Discover the Lenormand Mystery : Meaning of the 36 Cards !

Classical interpretation

In the classic interpretation of the Lenormand, the Clover is a positive card announcing that good luck or success is on the way, which will happen even after a series of problems or setbacks. In this way, the card can act as a 'totem of protection' or, more classically, as a 'lucky charm' for the whole draw, even with the presence of negative cards nearby. The tide will eventually turn, and the troubles will eventually fade away with time.

Associated with the 6 of Diamonds, the card can also announce small profits.

The Gilded Lenormand

In the Gilded Lenormand, the image shows a complete bouquet making The Clover a prosperity card, favorable to money and finances. But because happiness never comes alone (according to this card), the happiness evoked by this card also applies to the areas of love, health and work. The Gilded Lenormand Clover is THE protection card bringing luck and happiness.

My interpretation

The card 2 - The Clover is the card of luck, but more globally of the opportunity to be seized, don't we say 'seize your chance'. When this card comes out, the consultant is warned that he/she has a real opportunity to stand out, to succeed, and that it is up to him/her to be master of his/her life, and to transform the situation in a positive way.

In combination with other cards

This card shows that the neighboring card or cards are the key to the solution. This card emphasizes that the means are in the hands of the consultant and is shown in the nearby cards. If the cards in the draw are not favorable or do not express a means to an end, the card indicates a positive ending through a lucky chance, a 'fluke' or an unexpected but favorable situation.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : There is an opportunity to be seized. The consultant must look around, observe the situation and find the levers to use. Just as he/she must detect and find the four-leaf clover among the abundance of three-leaf clovers. He/she can count on luck, but must still remain in action and vigilance so that the clover remains favorable. Because it should not be forgotten that this plant with 4 leaves is ephemeral, rare and fragile.
• Love : The new meeting is promising and the consultant must be available and committed to make the relationship work. If this one is already in place, The Clover can simply mean that the agreement is solid and durable in time.
• Work : The consultant can get a promise of employment on an interesting position or on the desired one. It can also be the possibility to make a good deal, or to sign an important contract. In short, the professional activity is flourishing.
• Upside down : The Upside Down Card 2 - Clover is like a wilted flower. The opportunity has passed, it has not been seized. The card can take on one of the qualities of this plant : ephemeral duration, rarity, fragility. It makes the situation tricky to manage and to reverse.

Classical interpretation

Card 4 - The House is an easy card to understand, in fact it symbolizes everything related to family and home. The card speaks of family and family ties as an anchor. It can also refer to settling down, moving into a new life, or in a very concrete way buying or renting a new place to live. In a more general way, the House can carry a dream, a hope, an ideal that can be linked to the card 3 - The Ship. In order to interpret it correctly during a drawing, it will be necessary to be interested in the cards which surround it.

The card is associated with the King of Hearts who is a benevolent character, which can represent a head of the family, a husband, a father or a grandfather.

The Gilded Lenormand

The House of the Gilded Lenormand takes on the appearance of a little piece of paradise. It seems to be a haven of peace, a safe place, a secure and prosperous place for one's home and loved ones. The Gilded Lenormand version does not bring anything new or original compared to the classic card. However, perhaps the House can be seen as idealized and reassuring. It invites to create a little corner of paradise and it can reflect a desire to make a 'cocoon', to redecorate its interior, to arrange a garden or even a vegetable garden, etc.

My interpretation

If the symbolism of the House is simple to understand, when this card appears in the drawing, it does not bring any particular clue. Indeed, family is important for everyone (or almost) and everyone wants to have a nice home. The symbolism is therefore vague and often, reading this card ends with the question "but still? So besides the fact, contextualize the House with the neighboring cards. It is necessary to systematically specify its field of interpretation, for example :

It can speak of the realization of the individual on a material and personal level. It can signal an important moment in the life of the consultant, a life choice that must be assumed, a life project that needs to be realized.
• It may emphasize that the consultant needs security in his life, in his work, in his love life. The nearby cards will indicate how to do this.
• It may alert the consultant to current family events that he/she should be aware of.
• It can talk about the individual's family history, or look for the origins of the current problem.
• It can reflect a project, an ideal that one wishes to achieve, although this is more the role of card 3 - The Ship.
• More broadly, it can be about strong emotional ties, the presence of close people without them being part of the family.
• The card can be a reminder of the sources, of the origins. To return to essential aspects of one's life that one had put aside.

