-Booklets-rules-GR36_booklet Gilded Reverie Le Normand

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Transcript of -Booklets-rules-GR36_booklet Gilded Reverie Le Normand

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Copyright © 2013 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

All rights reserved. The illustrations, cover design and contents are protected by copyright. No part of this booklet may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by

a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a

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IntroductionThe Gilded Reverie Lenormand is a continuation of a card-reading tradition dating back to the late 18th and into the 19th century. The design of this deck is intended to respect the tradition whilst provid-ing a new vision for the future. The tradition itself has been rooted in “borrowing” and “whim” since its inception, with an ongoing history of change. Despite the individual style and variations in this Gilded Reverie, it is still a deck that I hope Lenor-mand readers, whether they be experienced or beginners, should be able to use with comfort.

It is hoped that this Gilded Reverie deck provides you a wonderful tool of fortune telling, divina-tion and discovery; giving you access to an antique tradition in a contemporary presentation. As the Lenormand tradition is revived, these cards will come to speak more fully, and you are now part of that oracular voice, returning from the ages. Allow the cards to tell you their story and in doing so, dis-cover your own.

— Tali Goodwin

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kIn the Reverie, we explain each card in its most generic manner, allowing some play of meaning for you as a reader, based on experience of a number of traditions and actual practice. On the follow-ing pages, Gilded Reverie card meanings are pro-vided by Rana George, with additional descriptions provided by Tali Goodwin. In some cases I edited the text to better reflect a personal take on the image. Some of the meanings given here reference the German Game of Hope fortune-telling game designed by J.K. Hechtels around 1800, which was likely the prototype for the Petit Lenormand deck. Nevertheless these descriptions are intended as generalizations. Variations on these meanings will be influenced by cultural traditions and symbolic associations along with the particular circum-stances of the querent and question of the read-ing. Intuition and consideration based on adjacent position and related cards will add further nuances. The combined variables from all these factors will, in the hands of the reader, result in infinite possible meanings for each card.

— Ciro Marchetti

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Card Meanings1. The RiderI am always bringing news, look around me to see what it includes. I might be coming to visit or bring-ing you some changes. I am fast and always on the move. If you see a negative card close by, you will probably not enjoy the reply.

The Rider of the Lenormand brings news. It is the first card and announces new things. In the Gilded Reverie deck, we behold a dreamy female Rider who sits astride a carousel horse; the horse who in fairy-tale stories is the conveyer of messages. She may even be Iris, the Greek messenger of the Gods.

The fastened messenger bag across her shoulder may be suggestive of additional messages for dif-ferent destinations along her night’s voyage. In her hands she grasps a white envelope, a letter that is out of the bag and ready to be delivered for the cur-rent reading. The carousel is the ideal metaphor, as this card is a new cycle being initiated and an ending of the old state. The ups and downs of the carousel also symbolize the magical flight that pow-

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ers this messenger to its destination. Freed from the ever revolving ‘merry-go-round of life’, whose cir-cular motion is also defined by the laws of physics as acceleration, our rider symbolically reflects the pace and speed of information by which our lives are increasingly affected.

2. CloverI bring you luck, and happiness. I make things better, and as long as there isn’t a negative card after me, I will turn difficulties to opportunities. I am the nice surprise and the happy sighs.

This card depicts an explosive reverie of clover. Three- and four-leaf clover bearing white flowers are set against the backdrop of an idyllic day. All is vibrant green, fertile, and promising growth and luck. The white of the flower symbolizes the purity of luck. Where this card is placed, all is well. When taken in the context of flower language, the white of the flower is known to be a symbol too of remem-brance; the card can mean “think of me” from someone afar. The three-leaf clover is commonly known by the Irish as a shamrock and is associated with luck. Since the four-leaf clover is less preva-

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lent, the act of finding one naturally in the wild is considered very lucky. The clover is also known to have associations with love, passion, and abandon-ment. Medieval poetry was full of passionate trysts between young lovers in fields of clover. So here we also have the state of being lucky in love. However, if the Clover card lies next to the Scythe (10) card, expect the luck of love to be short-lived!

3. Ship I take you on a vacation or a business trip. You will need a suitcase for where we are going. Distance is what I am known for, and I am constantly in motion. Look at the cards next to me for the clues and cues to the changes I bring in your life’s journey.

A journey is to be embarked upon. There are new horizons to be explored and preparation is required to ensure smooth passage. In the original Game of Hope where we have the first publication of the symbols of the Lenormand, this is indicated to be a favorable journey, as the traveler will be “happily taken by this Ship to the Land of the Birds”. This augers well!

In the Gilded Reverie, we see this card as a fantasti-

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cal flying ship, an elaborate brigantine, taking us to new vistas and landscapes. While the original card image may have been a ship, later decks have modi-fied it to whatever the latest mode of long-distance transportation may be, such as a train or airplane. It generally signifies distant travel, in any manner.

