Lenormand functions differently than other card systems. Like Tarot, it was initially designed as a game. This game, however, is played more deductively than others typically are. Lenormand requires the use of a semantical method, whereby the use of words and their placement are very important to creating a reading.
We will not be studying Tarot in this book, though it is often referenced in a way a novice Lenormand student can understand. Because of the sheer volume of Tarot readers who are interested in Lenormand, this generates a lot of discussion about the two decks systems. I’ve incorporated that experience into the pages of this book.
Reading Guidelines
When you start a reading, take a moment to ground yourself to clear out unwanted energy. Let life outside the reading area be just that… life outside. By being present and focused, the reading will be clearer.
I cannot stress enough how important your intentions are during the reading process. In addition, make sure that you are in a clear space and not angry, grieving, fearful, stressed, or expecting a particular outcome.
A commonly used guideline for people learning to read the cards is to avoid reading the three D’s – Divorce, Disaster, and Death. That is a good starting place. However, also evaluate your own ethics and decide what, in addition, is or is not acceptable.
Use common sense. If you think you see something that may be potentially dreadful for the person receiving the reading, keep it to yourself and let them live without fear. You affect their experience. Providing grim or frightful readings does not help anyone. Even in the midst of tragedy or upset, something positive can happen or new actions can be taken. Try to leave every person with some sort of positive outcome and/or help them see a new perspective. You may make a lasting impact in the life of the person sitting in front of you. Encourage people. They are looking to you for hope.
Third party readings are not advisable. Do not read about someone without them directly granting you expressed consent. “Expressed consent” is when a person directly tells you that you may read for them. This means that if a querent comes to you and wants you to do a reading for or about their boyfriend, child, relative, friend, or business acquaintance you do not have the proper permission to do that. In this instance, you could ethically read how that third person’s life or actions affect the person you are reading for. There is a fine line here, but there is a definite line.
The querent may get lost in the Lenormand reading process. So, take a good look at them in the first few minutes of the reading. They are the catalyst for what you’ll see in the cards. What are their eyes saying? Does that match what their mouth is saying? Are they uptight? Crying? Dressed well? Are they engaged in the reading? If not, take a minute to get them involved in what they are seeing. Explain to them that they are the main character (Significator). Ask them if they recognize any of the cards as being relevant in their life, because they may see things that they personally identify with.
If you are already an advanced reader, the cards may seem repetitious at times. Look for a fresh message in every reading because each one is unique. Figure out something you hadn’t before. You may be surprised by what is there.
Chapter 2: Language of Lenormand
Terminology
A list of commonly confused terms follows.
Flanking Cards
The cards positioned to the left and right of a particular card noted or examined.
Focus Card
A single card that represents the main subject, topic, issue, or situation for which the querent needs clarity.
Influencing
There are areas/lines in the spreads that are described as “influencing.” As we explore the bigger layouts, there will be influencing situations to read in the spreads.
Intention
A clear plan of action with a goal of a positive outcome. Intending to use or define the cards in a deliberate way. An attitude of being ethical and clear while using the cards with a specific aim.
Lenormand, Lenormand Oracle, and Lenoracle
“Lenormand” is the Petit Lenormand deck (sometimes affectionately called “Lennies”) that is a distinct set of thirty-six cards which are read in a particular way.
A “Lenormand Oracle” has come to mean a set of cards similar to Lenormand containing similar images and/or minor additions that still use Lenormand-like methods of interpretation.
“Lenoracle” was recently coined on the internet. The cards in this type of deck will contain Lenormand symbols but may have many revisions. A Lenoracle is usually read more loosely than Lenormand, sometimes changing the reading process altogether.
Open Reading
A reading that is not prompted by a question. The subject, situation, or issue is found in the reading itself and the reading progresses from there.
Oracle Cards
The word “Oracle” sometimes confuses people. They may assume that an Oracle deck is a deck that is not Tarot or Lenormand. However, all decks used for card divination are Oracle decks. Tarot is an Oracle system. Lenormand is an Oracle system. Other Oracle decks are independent systems and they are not re-themed or cloned. Those decks are what are typically referred to as “Oracle cards.”
PAM
The acronym PAM stands for personally ascribed meaning. PAMs are meanings created in lieu of suggested or traditional meanings of the cards.
Querent
The person the reading is for, whether it be the reader or another person.
Reader
The person divining the cards.
Significator
The main card in question. The main character. The Significator card usually indicates the person receiving the reading. Lenormand has specific Significator cards - the Lady and the Gentleman.
