lenormand

A subject on which one is consulted with some regularity is timing. What is the most effective method? Is there a traditional consensus? Is the pace or suit method the more dependable?

Regrettably, one must be candid: whether we are speaking of the Lenormand Oracle, the Belline Oracle, the Tarot, or any other system of cartomancy, there is no single “best” method. None possesses an inherent or naturally embedded timing system in the way that palmistry does. If I am entirely honest, palmistry remains the most reliable divinatory art for timing.

So, how does a reader who works with the Lenormand Oracle time a reading?

My clientele seldom sought guidance concerning matters two or three years ahead. Their interest was, almost invariably, the next two to six months — a year at most. Over time, I found that the Petit Lenormand suited this time frame remarkably well, possessing an inherent swiftness. For longer‑term enquiries, I relied upon palmistry or, where an accurate birth time was available, astrology, particularly time lords.

Proportion

In my experience, the Grand Tableau — the full thirty‑six cards — covers approximately six to twelve weeks. The cards may touch upon matters beyond this period, but the bulk of the reading tends to unfold within four to eight weeks.

Consequently, if thirty‑six cards encompass six to twelve weeks, eighteen cards will cover roughly three to six weeks. A line or square of nine cards will therefore play out over a week or two.

The Question

If we keep this principle firmly in mind and in practice, the cards respond with far greater reliability. The simplest way to achieve this is through focus and clarity of question. When shuffling, direct your attention to the next month or two. With regular handling of the cards, this becomes second nature.

Timing the Reading

Once this foundation is established, one may begin to incorporate techniques such as pace. When using fewer than eighteen cards — ideally nine or fewer — note whether the spread is dominated by fast or slow cards. Pacing is most effective when cards fall in clusters. For example, if the first row of five contains three or four slow cards, the matters described may unfold over the following week or two. If the second row consists entirely of fast cards, one knows that events begin slowly but conclude swiftly.

Certain combinations have traditional timing associations. For instance, Roads–Cloverleaf indicates a period within six weeks, while Fox–Stars suggests the wrong time — that whatever is under discussion is ill‑timed. In a timing reading, Fox–Stars is very much a sign that the cards are saying you are not meant to know at present. These associations may be employed with confidence.

Seasonal and Daily Associations

Some further timing correspondences:

Bouquet — spring
Sun — summer
Scythe — autumn
Lilies — winter

Coffin–Sun — sunrise
Sun — morning
Park — luncheon
Garden–Moon — afternoon tea
Sun–Coffin — sunset
Moon–Stars — after dusk
Moon — evening
Stars — night

Over time, I have also found the following associations effective in my own readings, though they are not traditional:

Monday — Birch Rod
Tuesday — Cavalier
Wednesday — Lilies
Thursday — Stars
Friday — Cross
Saturday — Heart
Sunday — Sun

With the above in mind, I tend to focus my readings on short time frames and then employ pace to refine the sequence of events. For final confirmation, I usually draw a specific line of five, asking directly when something will occur, and use the cards’ progressed meanings (Mountain = a delay, Moon = 28 days, et cetera) to determine the time frame — exactly as I taught in my earlier courses. This final line almost invariably aligns with the main reading.

Cards: Jeu Lenormand © Cartamundi

23 June, 202627 June, 2026

Carpe Diem: The Cavalier Card

In the moment of our talking, envious time has ebb’d away. Seize the present; trust tomorrow e’en as little as you may.
Carmina, Horace

Cavalier, indicates good news, but a little far away, it can relate to the person’s home or come from foreign countries. This card is a messenger of good fortune when it is not surrounded by cards of a sinister nature.
Original Instructions

Despite being card no. 1, the 9 of Hearts — the Cavalier — is often passed over or regarded as one of the least interesting of the thirty‑six cards in the pack. Does it simply mean *news*? Does it signify your car, motorcycle or bicycle, or would that be the Ship? And if it falls far away, does it refer to someone or somewhere abroad?