The nature of the journey will usually be pleasant and well favored, such as a holiday, depending as ever upon the cards that surround it.

4. HouseI am your family and your base, your ground, and your home. I give you stability and comfort. I am your living arrangement and environment. I am what sur-rounds you and your estate. The cards around me will give you signs on my present state, or what the future will dictate.

A sanctuary is to be found in the House, showing us family and home; the sanctuary that offers us shelter from the world. In the Gilded Reverie we have the House depicted in such a way as to entice us home again to the nostalgic place of childhood fairytales. The House is built of gnarled roots, sug-gesting a place of permanent fixture and security.

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The open garden gate speaks of an opening being made available.

The House can be one of the most interesting ways to date a Lenormand deck, as each deck tends to either hark back to the past or chose a contempo-rary building to be depicted. Some decks have very utilitarian buildings on them, others show a more aspirational mansion house. However it is depicted, it represents what we think of as our home, our dwelling, our security.

5. TreeI am here to stay and grow. I am the health of your body, mind, and soul. Look for the cards next to me to find out more about me. When negative cards are close, pack some tissues for your nose.

A sign of health and longevity, and the imperative to put down one’s roots to ensure a secure future. The card’s presence could indicate a health con-dition that is inherited. Combine this card with the previous card of the House (4) and we have a ‘Tree House’ that speaks of security, but great fam-ily responsibility, and possible ill health through stress.

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The Tree here also depicts the Tree of Life, a spiri-tual symbol that has its roots in the most ancient civilizations. Whether it be Babylonian, Egyptian, or Jewish images of the Tree, it speaks here of antiq-uity and ancient roots.

The card’s meaning can also be seen in the rainbow, perhaps suggesting that true health is to be found in aligning ourselves between that which is above and that which is below. The harmony of the colors reflecting through the Tree symbolizes the holistic nature of healing and life itself.

6. CloudsI am dark on one side and light on the other. Conflicts and doubts I am sure to bring. You will not be able to see clearly, I will block your perception and let confu-sion reign. One thing I promise for sure is that I will pass, because the sun always shines after the storm has passed.

A card symbolizing foreboding and change, the negative or positive influence is expressed by the direction the dark aspect of the cloud faces. The ascending birds on the right-hand side of the card and the glorious breakthrough of the sun prom-

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ise liberation from uncertainty. This card can also warn of the obscuring of a truth; there is a lack of clarity with regards to a situation, something needs to be revealed. A revelation may be in the offing.

The darker aspects of the card are to be found in the lower left where we see the lightning striking the Tree of the previous card. This image reflects uncer-tainty and confusion. In some systems of Lenor-mand reading, the bright and dark edges of this card are used to tell us if the confusion is before us or behind us. In the Reverie, we are also able to tell if it is above or below us. This is particularly useful in a Grand Tableau reading where we are looking at diagonals—a more advanced means of reading.

7. Snake Watch out for me because I am always hiding, you can never trust or believe me. I am cheating, deceiving, and will betray you in a heartbeat. Be careful where you are treading, my fangs will surely have you dread-ing.

The Game of Hope makes it clear to “stay safe from the bite of this dangerous Snake”. Be afraid, very afraid, as betrayal may very well be in the cards

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where this card lies! Watch out for a superficial per-son, one that is prone to be malicious, particularly when combined with the Dog card, quite literally, a bitchy best friend meaning you harm. Let’s just say here that duplicitous behavior, and a two-faced person could be a problem. The card warns you to be wary and watch where you tread.

Our Snake here in the apple tree also alludes to the Garden of Eden, the original breakup of the happy relationship we saw in earlier cards, such as the House. The Lenormand cards are firmly rooted in Christian tradition—such as the Cross (36), and even the Garden (20) is seen in the original game as a biblical place. So be wary and look to the cards around the Snake to see what is the nature of the evil in your situation.

8. CoffinI am the painful change and transition. You will feel me through your body, your mind, and certainly your wallet. Depression, loss, and bankruptcy are my spe-cialties. I am sickness and bed rest. I am all endings and sometimes death.

The Coffin of the Reverie deck harks back to the

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Ancient Egyptian period. Although traditionally seen as an ending, or finality, this is also symbolic of an initiation that brings a final reckoning of our life purpose. It is often when we are faced with life-changing events or illness that we evaluate the important aspects of our life.

Here in the Reverie world we see the coffin in the form of a sarcophagus, flanked by the imposing figure of Anubis, the God of embalming and pro-tector of the dead. One of his roles is to assist with weighing the heart to ascertain the worthiness of the person to enter the afterlife. The significance of this card can be the actual ending of something as we know it.

9. FlowersBeauty and a happy face is what I bring. I am the gift that warms your heart. I am your recovery and your well-being. No matter what card is before me, I will always change it positively.

