How to Read Lenormand - A Step Back in Time!
- Toni @thecardgeek
- Mar 26
- 6 min read
Let's take a step back in time and look at the original meanings! Lenormand does not have to be a difficult system - starting reading today and in a few simple steps!
Whether you are brand new to Lenormand or a seasoned reader, this is for you!!
The Original Lenormand Meanings
At the heart of it all, we start with the original Lenormand meanings from the 19th century—a rich foundation for weaving our interpretive stories. When we talk about these 'Original Meanings,' we’re diving into the Philippe Lenormand Instructions from around 1840. Sure, there are even earlier hints of Lenormand’s roots in the Game of Hope from 1799, but that’s a tale for another blog! For now, the Philippe Lenormand Instructions offer a solid launchpad, giving you the perfect base to craft your Lenormand readings with confidence and depth.
STEP 1
Grab a printout of the original Lenormand meanings above and start pondering how they vibe with today’s world. Take the 11. Whip card, for instance. The Philippe Lenormand Instructions from around 1840 describe it as 'Rod, means discord in the family, domestic sorrows, dissension between spouses, fever or illness to come.' Straight up, Whip is the troublemaker—wherever it shows up, expect sparks to fly. It could signal a clash with someone else (watch for people cards nearby) or an inner struggle if Tree or Tower tags along (think health hiccups). But it’s not always personal—Whip can also flag a heated situation, popping up with cards that have nothing to do with people or sickness. Either way, it’s your cue: tension’s in the air! Take a moment to soak in each card’s original core vibe and picture days when that energy has crashed into your life. Maybe you rolled out of bed in a foul mood, itching for a fight—yep, that’s you channeling Whip’s contentious spirit all on your own!
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STEP 2
Let’s unpack the Querent cards in Lenormand. This system gives us two key players: Card 28 (Man) and Card 29 (Lady), traditionally representing the querent and their partner. That 'partner' could be a spouse, a significant figure in the querent’s life, or even a future love interest—context is everything! Historically, 28 Man stands for a male querent and 29 Lady for a female querent. But here’s the catch: this deck hails from the 19th century, so non-binary options didn’t make the cut (unless you’re rocking a modern twist). To keep it fluid, I treat 28 as the querent and 29 as their partner, regardless of gender—simple and adaptable. Why not pull other cards for these roles? Because 28 and 29 are unique—they’re the only ones without a deeper 'core essence' beyond representing people. Messing with the rest would dilute their magic. Now, pay attention to directionality: grab your deck and check which way 28 Man and 29 Lady are facing. It’s a big deal—those gazes shape the story!
Why do directions matter so much? It’s straightforward: cards behind the querent’s back signal struggle, while those in their line of sight are the easy wins. Picture this lineup (see image below): 12. Birds, 28. Man, 35. Anchor. With Birds trailing behind 28 Man, the querent’s grappling with a heavy load—burden and hard work weighing them down. But ahead, where 28 Man’s gaze lands on 35 Anchor, things lighten up—stability or trade skills feel like second nature. The read could shape up as: 'The querent’s feeling crushed by relentless effort (Birds behind), yet they effortlessly lock into the steady, practical side of their work (Anchor ahead).' Direction turns the spread into a compass—pinpointing the grind and the groove.
Now let's see it from the perspective of card 29.
Now, flip the script with 29 Lady: Birds sit ahead, while Anchor lurks behind in a tough spot. This querent’s battling with the trade side of their gig—Anchor’s stability feels like a slog. But the effort? That’s a breeze—Birds up front means the hard work and burden come naturally to them, no sweat!
Try This Exercise: Grab your querent’s significator (28 Man or 29 Lady) and set it in front of you. Shuffle your deck, then deal one card behind and one ahead. The card behind reveals what’s weighing them down—their struggle zone. The card ahead? That’s their sweet spot, where things flow easy. What’s the story for your querent—where’s the grind, and where’s the glide?
Move down to step 3!
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Lenormand Method of Distance
Based on the Lenormand instructions of the 19th Century we delve into how the near versus far instructions can help you in both small spreads and the Grand Tableau.
Return to the salons of the 19th Century and begin storytelling with your Lenormand deck. Don't trip yourself up with interpretations, know what your answer is every single time!
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STEP 3: Reading Without Significators—Easier Than You Think!
What happens when you lay a small spread sans people significators? Don’t sweat it—it’s simpler than some Lenormand gurus might make it seem. You’ve got options, and I’m breaking them down for you!
Option 1: The Narrative Read Think of this as storytelling in sequence: Card 1 flows into Card 2, then Card 3. Take this trio: 1 Rider + 6 Clouds + 34 Fish. The tale might go, "News rolls in (1 Rider), stirring up confusion for the client (6 Clouds), tied to money matters (34 Fish)." Smooth, right?
Option 2: The Focus Read Here, the centre card steals the spotlight, with the flanking cards adding flavour. Using the same example—1 Rider + 6 Clouds + 34 Fish—we’d say, "The client’s in a fog (6 Clouds), rattled by financial news (Rider and Fish shedding light on Clouds)." The middle card’s the star; the others just spill the details.
Option 3: First Card Trump In this style, the first card answers the question, and the next two flesh it out. So, with 1 Rider + 6 Clouds + 34 Fish, it’s, "The client gets news (1 Rider) about a financial mess (6 Clouds + 34 Fish)." First card sets the tone; the rest back it up.
See the pattern? The vibe shifts slightly depending on your method, but the core stays solid. All three tricks are gold when tackling the Grand Tableau, so I say practice them all! Play around, see how your reads morph with each approach—it’s the best way to find your groove.
Ready to Practice?
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Much love
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