Tag: Petit Lenormand

Posted on

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

Posted on

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

Posted on

L’Amour Blea: Grand Tableau

The entry you are about to read first appeared on NéosFortune, in May 2017.

I have been getting to know a junior doctor, hereafter called Hugo. Hugo was intrigued to learn that I read the Lenormand Orace as these are the cards read by one of his mother’s friends, back in Martigny (Switzerland). After dancing around the issue, Hugo eventually asked me if I would ever read for him. He wanted to know where his boyfriend stood on their relationship.

My office is on the top floor of a now little-used area of a 1930s building, that is said to be haunted (but that is for another post). This means few people come up to see me especially after 6 p.m. when I am often still working. In my top drawer, I keep a Lenormand Oracle which is small enough to both go unnoticed and be spread on a desk.

Firstly, let us consider what Hugo is asking us to answer. He wants to know where his ‘boyfriend’ stands on their relationship. Although Hugo is the person asking the question, it will be the boyfriend’s tableau. The boyfriend, therefore, is the Lord-card and Hugo the Cavalier[1].

Hugo’s question also asks where the Lord-card stands ‘now.’ That inference necessitates the introduction of an epochal scheme. For me, in this structure, what is to the left of the significator, is the past, and what is to the right, is the future. We, however, do not stop there. A full reading requires that we read the cards, not just left-to-right, but also in a helical formation. I include a complete example in my book[2]. For privacy reasons, at Hugo’s request, I omit the step in this post.

Here are five key steps followed. In this post, I will, however, not present them in sequential order. I do this to avoid repetition and to an enhance flow.

A QUICK BREAKDOWN:

  1. The most important thing always is the keep the focus on the cards, not the techniques. Let your eyes wander over the tableau; it’s the big picture, after all. What is going on? Where are the players? Are they near to each other, or far? How are things engaging? That is an important step, as it trains the brain to see the real picture (the process of intellection).
  2. I note the trigger card (first card) and read it with the two cards that follow it. I see the first three cards as a direct message, a terse statement, on the current state of affairs. Consider these in isolation first. Then they can be regarded in the wider context.
  3. Read the four corners, as these frame the situation, by showing dominant influences. I recommend reading them both diagonally and, again, in a helical manner.
  4. Read the present, the past, and then the future lines. If you require further information on a card (often the last card in a line, if it ends on an ambiguous note, e.g. the Clouds, the Fox, or the Ring), you can count on to the ninth card, and then to the thirteenth card. You then have three cards to read as an additional sentence.
  5. The final four cards are the quintessence, or perhaps best seen as the root or triggering events. You can expand on these, noting a degree of causality, by reading cards 33 and 34 with cards 27 and 28 and then cards 5 and 6. Cards 35 and 36 will be read with cards 29 and 30, and then cards 3 and 4.

Now to the tableau: ‘Where does the Lord currently stand in the relationship with Hugo?’

The cards as they fell:

Cards: Lady, Bouquet, Dog, Stork, Roads, High Tower, Cavalier, Book; Scythe, Coffin, Fish, Ship, Stars, Bear, House, Child; Fox, Serpent, Mice, Sun, Lord, Whip, Heart, Ring; Cross, Letter, Moon, Garden, Birds, Cloverleaf, Anchor, Tree; Lilies, Clouds, Mountain, and Key.

Schematically, this is an interesting picture. It is, at first glance, well-balanced. The Lord-card has four cards to his left and three to his right (four thus being the farthest, see below right). There are two rows above him, but just one below. So the past is heavier. Ahead of him is both the Heart and the Ring. Some would rejoice. However, dear reader, before we prepare our confetti, I see the path to the Heart is via the Whip (which connects, obliquely, to the Birds at the Lord-card’s feet – stressed and upset people lash out). But what is more interesting is the appearance, right at the start, of the Lady-card. And this Lady occupies Hugo’s natural position (that of the Cavalier). As said before, some would like to see the Lady-card as Hugo. But, alas, when I checked he had trousers on not a dress.

In a draw, the first card dealt is always the trigger card. It tells you about an event or dynamic that has triggered events discussed or elaborated on in the other cards. It’s thus the starting point, the project at hand. Here, we find the Lady. Having a person card fall first can be likened to a conductor (which is more evidenced when we consider the corners). But let us return to the task at hand. What statement is made by the first three cards? A woman proffered (Bouquet) the hand of friendship (Dog).