The Essence and Function of the Cavalier

The essence of the Cavalier is that of a herald; its function is that of a messenger.

When discussing the Cavalier’s significations, “news” usually tops the list. That is fair: it is a communication card, and the Cavalier brings tidings. But how does it differ from the Letter (or even the Book in some circumstances), which also conveys news? The answer lies in the image — the eikṓn.

The Cavalier in Traditional Decks

In the Carta Mundi, Dondorf, Wust and Blaue Eule pattern, the traditional picture shows a male figure riding a horse. In more detailed illustrations, he is riding out from a substantial chateau. The Cavalier is therefore “a man abroad” — literally out from home — indicating that he is on the move.

As such, it is often more accurate to say that he foretells the arrival of a visitor bearing news.

Even when combined with the Letter, one is far likelier to receive couriered parcels or documents requiring a signature, or items handed directly to you rather than pushed through the letterbox. The Cavalier adds a personal touch.

The card the Cavalier “rides away” from will often shed light on his tidings. For example, a carte maîtresse (or topic card) such as the Fishes or the Coffin would direct attention to finances or illness. If it is a person card, such as the Hound or the Bouquet (Queen of Spades), it is not uncommon for that person to be the visitor.

In spreads divided into past, present and future, the Cavalier’s gaze is significant. If he looks towards a past card, he may bring old news or an update on an ongoing matter. If he looks towards the future, the reverse is true.

The Cavalier is a fast card that adds celerity to the cards around him. Situations progress quickly. When he appears with cards forecasting opportunities or favourable circumstances, he stresses the need to act promptly. These chances will not linger.

Timing‑wise, the Cavalier is very short‑term. He usually arrives within a week at most — often the same day or the next.

The Cavalier also signifies horses and all members of the *Equidae* family. Paired with the Hound, it may indicate someone who keeps horses, donkeys and similar animals.

Coda

The Cavalier is the card of face‑to‑face communication, in contrast to the Letter. The reader must examine the surrounding cards to determine the nature of his tidings and whether they are welcome. He brings speed to the reading, both in terms of arrival and action — carpe diem.

Person and Description

Like the Birds and the Hound, the Cavalier is one of five cards read as people but not associated with a Court Card.

If read as a person, the Cavalier traditionally signifies a man — but only if the rider depicted is male. This is because the person‑function derives purely from the design; the Cavalier is not a court card but the 9♡. Consequently, in decks such as the Gilded Reverie Lenormand the Cavalier must be read as a woman if the rider shown is female. This is no different from the Birds card, which can signify a couple or “two of something” if two birds are shown. More birds, more people.

When read as a person, the attending cards reveal the individual’s character and appearance. The Cavalier sheds its own associations.

Physical Description and Temperament

The traditional eikṓn shows the Cavalier well‑dressed and not in livery or uniform. Artists may depict him in breeches, a justaucorps or a top hat, depending on the era — none of which were peasant attire. The Cavalier is therefore a dapper, well‑presented figure.

Physically, the card suggests someone fashionable, well‑kempt, up‑and‑coming and athletic. Equestrianism is a sport, and riding develops lean muscle. It is common for the Cavalier‑type person to enjoy sport and spend time exercising or in the gym.

If the card falls far away, it can sometimes indicate someone born in another country or of a different ethnicity to the querent. Caution is needed — it may refer to several generations back or simply an unusual name.

In terms of character, the Cavalier describes someone energetic, confident and always on the go — a person who knows what they want and is actively pursuing it. They are usually sociable, good communicators, and, in my experience, loyal and good friends.

Special Features

Traditionally, cartomancers paid attention to the Cavalier’s proximity to the significator.

If he falls far away, he may indeed signify news or a visitor from abroad. More often, however, the news he carries relates only indirectly to the querent — for example, someone calling at the querent’s home to see their spouse with gossip, or news concerning an extended family member or friend. Other times, the querent will hear some news when out-and-about or abroad (in nineteenth century parlance).

The closer the Cavalier falls, the more directly his news concerns the querent.