Tableau
The word “tableau” originates from the French language in which the word is defined as a table or board. It is also defined as a scene, painting, picture or arrangement. In the Lenormand system, a tableau is a particular style of reading spread. For our use, I will define a tableau as an arrangement of a collaborative grouping of cards that represent a whole picture.
Traditional
There are two ways you may hear the word “traditional” used in the Lenormand system.
There is a “traditional” method by which we use Lenormand. The way the cards are read together is very important. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading it as a Lenormand deck; you’d be reading it as an Oracle deck.
The other way the word “traditional” is used is to describe the use of traditional keywords. These keyword lists, also known as “schools,” come from different areas in Europe and are preset lists of particular words used to interpret the cards. Some examples of the “schools” are French, Belgian, German, etc. Petit Lenormand cards were printed with similar or identical meanings for over two hundred years. It’s only been in the last few decades that meanings have been modified to reflect our modern lifestyles.
Pronunciation
Lenormand ˈle-nȯrmənd
There is some debate about how the word “Lenormand” is pronounced. Like other words, including names, pronunciation depends on the geographical area and the origin of the language spoken.
Mlle. Lenormand was French. In the French language, the name describes a descendant of the Normans or a native from Normandy.
The following Lenormand pronunciations are the most commonly used: The English “Len-nor-mand” or “Len-ner-mand” is how it is often spoken in the United States. The French pronunciations “Lu-nor-mah” or “Le-nor-mah” are also widely used. Other pronunciations include “Len-ar-man” and the German “Lee-nor-maund.” Because I am American, I prefer to pronounce it “Len-nor-mand.”
Chapter 3: Step 1: Keywords
The Steps
In the lessons that follow, we will be using a method in which each lesson builds upon the last. It’s important not to jump ahead because doing so will likely affect the accuracy of your readings.
Consi
der creating a hard companion notebook for your studies. A ring binder works well. There will be several items you may want to collect along the way. Of course, we are living in the digital era, so computer files may be sufficient to meet your needs. The notebook may be as informal as a journal or as organized as a study guide. Include areas for notes, images, print-outs, and lists. Further suggestions are listed in Chapter 9.
Step 1: Create Keywords
This is the first foundational Step in building Lenormand card interpretations. In this chapter, we will determine what each card means.
If the cards are upside down then flip them right-side up. Reversals are not used in Lenormand readings (unlike Tarot).
Get comfortable with the deck by taking a good look at each card. Do not try and interpret the cards at this time.
Each card face image has an emblematical representation or symbol of something or someone on it. The emblem/symbol should stand out. There may be background scenery or imagery, but it is not relevant. The card will also likely contain a card number, card title, and a suit designation, such as the 6♦, which we will use in this course.
We will be using a method of creating keywords known as “personally ascribed meanings,” aka “PAMs.” By using keywords you have personally designated, it will be easy to identify the meaning of a card and make sense of what you are seeing. Think of it as though you are customizing the deck specifically for yourself.
While PAMs are not considered traditional, they are commonly used. If you wish to use a specific school/traditional list of keywords, such as the French list of keywords, the internet is a good source. Some instructors even keep lists available on their websites. In addition, any decks you purchase should come with a set of keywords that you can use as well. As an example, the Keywords for Lenormand Silhouettes is visible on our website. In addition, many published card decks have free downloadable little white books (LWBs). Our own Under the Roses Lenormand has a free booklet available through the U.S. Games Systems, Inc. website.
Figure 3a
Almost all of the keywords will be one-word representations of the card you are working with. In this way we choose keywords for each of the cards. Let’s use the Clover as an example (Figure 3a). What does it represent to you? When you pull the number 2 card (the Clover) from the deck, do not create a story about what the card may mean. Look at it and think about what a clover represents. Most people will say something like “luck.” Maybe it’s wishing? Maybe it’s money? Again, do not try to read or create an intuitive story about what you see in the individual cards.
List the cards from 1 to 36 and include their titles (see PAMs list at the end of this chapter). Evaluate each card and then write one to three keywords for that card. Use a pencil because you may want to change your keywords later. Don’t get too hung up on this list because this is really about your intention for the cards. If you are struggling to find a keyword for any particular card, borrow one from the Suggested Keywords list (at the end of this chapter) until you find your own. You may even use that list in its entirety until you form your own list. Make sure to get familiar with whatever keywords you use before continuing to Step 2.