What is it like when someone gives you a gift? This card is the fragrant smell of joy and happiness, a show of appreciation that could be on its way. The image here of a bouquet of pink tulips speaks the

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“Language of Flowers”. In the Victorian era, flowers were used as a medium of communication. They became the code of lovers; a perfect way to covertly express love, passion, and appreciation.

Long before the Victorian period, the highly valued tulip was considered so desirable, it induced a phe-nomenon known as “Tulipmania”. Thus, the pres-ence of this card signifies a valuable gift that is to be given or received. That the label here contains the name of the deck is a nod to earlier decks that often had the publishers stamp embossed on one of the cards. Several early Lenormand decks contained the flag of the city of the publisher on the Ship (3) card, for example.

When combined with a card such as the Rider (1) or the Letter (27), the Flowers card may serve as a beautiful invitation. If also combined with the Park (20), it would be an invitation to a party. If it were the Tower (19), it might mean a more unwelcome invitation to a hospital appointment. At least you will get flowers in your room.

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10. Scythe “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Sun.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Be careful—I am swift and sharp. I cut through with precision with a sharp and clear vision. I am an acci-dent, a deep cut, a break, or sometimes a difficult decision that needs to be made. I can bring good har-vest or danger. Look at what I am cutting nearby, it just might be your wage.

This item is a simple agricultural tool used to clear away grass and gather the wheat at harvest time. In the world of the Lenormand it symbolizes a sudden trauma or shock that will take you by surprise. A swift clear cut will be made!

It is dangerous too, as it is sharp. We must be care-ful where this card points, particularly in a Grand Tableau. The cards next to the blade-tip moderate its influence, making it more or less extreme in its impact. For example, the Scythe next to Clover (2) would make the shock less severe. It is almost as if cutting through Clover (luck) blunts the blade.

This symbol can represent a “call to action”, par-

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ticularly when combined with cards such as the Rider (1).

11. Birch/BroomBe warned of high temper, I bring conflict and strife. You will find me in competitions because I work with repetition. Arguments and quarrels are my patent, but I am not always a villain. I can be found in the gym or in a lusty bed on a whim.

The Birch/Broom is one of the troublesome cards in the Lenormand. Unlike Tarot, there are definitely favorable and unfavorable cards in this system. Where the Birch comes, frenzy will be whipped up, creating discord and a person will be quick to anger. The card is trouble, strife, disharmony, con-flict, argument, and all things stressful, particularly when seen with the Birds (12).

A crack of the whip will be exerted either by you or against you. The Reverie depicts the curling whip and the Birch, a bundle of branches tightly bound, which was used to reprimand and castigate. Birch-ing was used in France during the French Revolu-tion, and during the time of Lenormand herself.

In its most positive sense, we have here a card call-

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ing us to bring our forces and attention together, to get focused, and to get all our “ducks in a row”.

12. BirdsA phone call, a text, or a date; that is how I commu-nicate. I am in meetings, or interviews, and I like to negotiate. I can be your sibling, lover, or mate. Cou-ples is what I indicate.

This card may be symbolic of jabber, gossip or the passing of information of a positive kind, as ever dependent on the cards in which company it is found. Many voices together are louder than one; it is also the modern view of “crowd-sourcing” or mass communication. It can be as simple as an announcement that travels quickly or is distributed widely, especially when with the Rider (1) card.

This too is the ever-growing world of Facebook, and Twitter communication. The card may mean literal “Tweeting”. There may however be miscom-munication with the “Chinese-Whispers Effect”. In fairytales, characters are sometimes given the abil-ity to understand the “Language of the Birds” and it could be that the card signifies a misunderstanding, particularly when combined with the Birch (11).

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13. ChildI am young, I am new, I am playful and immature. I am a baby, a kid, or a teenager. Small, short, or tiny are other ways to describe me.

The Child is one of the literal “people” cards in the Lenormand system, indicating a young person. To be honest, we also take this as a symbol of a childlike nature or someone who is young at heart. No one wants to do a business reading and be advised to choose a young child as a corporate partner—per-haps we should think a little less literal in some cases.

The child inhabits a place of wonderment, inno-cence, hope, and the ability to play at something, just for the fun of it. It is another time and place where imagination is unchained and reality is taken at face value. It is the early stages of development where changes can be made and a positive future formed. The Reverie depicts this wonderment with an open book of fairytales’ start of ‘Once upon a time’, the remaining are blank pages yet to be popu-lated. A fairytale castle can be seen with hope in the form of a rainbow—an image that occurs through-out the deck, alluding to the original Game of Hope from which all Lenormand decks derive.

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14. FoxWhen I am not your job, I am your red flag for some deviousness going on. Look around your circle in your hall, I might be planning your fall. I am master of manipulation and I am going to fool you all. Crafti-ness is my fame, and “sneaky sneaky” is my game.

In the original Game of Hope, it is written that “the cunning Fox leads the player astray”. This is the trickster card of the deck and its presence brings cunning and plotting, for good or ill dependent on its position.