In combination with other cards

Either the neighboring cards will bring details about the consultant's 'ideal house', if this card is seen as being in the center of the drawing. Otherwise, it will indicate that a nearby card should be part of the consultant's 'ideal house'. That is, an aspect of the reading represented by a card , but considered by the reader to be peripheral or secondary, should instead be a priority or central element of his/her life. In short, the card 4 - House, radiates all around it, and brings everything that surrounds it and that is on its territory, to something central, important, necessary in order to reach a true realization or simply to feel in comfort, or in security in its life.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : Focus on the most intimate and personal aspects, on his deepest convictions, on his foundations. How and why are his foundations as an individual shaken? How do you stabilize and secure them? Look for the answers in the neighboring cards.
• Love : The current relationship is stable and lasting enough to consider going further : living under the same roof, marriage, etc. If the meeting is new, it starts on a healthy basis. The House can also invite to be more interested in the other person, in what he/she wishes as a life project, what are his/her roots. The consultant is encouraged to verify that he or she shares the same values or objectives with his or her partner: to start a home, to have children, etc.
• Work : On the professional side, the House can evoke a financial problem (bringing home enough money) or job security (having a stable life). Here again, the neighboring cards can help to understand the origin or the solution of the problem.
• Upside down : As a reversed card, the House can speak of a family conflict, of a painful past or childhood, of a law of silence among relatives, of a family secret, of a feeling of insecurity. It may speak of the difficulty of delving into one's memories, one's roots, of resuming a dialogue with people close to one's heart. The blade can also underline the fact that it is time to have a goal in life, to build a life, to have a reasonable and balanced life.

Classical interpretation

Card 6 - The Clouds speaks of a coming storm, a delicate situation that the consultant will experience or is already experiencing. If he/she already feels like he/she is being drowned in a deluge, the Clouds can predict a clearing. In addition to evoking a temporary problem, the card can also indicate that the consultant is agitated, rebellious and urges caution, lucidity.

This card is associated with the King of Clubs, a disturbing, unpredictable and austere character.

The Gilded Lenormand

In the Gilded Lenormand, the image shows rays of sunlight breaking through the clouds, making this card less negative than in a classical interpretation. This clearing reminds us that bad weather is always fleeting. We also see birds, symbolizing freedom and flight (in the Lenormand system, the card 12 - Birds is more about communication). Finally, there is a tree, indicating that even when nature is unleashed, the tree and the forest remain a safe place. The symbol invites us to remain courageous and unperturbed in the midst of a storm.

My interpretation

Card 6 - The Clouds is probably one of the least interesting cards in the Lenormand system. Indeed, the consultant wants a reading because he/she has a problem, and does not know what to do, navigating in a fog. Also, the Clouds informing of a problem, a storm, a turmoil, a lack of visibility, does not teach the consultant anything. Also, you could remove this card from the deck, it wouldn't change much, except probably for the Great Lenormand Chart.

This being said, you can put aside the interpretation of the coming storm or clearing, and perhaps insist on the lack of visibility of the situation. By this, the card even means that the consultant refuses to see the truth, that he/she is voluntarily or unconsciously keeping himself/herself in the fog. There is therefore a need for introspection to seek the truth within oneself, or to listen to what people have to say. In the opposite sense, one could venture to say that someone, in the consultant's entourage, is trying to smoke him/her out, to manipulate him/her, to keep him/her in the fog.

In combination with other cards

It is obvious that the card 6 - The Clouds must be accompanied by one or more cards to be able to draw a real information. What is hidden by the Clouds can be a neighboring card. Conversely, a juxtaposed card can cause the Clouds to emerge. Ultimately, the Clouds can mean that the consultant lacks lucidity, and has a biased or truncated opinion about at least one neighboring card. Another card in the draw can also represent the means to break through the Clouds and thus shed new light on the situation.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : The consultant may feel agitated or express anger. Perhaps they are even targeting someone, like lightning striking the tree. If this is the case, the consultant needs to release his or her anger, and a card can help to do this. If not, the consultant is blinded by the situation he/she is experiencing and needs to take a step back as soon as possible in order to fly over the Clouds and understand where he/she is exactly.
• Love : A conflict is brewing in the couple. It is the calm before the storm. There may be a secret between the two partners that needs to be uncovered. If the relationship is starting, maybe it's not going anywhere. Maybe the consultant should not commit further until he/she knows his/her partner better.
• Work : The consultant may be navigating his or her business blindly. He/she could obtain the expertise of an outside consultant who could help him/her to make clear-sighted decisions. The market can be uncertain and unpredictable requiring to advance with prudence and to remain on assets and sure values. Otherwise the consultant may be stubborn in a job that will not bring him/her anything for the rest of his/her career.
• Upside down : In its original sense, the card is not the most positive, so what if it is perceived in reverse? I am not one of those cartomancers who consider that the negative of the negative becomes positive. I consider that the Clouds become a declared storm, and that it is urgent to bring back the sails, that is to say to save what can be saved, to keep a course, and to hold on.