Both the Gentleman and the Lady have been filled out for you in the PAMs list. You are, of course, welcome to add or change these keywords. These two cards are simply symbols of the querent and someone important to them, such as a significant other.
The cards can take on a literal interpretation as well. The Dog can be a dog, the House can be a house, the Tree can be a tree, etc. The Bouquet might actually be a bundle of flowers that you see in a reading. Because of this, there is no need to add literal interpretations to your PAMs list.
If you would like to make a more thorough list of PAMs you may include nouns, adjectives, and verbs for each card. Personally, I don’t do this. I like to keep my list as succinct as possible.
It will later be beneficial to decide which cards have negative, positive, and neutral attributes. Make a notation next to your keywords. It helps if you have a similar amount of each attribute. For instance, you could assign twelve negative cards, twelve positive cards, and twelve neutral cards. The reason behind this will become clearer later in the next chapter. Of course, you can always allow your impression of the card to dictate its quality and not be concerned about balancing attributes.
There are cards that may end up making you cringe when you see them. The usual ones are the Mountain, the Cross, the Mice, or the Snake. Over time they will become very distinct. It is beneficial to remind yourself these cards also have positive attributes and consider listing them.
Return to your PAMs list at a later time to see if the keywords still resonate with you. If, at any time, you revise any, set your intention to match so that the next time you shuffle and pull the cards there won’t be any confusion.
Over time, after you are more accustomed to the cards, you may find that the meanings of particular cards seem to be morphing. If this is the case, you have two options. If you want to accept the meaning that has surfaced on its own then revise your PAMs list so that the card now has this new meaning. This is how I finally accepted the keyword “nemesis” for the Snake. If you don’t like the meaning the card seems to be projecting, reject that meaning and continue with the keywords that you are comfortable with right now.
Homework:
Make a flashcard game of it. State the first thing you think of when you see the image. This will help you define your keywords and help you understand how the cards work. Give yourself one minute to flash through the deck. It is fun to get others involved and observe what they come up with.
Write a list of your keywords.
Start a notebook for your Lenormand studies. It will be a valuable resource where you will be able to log your keywords, readings, and observations. The Under the Roses Lenormand App has a useful tool for saving your readings, as well.
Suggested Keywords
1 Rider
News, Messenger, Visitor
2 Clover
Luck, Opportunities, Fortune
3 Ship
Travel, Moving, Vehicle
4 House
Home, Family, Property
5 Tree
Growth, Health, Longevity
6 Clouds
Unclear, Doubt, Depression
7 Snake
Betrayal, Seduction, Nemesis
8 Coffin
Transformation, Grief, Loss
9 Bouquet
Abundance, Gift, Romance
10 Scythe
Cut off, Ending, Harvest
11 Whip
Repetition, Arguments, Chemistry
12 Birds
Conversation, Chatter, Pairing
13 Child
Youth, Fun, Child, Sibling
14 Fox
Logic, Intelligence, Cunning
15 Bear
Overbearing, Heavy, Sturdy
16 Stars
Connectedness, Vision, Multitude
17 Stork
Beginning, Momentous Occasion, Announcement
18 Dog
Loyalty, Friendship, Pet
19 Tower
Perspective, Authority, Structure
20 Garden
Gathering, Networking, Event
21 Mountain
Challenge, Blockage, Endurance
22 Crossroads
Choice, Impasse, Direction
23 Mice
Annoyance, Problems, Anxiety
24 Heart
Love, Endearment, Empathy
25 Ring
Commitment, Agreement, Union
26 Book
Secrets, History, Reflection
27 Letter
Correspondence, Contract, Results
28 Man
Querent, Another Person, Important Person
29 Lady
Querent, Another Person, Important Person
30 Lilies
Harmony, Wisdom, Experience
31 Sun
> Success, Vitality, Warmth
32 Moon
Cycles, Emotions, Shadowy
33 Key
Answers, Threshold, Destiny
34 Fish
Increase, Indulgences, Wishes
35 Anchor
Stability, Goals, Perseverance
36 Cross
Burdens, Stuck, Hopeless
© Kendra Hurteau 2018
PAMs
(Write your own keywords for each of the cards listed below)
1 Rider
2 Clover
3 Ship
4 House
5 Tree
6 Clouds
7 Snake
8 Coffin
9 Bouquet
10 Scythe
11 Whip
12 Birds
13 Child
14 Fox
15 Bear
16 Stars
17 Stork
18 Dog
19 Tower
20 Garden
21 Mountain
22 Crossroads
23 Mice
24 Heart
Lenormand Step by Step Page 2