The Fox here looks back upon his prey—perhaps the cockerel thinks he is the only one awake so early. The Fox has prepared his ruse though, and is sure to get his bird. At the time of the conception of the Lenormand deck, a popular tale was of “Rey-nard the Fox”. These collections of tales depicted Reynard as a false prophet, and many traditional interpretations of the Fox card still carry this sense of false gospel. So beware of trickery and decep-tion. The Fox in the Lenormand symbolizes these traits and more, beware of the charmer who makes you smile, all is not as it seems. The Fox next to the Flowers (9) could warn of deception and flattery, be

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even more wary if the Heart (24) and Scythe (10) cards come into the equation. In our Lenormand, the literal way of reading this is “deception and flat-tery leads to a cut-up heart”. You have been warned!

15. BearI am power and strength, health and protection. Your finance is my field, your food is my concern. My bad side comes out when you see negative cards around.

The polar bear is a fitting symbol of the indomitable dignity signified by this card, whether it be read as an authority figure, a protective mother, or purely as strength. The polar bear is the most powerful of all the species. Furthermore its color is symbolic of the pure spirit it embodies.

The Bear can relate to a person who is in a position of power in the business world. The Bear can also be matriarchal. In China, the polar bear is known to represent Russia. The Bear may also be a symbol of officialdom and brute force. This card could be telling us to push something through sheer force.

An interesting combination would be the Bear and the Flowers (9), an “Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove”, for example.

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16. StarsShiny sparkles, guidance, and healing is what I prom-ise through a gentle feeling. I am reassurance, inspira-tion and a new path for your exploration. Wish upon a star, for I bring hope and light from afar.

In the Game of Hope, we make progress along a snakes-and-ladders type map of life, at this stage “arriving at the Star of good prospects”. Here we see the Stars mapped out on the Zodiacal Compass, indicative of this very journey though life.

The Stars in the Lenormand can be interpreted as a fixed course, something that is preordained. The Star indicates the need for vision and the desire for wish fulfillment. We have all heard the saying about someone who has “stars in their eyes”, and that “we should follow our own star”. Therefore, it is a card of optimism and ambition. The Star card is a card that portends success and much promise, and “thanking ones lucky stars”.

17. StorkWith movements, upgrades and improvements, I bring spring and the change of seasons. Sometimes my symbol stands for a new family addition or simply

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a new state of evolution. I can be your move, or your next promotion.

The Stork is a predictable creature, even though it is fabled to bring change, for example, with the delivery of a child. In reality, it returns home like clockwork to the same nest every year. The Stork is a very favored creature and is looked upon with affection. Its return to the nest at springtime is the reason for the association with birth and delivery, which is very much its meaning in the Lenormand system. The Stork and the Rider (1) will bring news for sure, particularly combined with the Letter (27).

The image conjured by the Reverie here depicts a pair of storks at home in their nests with the blaz-ing sun breaking through the clouds. They are look-ing up towards the life-giving sun, one of the other cards in the Lenormand deck.

The process of birth and life, and then death brings inevitable change. Depending on the cards around the Stork, it is a lifestyle change, for example com-bined with the House (4) might mean a change of dwelling.

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18. DogLoyalty and friendship is what I stand for. I am pro-tection and trust, support and reliance. When nega-tive cards are around, make sure to take a closer look. I could be your counselor, your pet, or your best friend.

Depicted here is the Dog, a reliable, faithful friend who can be trusted and who loves you uncondi-tionally. The Dog is self-contained, it is more than content with its role, and holds the lead, with a ball in the background, as if to say, “you know what to do”. It is a symbol of companionship.

This card in close proximity to the Man (28) or Lady (29) is quite reassuring as to their intention. The Ring (25) card to the right signifies a romantic relationship.

The Dog can signify a close friend in a reading, one who is trustworthy. It brings this sense of loy-alty and faith to the cards around it, for example if it were combined with the Letter (27) it would be a communication you could trust. The Dog and Tower (19) might signify a company or authority that is looking after your concerns.

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19. TowerCorporations, organizations, institutions and govern-ments come under my influence. I am boundaries and restrictions, so be mindful of isolation. I describe your ambitions as well as your expectations, and let’s not forget your higher education.

Unlike the Tower in the Tarot, the Lenormand Tower is symbolic of a structure that offers protection and security. In the Game of Hope it is a watchtower built on high ground for surveillance over the countryside beyond. In current times it may relate to border con-trol, or control of passage to a city. As such they have multiple meanings, ranging from authority to edu-cation, to places of power and legal dealings.

The Tower then is a seat of power, and often bureau-cracy. When combined with the Letter (27) it is a dreaded form to be completed, even worse when accompanied by the Snake (7). Read the small print of that insurance policy!

In some books, it can be symbolic of a place of iso-lation, such as a hermitage. It then carries occult meanings and the remote Tower of the Reverie also has this connotation. It is sometimes within oneself that the watch needs turning.

