The History of Lenormand Cards

Lenormand is a cartomancy system using a deck of 36 cards, each featuring a distinct, everyday symbol. It's named after the famous French fortune-teller Marie Anne Adelaide Le Normand, who divined for prominent figures like Napoleon, although the specific 36-card Petit Lenormand deck was likely developed after her death, possibly inspired by a German game called "The Game of Hope".

Unlike Tarot, Lenormand focuses on practical, everyday matters and tends to offer more literal interpretations. A key aspect of Lenormand reading is the combination of cards, where the meaning arises from how the symbols interact in pairs, triplets, or larger spreads. Common spreads include the three-card spread, the 9-card spread, and the Grand Tableau, which uses all 36 cards for a comprehensive reading.

Lenormand has a history of diverse interpretations across Europe, and in the United States, a more blended "American mutt" tradition is emerging. Despite its simple imagery, Lenormand offers sophisticated and nuanced insights through its card combinations and tableau-style layouts, making it a popular oracle system for those seeking direct and practical guidance. The meaning of each card remains consistent across different Lenormand decks, emphasizing the importance of understanding the core symbolism.