Over the years, the Cavalier has consistently signified a future love interest (in my readings and those of my clients). This often occurs when the Lord represents a current or former partner. Look for cards such as the Heart or the Ring near the Cavalier. Occasionally, he may appear as the Lady’s chevalier servente, especially with supporting cards such as the Serpent or the Lilies.

I have also found the Cavalier to be the primary significator for male same‑sex or same‑gender relationships. This emerged organically through working with the cards for myself and LGBTQ+ clients. Consequently, I have never found it necessary to replace the Lady with an extra Lord when reading for gay, bisexual or pansexual men. (For bisexual, omnisexual or pansexual clients, you will always need potential male, female and non‑binary cards.)

Transport and Movement

Another special feature of the Cavalier is his horse. When these cards were designed, horses were the primary means of personal transport. Today, the Cavalier’s horse corresponds to our cars, motorcycles and bicycles.

Some readers prefer the Ship for vehicles, but the traditional Ship eikṓn shows a large galleon, carrack or sea vessel — not a mode of everyday personal transport. I read the Ship as trains, buses, aeroplanes and ships. The Cavalier is the car.

Exercise and Sport

The Cavalier also signifies exercise and sport. Equestrianism requires skill and physical effort, whether eventing, endurance, carriage driving or dressage. The surrounding cards describe the specific exercise:

Bear = weightlifting/bodybuilding
Scythe = fencing or javelin
Lilies = yoga
Ship = rowing or sailing
Birch Rod = boxing, combat sport, but also polo, cricket etc.

Some readers prefer the Birch Rod for exercise, but that has never made sense to me. Corporal punishment is not a sport.

Well‑Being

The Cavalier can be a welcome sign, indicating a return to form after illness. More commonly, he stresses the importance of diet, exercise and staying active. If accompanied by warning cards (such as the Scythe), he may indicate a sports injury or an accident involving a car or bicycle.

Anatomically, the Cavalier is associated with ligaments, as well as the legs, knees and ankles.

The Cavalier in Action

In 2022, a woman consulted me to ask whether she would be reconciled with an ex‑partner. Unfortunately, the cards indicated that this would not occur. However, the Grand Tableau revealed something far more promising: a new man on the horizon — someone entirely unknown to her.

I conducted a follow‑up reading, employing the Lost Man spread to gather further detail. The cards fell as follows:

To begin with, we can see that he (Lord) is likely dark‑haired (Bear). Combined with the Cavalier card, we know he is physically fit; paired with the Bear, we are looking at someone deeply committed to resistance training and nutrition, intent on achieving maximum muscular development. The combination of the Cavalier and the Sun suggests a successful athlete — someone who almost certainly competes.

He will be well dressed and attentive to his appearance. The Bear, more often than not, points to facial hair. The pairing of the Bear with the Cavalier frequently indicates a slightly retro or vintage aesthetic — the sort of look one might associate with a modern hipster. This is reinforced by the Lilies, which lend a timeless elegance and a certain refinement.

In temperament, he is self‑reliant and assertive (Bear), with a strong drive for achievement (Cavalier and Sun). He is principled (Lilies) and emotionally stoic (Lilies and Bear).

The client subsequently met a personal trainer who looked as though he had stepped straight off the set of Peaky Blinders. He competed in several body building contests.

References:

Boroveshengra, A., 2013. Cartomantes’ Cabinet: The Petit Lenormand Course.
Boroveshengra, A., 2015. Lenormand Thirty Six cards. 2nd ed. Create Space.
Delclos, M., 2013. Le Livre du Petit Lenormand. 1st ed. Escalquens: Éd. Trajectoire.
George, R., 2014. Essential Lenormand. 1st ed. Llewellyn Publications, U.S.
Marco, M. and Goffinet, J., 1989. Petit Lenormand. Bruxelles: Servranx.
Silvestre, C., 2003. Le Petit Lenormand. [Montpellier]: Gange éd

21 May, 202523 May, 2025

On the Death of a Victorian Prince Part II: Cricket and Time Lords

In the preceding post¹, we reviewed the length-of-life technique known as horimæa as outlined by Ptolemy in Book III of the Tetrabiblos².