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20. ParkWhen you are going to a party, a concert, or a busi-ness meeting, I am sure to show up in your reading. You will find me in a reunion or a retreat, a riot or a picnic. I like crowds and public events, so naturally I am good with all your networking intents.

In the time of Mlle. Lenormand, the park or garden was a social venue, a meeting place. It was a space for getting out and about, sharing and networking, a place where relationships were forged. As in the Reverie, the card is often depicted as a cultured gar-den with a fountain, perhaps an echo of Nuremberg from where the Game of Hope first sprang.

The card means “public”; and while it may seem strange that there are no people in the image, it is because the public space is what is being depicted. When this card is read, it adds the meaning “public” to the cards in its vicinity; the Park and the Tower (19) would signify a public organization, the Park and the Book (26) would show public education. It is best to stick with the literal Lenormand. This card can suggest the importance of being social, and maybe it is saying you need to promote your-self more, particularly if combined with the Moon

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(32). A contemporary meaning of this card with the Heart (24) might be online dating. If we had the Park, the Heart (24) and a Letter (27), in the 21st century this could be that email you’ve been wait-ing for.

21. MountainI come to bring you challenges and obstacles with block-ages and resistance. I will make you late for your date, and my coldness will take emotions off the plate. Pay attention and beware I can be the enemy in your lair.

The Mountain is symbolic of obstacles in our way. Whilst it may be there to be conquered, as we see from the animal looking upon the mountain, it is certainly in our way. In the Reverie, the mountain appears to us as an almost impossible obstacle, according with its origins as a card of detour; slow-ing us down. In fact, when combined with other cards, it shows that we might abandon our planned route and take another path.

Consider the Mountain with the Tower (19); a delay from a government-related body, or the Mountain with the Cross (36), a completely uphill struggle.

Other cards of a similar nature include the Choice

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(22), offering choices rather than detour and delay; or the Stars (16) card, which offers good prospects and clearer navigation.

22. ChoiceDecisions and choices are what I offer. Alternate direc-tions are what I augur. I speak in multiple and dou-ble, and when I’m in a relationship I might be trouble.

There comes a time when one needs to make the choice of going one way or the other; neither way is right or wrong, but only one way can be taken. Here in the Reverie we have steps that take us upwards and onwards toward this point of delib-eration. Stairs and steps are symbolic of ascending to a higher place, a much better place, where once you are through the doors at the top that lead to the stars, then the possibilities are infinite.

23. MiceYou don’t want me in your house, you don’t want me in your blouse. I bring loss, I bring theft with destruc-tion and decay. I am your stress and anxiety, I am the worry in society. I am your nuisance, I am your pest, I bring sickness in your nest.

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These mice are completely happy with their work; the gradual destruction of possessions and resources. They are busy nibbling at cloth and fruit, and at bread. They appear to have no regard for ownership, and are rapidly gnawing away while no one is looking.

These mice are symbolic of loss, either a gradual whittling away of one’s savings, combined with the Fish (34), or an actual theft. Their presence brings into the reading a “bite-sized” effect, something happening in little chunks. That is not to say it is not a powerful card—those mice may be delight-ful, but not when found in your own kitchen. They are the niggling aspect of life, where there is an issue, something that has become a pest in your life, and will just not go away and leave you alone! It leaves your mind troubled. This card also advises you to take care of your possessions; the Mice of the Lenormand are terrible hoarders and are most likely to represent theft.

24. HeartThe form of happiness and love is simply drawn in my shape. I am your feelings and emotions. I am your passions and devotions. Just make sure no bad cards

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are around to spoil this fondness and affection.

In antique Lenormand decks, the design of the Heart varies from an almost biological, physi-cal heart to a kitsch romantic heart embroidered with flowers and other adornments. The Heart is of course symbolic of love and relationship. Here, we see the heart formed by two Swans, a bird itself symbolic of courtly relationship, monogamy and enduring love.

The Heart is always a card signifying beneficial emotions in the Lenormand. To receive the com-bination of Heart with Clover (2) and Ring (25) promises love, luck, commitment and marriage. The Heart and the Birch (11) or Scythe (10) may not be such a happy combination.

25. RingA precious item is what I am to bind in marriage and commitment. I bring harmony in unions as long as negative cards are afar. I am the contract and the promise in partnerships and ventures. I am the sym-bol for completion and the form of eternal devotion.

The Game of Hope tells us that “finding this ring will bring a reward”. Here we see a ruby ring sym-

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bolizing commitment. In crystal lore, the ruby is a guarantee of economic stability—in some cultures it was buried in the foundations of buildings to assure good fortune.

The Ring is a symbol of commitment, and can speak of a contract being drawn up between two people or business partners. The ring is an object of value to those who wear it.

26. BookThe book of knowledge, the book of secrets, what I house is educational and private. I may be your proj-ect or your research, and sometimes your studies and journals. Watch out for the cards around me, because with the Sun you will see right through me. I am hidden, I am unknown, but occasional knowledge I might learn.