Now, where does the Lord-card stand in this relationship? Presently, he is divided about what direction he wishes (Stars) it to take long-term. The Paths, which crown the Lord-card, always carry a degree of conflict over which direction to choose. The High Tower is a difficult card in a relationship, as it can presage a robust and stable outlook or conflicting self-interest. Paired with the Paths, it shows indecision and self-doubt about what one wants long term preventing progress. Sadly, with the Storks involved, this is: ‘Should I stay, or go?’ The Lord-card is considering if he’s better off flying solo. So it’s not surprising to find he is presently stressed and upset and feels like he is banging his head against a brick-wall (Birds and Mountain).

Note the Ship right next to him, he’ll be off soon.

The future doesn’t look too promising. Obviously, the Ring is the relationship, but it is also the card of repetition and going-round-in-circles. Following the Whip and Heart, it shows recriminations and passionate disputes, even controlling behaviour, that does not have an end in sight.[3]

The cause of this lies in the past. There is a clear sign of misplaced trust and betrayal (the Fox, the Serpent, the Mice). Our Lord survived to fight another day but felt drained rather than victorious (we find the Mice with the Serpent and the Sun either side).

In love, the Fox, a charming and skilled seducer, always warns of the risk of being cheated, and the Serpent, emotional wrangling, and perfidy. If we look closer at the two cards, we can see the Serpent mirrors the Heart, in the future, showing the venom is still to be felt as keenly tomorrow. Is this the right relationship, the Fox asks?

Now, from where did all this start? Some might point the finger of suspicion at the Cavalier. He sits in the Serpent’s house, after all. Such is a misunderstanding of the houses: the Cavalier is unjustly constricted by the Serpent, as he is its guest.[4]

We cannot directly connect the Serpent to anyone, other than the Lord-card. However, the Fox combines with both the Lord-card and the Lady-card, who indirectly relates to the Serpent vis-à-vis the Bouquet and the Fox (knighting, an indirect correlation). A closer inspection of the Lady-card confirms this. Her vertical line shows the serious harm and damage caused through deceitful actions (the Scythe, the Fox, the Cross). The horizontal line and chain indicates her exit, stage left, occurred at the appearance of Hugo. The Lady-card and the Cavalier meet in the clouded Garden, also, from which we can infer that the did not ‘click.’ In her negative aspect, the Serpent is a seditious figure who is very fond of spreading poisonous words and likes to isolate people from her prey. This is borne out here across the tableau.

Although this Lady has – quite clearly (if we consider the diagonal and horizontal lines) – left the Lord’s life, where he stands is directly in her wake. The four corners beautifully reiterate this: the Lady-card causes long-lasting grief (the Lady, the Book, the Tree, and the Cross) which means she cannot be forgotten (the Lady and the Tree) and that’s a painful lesson to digest (the Book and the Cross).

What can say about the Lord-card and his Cavalier? Imagine drawing an ‘+’ and an ‘x’ from both cards and see where they meet. Here that is the Dog, the Bear, and the Heart.

The Bear’s essence is power, and this manifests as strength, authority, and courage. In love, this can be felt somewhat heavily, but it is sincere and reliable (emphasised by the Heart). If we look at the Bear, we can see the strong potential for a fresh start in their personal life (horizontal line). But the Lord needs to do some serious thinking (the Paths).

Looking at the last four cards, what can we see? The Mountain adds greater density or an opaque look to the Clouds. It thus makes it harder to see a solution (the Key) to the current upset (Lily, clouded). This is further evidenced by the additional pairings, most notably the Birds and the Cloverleaf. But there is a solution.

If we return to the Ring, we can count to the ninth and then the thirteenth cards. That gives us the Ring, the Tree, and the Key. From this, we infer that the relationship can be fixed (Key). The Tree encourages taking some time out and contemplating the situation more neutrally. A holiday may be the answer (remember the Ship?).

So, to summarise, the cards say that the Lord stands at a crossroads considering whether it would be better for him to call a day on the relationship or invest enough time to sort it out.

As you can see, reading for a same-sex or gender couple is no different than reading for a straight couple. Both need to be open to parties of the same and other gender. Hence why I do not replace the Lord-card or Lady-card or pretend them to be genderswapping entities.

§

Cards: The Lenormand Oracle © Verlag für die Frau, Leipzig (1982).
Featured Picture: Copyright The Tuke Collection / Supplied by The Public Catalogue Foundation

References:

[1] There are several differing viewpoints on the topic of significators in same-sex relationships.
[2]Boroveshengra, A. (2015). Lenormand Thirty-Six Cards: An Introduction to the Petit Lenormand. 2nd edition. CreateSpace. Pages, 181 – 202.
[3]In such circumstances counting can help. The ninth card from the Ring is the Tree, and the thirteenth card is the Key.
[4]A house is a domicile. It has four walls. If you find yourself in the Coffin’s house, you’re sleeping in a casket. In the Fox’s den? Think Jemima Puddle-Duck.