Like many length-of-life techniques³, Ptolemy’s method focuses on the apheta or hyleg and its primary directions. We analyzed the birth chart of Christian Victor of Schleswig-Holstein and directed his hyleg according to Ptolemy’s instructions.

In this second post, our focus will be on analyzing Christian Victor’s birth chart and the predictive techniques that might foreshadow his death in 1900.

The Sun, the Moon and Mars

Christian Victor’s Mars occupies a prominent position. It is in the tenth house and advancing to the MC, which falls in Mars’s terms and triplicity. He also co-rules the second house, which Paulus Alexandrinus⁴ considered second only to the tenth house regarding profession/vocation. Of the lords of action (Mercury, Venus and Mars), he is the emphasized. Mars would therefore be pertinent to Christian Victor’s status and occupation.

Cricket, Mars and the MC

Christian Victor was a major in the English colonial army. Mars is also associated with athleticism, and Christian Victor was (according to Wikipedia) a gifted cricketer making a “first-class” appearance. The square from the exalted Sun (which Mars receives) adds some prestige.

In Book IV of the Tetrabiblos⁵, Ptolemy states that directions of the midheaven will provide information on our actions, friendships and the begetting of children.

Directing Mars to the MC, should coincide with a time of an increase in status. Such a direction is the simplest. We simply need the right ascension (RA) of Mars and the MC.

Direction = 117°22’08” – 96°17’38” = 20°34’25” or 20.573.

Morinus confirms our calculation:

In 1887, Christian Victor played his first-class appearance for I Zingari. Then, in 1888, he was commissioned after leaving Sandhurst.

Again, if he had been born two minutes earlier, the above direction would have been timed to 1888. The MC square to the Sun would have been in 1887 and likely refers to his cricket appearance.

The Problematic Mars, the Sun & the Moon

Career aside, Mars is slow, in fall, and is the out-of-sect malefic, which is often the most troublesome planet in a birth chart.

The Moon, Mars’ ruler, is the traditional significator of the body, and we find her in the twelfth sign. The twelfth sign is known as the bad spirit. Vettius Valens says it signifies “foreign lands, hostility, slaves, injuries, dangers, tribunals, disease, death, and sickness.⁶” Mars overcomes the Moon’s twelfth-part, which falls in the ascendant (see below). Both portend injury or danger of a martial nature.

Whereas the Moon pertains to the body, the Sun signifies the spirit and life force. Rhetorius tells us that “the Sun in the 7th becomes the cause of sickness and injuries according to the nature of the star that is in conjunction or aspect with it.⁷” Again, that would be martial. Mars is associated with burning fevers and several symptoms common to malaria and typhoid.

The Sun-Mars square is strongly emphasized in the chart. It is the tightest aspect and they are the only two planets to be angular. The interplay between the two is confirmed by Mars’ twelfth-part being conjunct with the Sun (see above). Mars does receive the Sun, which is dignified and in its exaltation and will therefore be able to curtail some of Mars’ difficulties – albeit not prevent them.

Venus rules both the ascendant and the eighth sign. Despite being in her exaltation, Venus is cadent. Sahl B. Bishr states that if the eighth sign’s ruler is falling, it indicates death will occur while traveling⁸. Christian Victor died abroad and was due to return when he fell ill.

Time-Lords and the Death of Christian Victor

In our analysis of Christian Victor’s birth chart we have seen how the Sun, the Moon and Mars all foreshadow ill health and also indicators of this occurring outside of the UK. Do they foreshadow his death? Yes. But why did he die in 1900 and not 1895? The answer lies less in horimæa but in the activation of these planets as a series of time-lords.

The absence of time-lords in modern astrology is one of the noticeable differences between it and “traditional” practice. It is perhaps also the reason for the former’s overreliance on transits.