The Book draws attention to the power of knowl-edge and the importance of possessing it. This card may suggest there is something somebody needs to know, however this will only become apparent with the presence of the cards around it.

The Book is a vehicle for the very imagination itself. The Book of the Reverie promises tales of great

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mystery within its pages. It has a mechanical dial on its front, showing the intricacies of learning.

The Book opens to the right of the card, which indicates in readings the direction of the learning—literally, what is being opened by the learning. As an example, if the Dog (18) was to the right of the Book it would be learning something about a close friend. The next card to the right may indicate what was going to be learned, such as the Ring (25) or the Stork (17). It may be a surprise to them to say “Congratulations on your engagement” or “Wow! A Baby!” before they have told you.

27. LetterI am a document, I am a message, I am information, I am a package. Sometimes I can be an invoice, a cer-tificate, or a test result. You can find me as your mail, a newsletter, or an award. Look around me to find out more of what I am leaning toward.

A letter depicted here with actual correspondence written by Mlle. Lenormand connects her name and spirit to this deck. Whilst she did not use the cards which have come to bear her name, no doubt she would be astonished and delighted to be

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recognized with their continued use today. It is a connection which the letter brings—an intimate communication, a familiarity.

The Letter indicates a communication that may not yet be with us, a slower form of transmission, requir-ing patience to make a connection. It is the Letter without the Rider (1) hastening it to us, and unlike the Book (26), may not bring knowledge or news (as the Rider) but rather, a simple acknowledgement.

The feather on the Letter is the quill, which since time immemorial has signified truth and commu-nication—let us always write straight.

28. ManI could be you the reader, or the male subject of your reading, or the male parter of the Significator.

Significator for the male sitter, or the Significant Other of a female sitter, or of same gender relation-ship.

An elegant looking man sits upon a chair holding a red rose. He appears to be awaiting his compan-ion. In the background, a window lights the scene, which is otherwise unadorned. It speaks of waiting, of patience, of a quiet endurance. There is a sensi-

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tivity to the scene that communicates the nature of romance. He looks to the left of the card.

29. LadyI could be you the reader, or the female subject of your reading, or a female partner of the Significator.

Significator for the female sitter, or the Significant Other of a male sitter.

A woman looks up from her book, her thoughts wandering. There is commonality of ambience and mood that connects this woman and this card to its male counterpart. The red rose provides an addi-tional point of connection that binds them. It is a token, a gift, something given and received. Some-thing shared.

30. LiliesCalm, peace, and serenity is what I preach. Your par-ents and elders show up under my symbol. I bring wisdom and experience. I signify a long-term rela-tionship, or ancestry. Contentment and satisfaction is my angle.

The Lily from a pagan view is symbolic of sexuality

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and passion, but also of purity. It can also symbolize motherhood. As a result, these calm-looking flow-ers, with their glass engraved background, reflect a range of interpretations. That they are both grow-ing and yet eternally captured in smooth glass, without any of their essence, shows the two sides of this card.

We might suggest that they are a range of excite-ment; sexual, nurturing or the absence of that excitement in chastity.

As a card, these Lilies make the cards about them pure, simple, or excite their nature. A combination such as Lilies + Bear (15) might certainly indicate the power of a mother or a maternal figure in a situ-ation, depending on the question.

31. SunI am success, hear me roar! I control your ego and charisma, I boost your confidence and courage. I bring victory and glory, but be careful not to get too cocky or you will be burned by arrogance, like Icarus.

The solar face, as the Moon that follows, carries the essential nature of this card as a blessing—successand big luck. In this card we also see a scroll of

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time. As the Sun marks the passing of the hours, the shadow falls upon the number 6, a solar number.

The sun shines and everything under its light grows. The cards around this card in a reading will be well aspected, and it bodes well at the end of a line of cards too.

The light that shines from this Sun card is energiz-ing and revitalizing in nature. It can also signify the confidence to step out into the light by engaging with a project or taking a new direction.

32. Moon Love and romance, intuition and psychic abilities, imagination and creativity are but a few of the ideas I stand for. I reach across the sky and influence the waters, I am admired all around, I bring fame, I bring honors.

The Moon card in the Reverie is depicted as a cres-cent, holding in her horns the various cycles of her nature, from the new moon to the full. Below her is a clockwork orrery indicating that her nature is affected by the mechanics of the universe.

The Moon card does not quite live up to the bril-liance of the Sun, she is more watery in nature and

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she really wants to be a ‘Star’— to have recognition. Think of the emotional sirens of the silver screen, acting by intuition, by method, living the emotions of a part they are playing in order to act. This pro-duces great creativity but it can also create casual-ties, such as Marilyn Monroe. The Moon brings emotional illumination. The Moon, however, really flourishes in close proximity to the Sun (31); it needs the forceful energy the Sun emits to shine in the world to its full capacity.