Each day, the planets rise in the east, set in the west, and never cease to traverse through the zodiac. Yet, despite this continual motion (i.e., transits), they do not have a daily effect on us – despite the regular warnings whenever Mercury is going retrograde. This is because although the planets are constantly moving, they are not continually active in each individual person’s life.

An activated planet is referred to as a time-lord or chronocrator from the Greek chronokratōr. It is said to rule over specific periods of life when it can influence and manifest its promise set in the birth chart.

In Book IV of the Tetrabiblos⁹, Ptolemy outlines a tier of time-lords, and we will largely follow his scheme. A transiting planet will need to be activate on several levels before it can effect us.

General Time-Lords: Ages of Man, Firdaria & Primary Directions

The general time-lords are seen to preside over different stages of life or longer periods, e.g. more than a year. Often, they overlap with life’s milestones. Ptolemy considered primary directions and the Ages of Man to be general time-lords.

Although we will focus on directions, the Seven Ages and Firdaria are two other systems of considerable merit. Aged 33, Christian Victor was in the period of the Sun (Seven Ages) and a Moon-Saturn period (Firdaria).

With the Moon, the ascendant is the primary significator of the body, particularly in terms of the physical constitution, vitality, and health. Valens states it is “…life, steering-oar, body, breath.” For this reason, it is usually the significator of choice used in predictive techniques to look at health.

Throughout life, the ascendant can be directed through the terms (also known as bounds), which are uneven sub-sections of a sign. This is sometimes referred to as aphesis or releasing.

At birth, Christian Victor’s ascendant was in the term of Saturn but entered the term of Mercury in December 1868. The directed term is referred to as the division or distribution, and its ruler is the divisor or distributer.

As the ascendant is directed, it will reach the planet’s bodies (conjunction) or aspects (sextile, square, trine, or opposition). This planet is known as the promissor or partner and remains so until a subsequent aspect is reached.

The ascendant’s division, divisor and promissor are important general time-lords.

On April, 1900, the ascendant was directed to the terms of Mars in Libra, and Mars was also the current promissor.

In January 1900, there was a converse direction where Mars was brought to the sextile of the Sun. As Mars was the divisor and promissor of the ascendant, the sextile will have also activated the Sun.

Annual Time-Lords: Profections & Solar Revolutions

As the name suggests, annual time-lords are which change annually at the time of our birthday. These time-lords can be seen to execute the agenda of the general time-lords, either constructively or obstructively.

Profections are one of the oldest techniques in predictive astrology, forming part of the annual time-lords.

When introducing profections, Dortheus of Sidon explains, “When a native is born, then the lord of the year is the lord of the house in which the native was born. And count likewise from the Ascendant, a year for each sign, until it ends up at the year which you want: for the lord of the year is the lord of that house.¹⁰”

At birth, Christian Victor’s ascendant is 4° Libra. On his first birthday (age 1), it advances to 4° Scorpio. It moves to 4° Sagittarius on the second birthday (age 2). This advancement continues throughout life, with the profection returning to the first house at ages 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, and 84.

Dorotheus, and most sources, use the sign’s ruler as the lord of the year. Vettius Valens preferred a planet or planets occupying the sign in the natal or solar revolution chart. I find planets in the natal chart are indeed emphasized and can be seen as co-rulers of the year.

Christian Victor died at age 33. The profected ascendant reached Cancer with the Moon and Mars were thus the year’s rulers.

From the above, we know that Mars was activated at the time of Christian Victor’s death. He was divisor and promissor of the ascendant and co-ruler of the year.

To see how these manifest, we can turn to the annual revolution, also known as the solar revolution or solar return. This chart is for when the Sun returns to its natal position, usually on or around one’s birthday.

However, it must be read in conjunction with the natal chart, not independently. Particularly, we pay attention to so-called “repetitions” and placements of the time-lords.

The 1900 solar return is shown below:

We first notice that the Libra rises as in the birth chart; the four angles have returned to the same signs. I find this an important “repetition.”