In Lenormand traditions, the Moon is recognition by others, reflecting on oneself. It is thus fame and notoriety. It illuminates only what others project onto it, so when it turns up in a reading, careful reflection is required.

33. KeyDiscoveries and solutions are my forte. You will find me in synchronicities, signs and fate. When I land close to you, know that you have the means, and the answers to what is troubling you. Look to my right, I point to what is highly important or what needs to be solved.

The solution to the problem can be found by being

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in possession of the Key card, it both unlocks and secures, depending on which way it is turned. The answer is within your reach, this is a card of lib-eration, although it can also be a tool of captivity. The gilded bird cage of the Reverie, speaks of a Bird Palace which can become a prison. Inside is a rose, symbolizing mystery—a mystery that unfolds as the key unlocks it. It is also, of course, a symbol of love, the most common of all mysteries.

This card can influence many things, next to the Heart (24), it can unlock feelings and be the key to your heart. Next to the Book (26) it can unlock knowledge, and so on. It is a card that offers many opportunities and new beginnings.

34. Fish I bring plenty and abundance. I deal in commerce and sales. I advocate independence and promote self-reliance and trade. Water, expansion and flow is my department. Be careful not to tip the scales between tipsy and loaded, you don’t want to end up dizzy and bloated.

The Fish of the Lenormand symbolize resources and money. The three fish here in the blue depths

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show that we can dive deep to gather in food and abundance. In some traditions the card also sym-bolizes wealth.

Where this card appears teaches us to make the most of the resources that we possess. In modern parlance its “speculate to accumulate” or “making a little go a long way” as ever dependent on the cards around it.

35. AnchorWith stability and security, I bring peace of mind. I push you to persevere and help you reach your goal. Watch out for negative cards, they might shackle and pull you down a hole.

In the original game instructions for the cards which became the Lenormand pattern, this is the most important “sheet” of the whole game, “inso-far as the one, who comes to stay on this picture of Hope, has won the game and draws the whole cash-box or deposit”. The Anchor is the traditional sym-bol of hope (or faith) and comes before death—the Cross (36).

The Anchor offers stability and security; being con-fident that your hard work will pay off in the long

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term. The Anchor of the Reverie is adorned with two fish symbolizing abundance and wealth in the Lenormand; this is a card of assurance. You are pro-tected in times of need.

36. CrossI am the bringer of grief, sadness, burdens, and ordeals. Pain, suffering, and guilt is the area of my expertise. I claim weeping, tears and lamentations, and ask for prayers and supplications. When happy cards come at my right, then you shouldn’t experience too much fright.

The Cross in the Lenormand is a symbol of the state of suffering, universal and unavoidable. It is the state of carrying the burden of others who are not accountable for their actions, the “cross we have to bear”. This card is the calling card of taking responsibility, despite the cost. On a positive note, with this, redemption may come—dependent on surrounding cards.

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Card Spreads There are numerous ways to do readings with the Gilded Reverie Lenormand cards. Here we present three introductory spreads which will help famil-iarize you with the cards and their related mean-ings. For additional card spreads, including the Grand Tableau, visit www.usgamesinc.com.

Simple Nine-Card SpreadBy Tali Goodwin

In this traditional cartomantic method, we lay out a nine-card 3 x 3 square to divine the fortune of any domestic situation. This is useful for practice as it provides a smaller reading than the Grand Tableau.

Take your deck and shuffle while thinking about the situation.

Place it facedown when you are ready and cut it about two-thirds of the way down with your left hand. Place this larger cut of cards to the left, creat-ing a second pile on the left of the first. Then cut it again in the same way, from the second pile, creat-ing a third pile on the left.

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Take the top three cards, still facedown, from the left stack and place them in a row on your table from left to right. Then, take the top three cards from the middle stack and place them in a row beneath the first row. Finally, take the top three cards from the right stack and make a third row below the other two, creating a 3 x 3 square.

Turn all the cards in the square face up.

The first row of three cards signifies the SITTER.

The second row of three cards shows the HOUSE, their domestic environment.

The third row shows the FORTUNE of the situa-tion, its most likely outcome, with any advice.

The cards are read as a sequence creating an oracu-lar sentence, where each card to the right modifies the preceding cards, like a story being developed to the end. Imagine they are the storyboard of a movie in three frames; what would you say about the movie when you left the cinema?

SAMPLE READINGThe Sitter asks about a visit from their son, whether it will be fortunate and if there is anything they should do to ensure its success for the family.

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The Sitter: Choice (22) + Park (20) + Cross (36)

The House: Birch/Broom (11) + Tree (5) + Scythe (10)

The Fortune: Stork (17) + Tower (19) + Lady (29)

Here, we see that the Sitter faces choices (Choice) about introducing their son to others (Park) and socializing, leading to a burden (Cross). It may well be that they are advised not to go partying with their offspring as it will lead to some complication or trouble for the Sitter.

In the domestic environment, in this case the fam-ily, (the second line could refer to a group, work-place, or whatever environment is being read), we see that there is a lot of troublesome talk, even arguments (Birch/Broom), which have been going on a long time (Tree) about the family. These go back to the past. These may be cut away at this time if the family faces the future (Scythe). It is indeed an opportunity to break away from the past and start afresh. Sometimes a rotten branch needs cut-ting away as it is only being used as a birch to break someone’s back.

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The fortune or outcome here shows a new delivery (Stork), leading to work or placement at a larger company (Tower) and the meeting of a new woman (Lady) in his life. This is an encouraging line in the reading, and the Sitter is advised to suggest to her son that he seek new horizons.

The Fortune-Telling Day SpreadBy Tali Goodwin

This method allows you to practice the accuracy of your fortune telling by reading pairs of cards for nine aspects of your day. If you perform this read-ing in the morning, you can compare it with your day to see how accurate you are at fortune telling with your cards.

Take your deck and shuffle it. Place it face down on the table.

Lay out the top nine cards in a row facedown from left to right.

Lay out the next nine cards one at a time on top of each of the laid out cards, making nine piles of two cards.

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Starting from the left, each pair is then read together as a divination for the following aspects:

1. Someone you will meet, what comes out of that meeting.

2. Someone you care about, what they will do.3. Someone who annoys you, what they will do.4. Something that will happen to console you.5. Something that awaits you.6. Something that will help you.7. Something that will happen, which is a surprise

to you.8. Something that you desire, whether it will hap-

pen or not.9. Something nice.

In this practice method, which can be uncannily accurate, it is important to keep a journal and to read the cards as pairs, merging their meanings together, with each card having equal weight. As you experience the day, you may see that one card in the pair carries the ‘event’ and the other card car-ries the ‘manner’ of the event. This will teach you the cards in your own experience and which way of reading them is best for you personally.

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SAMPLE READINGJust looking at the first three pairs for a sample day, we might have the Child (13) and Tower (19) for the first pair, suggesting that we will meet a child who gives us new insight, or perhaps we will meet them in a building such as a school. The next pair of the Clover (2) and Anchor (35) shows something very favorable, that a caring friend will offer oppor-tunity, luck and security—a wonderful combina-tion. The third pair warns that someone we dislike will try to outfox us and hurt us emotionally with the Fox (14) and the Heart (24).

This was a real reading and proved very accurate for the day, even the other pairs were quite literal. The cards should always be read as literally as possible; the consolation pair in this reading was Book (26) and House (4). At the time, the Sitter was writing a book in her house.

The Chocolate Bar SpreadBy Rana George

This simple spread gives a quick overview of what is coming in certain areas of one’s life.

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Concentrate on the client while shuffling your cards thoroughly. Pull three cards for each choco-late square.

SAMPLE READINGThis reading is for Stephan, it is time framed for the upcoming three months.

Prediction for Career: Stephan’s creation/creativ-ity (Moon) will be noticed by his boss or top man-agement (Tower), and he will land the account or will reach his goal (Anchor). Stephan will get credit or recognition (Moon) from an establishment or his superiors (Tower). There is some sort of stabil-ity and security (Anchor).

Prediction for Knowledge: Multiple paths (Choice) will bring Stephan good tidings (Flowers) with good news (Letter). He will be entertaining mul-tiple (Choice) good (Flowers) offers (Letter).

Prediction for Wealth: There is a maturation (Lil-ies) period through a vast outlet/industry or net-work (Park) and money (Fish) will flow soon after.

Prediction for Family: A major transformation, and change (Coffin) will disrupt and put a lot of stress and anxiety (Mice) on the household/home and/or family (House). Since the House card

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landed in the Family slot, it warns Stephan to draw his attention to the home/family area.

Prediction for Health: The Key indicates that the prediction is about spirituality, because the Key under a health context is connected to the crown chakra, and this is the connection with higher guid-ance. The Key spotlights the importance of this slot (the Health slot). Stephan will experience a block/ebb (Mountain) and flow (Ship) on his spiritual level, or his inspiration level. On his physical level, he may need to watch out for vertigo. Mountain is about the head, and the Ship is the motion and fluid (motion sickness).

Prediction for Relationship: There will be an improvement (Stork) to a stronger and a deeper (Tree) connection with your partner (Dog). An evolving (Stork) karmic relation (Tree) with a per-son on a soul level (Tree + Dog), getting the Tree under a relationship context denotes a strong con-nection.

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Once you have become comfortable and confident with the Gilded Reverie Lenormand deck, you may want to try more advanced readings using more cards. For guided instructions by Donnaleigh de LaRose please visit:

www.donnaleigh.com/lenormandlessons.htm

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Phone: 203-353-8400 • Order Desk: 800-544-2637 FAX: 203-353-8431Visit us on Facebook

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