Our first focus is on the position of the relevant time-lords, the Moon and Mars. Of particular note is whether these are in a strong or weak position. Both are angular: the Moon in the first house and Mars in the seventh. This means that they were in a strong position in 1900 to release their natal promises.

Now, let us consider the two charts together:

For clarity, I will use N- and SR- to denote planets and points in the nativity and revolution, respectively.

The SR-Moon is overcome by the N-Mars and in a close opposition to N-Sun. At the same time, the SR-Mars is conjunct to the natal descendent and, therefore, in a partile opposition to the natal ascendant.

Venus, the ruler of both the natal and revolution ascendant, is without any dignity in revolution. In a cadent house, squaring her natal position (the sixth house of illness), there is a strong inference of a weakened constitution. Interestingly, she falls in the ninth house of foreign travel, and her antiscia lies with N-Mars.

Saturn-SR is conjunct to the N-IC and scrutinizing the N-Moon by trine. Christian Victor’s Firdaria was a Moon-Saturn period.

Short-Term Time-Lords: Monthly Profections, Lunar Revolution and Transits

In addition to the annual profection, we can also advance the ascendant each month and daily. Below are Christian Victor’s profections from Delphic Oracle:

When Christian Victor “took to his bed,” (October 10) the monthly profection was at Sagittarius (third house). The daily profection was to Pisces (sixth house). According to Victoria’s diary, Christian Victor was in the process of preparing to return to England (cadent house are associated with travel). The sixth house is the house of illness.

On October 14, 1900, Christian Victor’s monthly profection reached Capricorn (the exaltation of Mars), the fourth natal house which traditionally pertained to end-of-life conditions. On the day he died, October 29, it reached Aries which is ruled by Mars and the Sun (exaltation).

After the solar revolution, we can use the lunar revolution charts to identify critical months in the solar year. Again our focus is on repetition, and the chart must be considered against 1) the birth chart and 2) the solar revolution. No revolution is ever read as an independent chart.

In Christian Victor’s final lunar revolution (below), Cancer was rising. The Sun was in a partile opposition to his natal position and overcome by natal Mars. The Sun is in fall in the natal and solar revolution ascendant and conjunct the SR-Moon. This configuration released the promise of natal Mars-Sun/Moon that month.

On Christian Victor’s death, the transiting (relocated) Moon was applying to a conjunction with the natal IC and Saturn-SR.

In most cases, we can content ourselves with primary directions, annual profections, and the solar and lunar revolutions. Although Ptolemy included transits (ingresses), they are less reliable than the monthly and daily profections.

Like the first article, this article was written for my old blog. ↩︎
Ptolemaeus, C. and Robbins, F.E. (2001) Tetrabiblos. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Univ. Press ↩︎
See Dortheus of Sidon and Ptolemy’s younger contemporary, Vettius Valens ↩︎
Paulus et al. (2001) Late classical astrology: Paulus Alexandrinus and olympiodorus: With the Scholia from later commentators. Reston, VA: Arhat. ↩︎
Ptolemaeus, C. and Robbins, F.E. (2001) Tetrabiblos. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Univ. Press. Page 449 ↩︎
Valens, V. and Riley, M.T. (2022) The Anthology. Denver, CO: Amor Fati Publications. You can read the text for free here ↩︎
Holden, J.H. (2009) Rhetorius the Egyptian: Astrological Compendium. Tempe, Az.: Amer. Federation of Astrology ↩︎
Bishr, S. ibn and Dykes, B.N. (2019) The astrology of Sahl B. Bishr: Translated from the Arabic. Minneapolis, MN: Cazimi Press. ↩︎
Ptolemaeus, C. and Robbins, F.E. (2001) Tetrabiblos. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Univ. Press. Book IV.10. Read here. ↩︎
Ptolemaeus, C. and Robbins, F.E. (2001) Tetrabiblos. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Univ. Press. Book IV.10. Read here. ↩︎