Classical interpretation

Card 8 - The Coffin announces an end in itself, not naturally a death. This end brings about a rupture, a radical change in the life of the consultant. This end can be a major financial loss, a sentimental rupture, a professional failure, an illness. This end announces a rebirth or a new beginning after the ordeals suffered. The Coffin can also be a stop, an impediment, an aborted achievement, a decline.

The Coffin is associated with the Nine of Diamonds card which speaks of delays, but also of time coming to an end.

The Gilded Lenormand

The Gilded Lenormand Coffin represents a sarcophagus and Anubis, the God of death and embalming, of mummification, in Egyptian mythology. In itself, the presence of the God does not fundamentally change the meaning of the card. It immerses the card in an atmosphere of mystery and legend. The Egyptian atmosphere of the blade, can evoke the eternal rest of the pharaoh, the life in the afterlife, and more metaphorically that life on this earth is a passage, a transition to another type of existence.

My interpretation

On the psychological level, the Coffin can really weigh on the consultant, living an oppressive moment, a blockage, or even a confinement. Without speaking of an abrupt end, the blade can speak of a difficult moment, where one can find oneself imprisoned, turning endlessly in an old circle, and from which it is necessary to deliver oneself, without having to sacrifice or abandon a part of oneself.

The second aspect of the card is that it can indicate to the consultant the difficulty of detaching from the situation. All things are ephemeral, and we may find it difficult to put an end to certain situations that we think are beneficial to us. This blade can speak of a kind of psychological mourning to be accomplished, in order to free oneself from one's attachment, to bounce back, to find a new momentum or balance.

In combination with other cards

This card probably deserves to be contextualized by a neighboring card that will indicate what has died, another card that will explain the nature of the link that one had with what one has just lost. Another card may also suggest a way to mourn and finally accept the situation that may be imposed on the consutant with a certain brutality. If the Coffin is perceived as a prison, a juxtaposed card may suggest a key to escape.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : Naturally the card can speak of a sudden stop that the consultant will experience or is already experiencing without really controlling the event. But the card can warn that the consultant is locked in a situation that is harmful to him/her. The Coffin can also try to convince the consultant to give up something that is dear to him/her, but which no longer brings him/her anything, and which he/she must get rid of in order to move forward. The Coffin can also be a reminder of memories or past events that hurt the consultant and that unfortunately impact his/her current life by putting him/her on the defensive.
• Love : Within a couple, the Coffin can speak of an imminent or already installed conflict leading to a definitive rupture. It can also indicate that it is necessary to get out of the ground certain files that one had buried. Abandoned desires, because of the spouse who was in disagreement, and that it is however time to accomplish. The Coffin is perhaps a real warning of the need to dialogue, to renew the relationship at the risk of seeing it end, because both partners can become locked into a routine. The couple may have to give up a common project, which had required investment from both partners, but which in the present situation cannot be completed.
• Work : The consultant must perhaps separate from a collaborator, give up a market, abandon a part of his activity to concentrate on the essential of his know-how. The consultant must perhaps carry out a diagnosis of his professional situation and give up certain aspects of his job, because of physical, psychological, financial considerations, or simply of availability.
• Upside down : As already mentioned above, I am not in favor of making positive a card perceived as negative because it is upside down. In reverse, this card is not necessarily more harmful, because the work of mourning, of detachment, of renunciation is already arduous enough, not to make the interpretation more imperative than necessary.

Classical interpretation

The scythe is a sharp tool, so naturally the card is synonymous with breakage, sudden end, or even injury or accident. In short, we can consider that the 10 - Scythe card is the card of danger, and that caution is required ! The Scythe can also appear with a certain suddenness, a real speed or as unexpected. But it can also mean that the consultant needs to break with an aspect of his life or needs to make a decision.

The card is associated with the Jack of Diamonds, representing a messenger, a letter carrier, a military man or a rather austere, rigid man with a cold demeanor. In fact, if the card announces news, it may seem to fall like a knife.

The Gilded Lenormand

The Gilded Lenormand card depicts a sickle with ears of wheat and a setting sun in the background. In fact, it does not appear to be truly negative. The image suggests that it is time to harvest. The message seems clear: now is the time to reap the benefits of your efforts.

My interpretation

As long as one does not stop at a simplistic interpretation of the Scythe with a notion of danger, of a warning, or of a twist of fate, the blade proposes a rather broad reading grid :

• About a wound, The False can signal a wound that has never healed, or that has reopened. And that a work on oneself must be done in order to heal completely.
• The Gilded version is relevant by proposing a sickle evoking the possibility of reaping the fruits of its work.
• But the Scythe can also signal to the consultant that it is time to make a decision, that it must be clear-cut and not be taken lightly or subtly. The decision must be radical. The point of view is not implied, it must be asserted.
• The Scythe can also evoke an end (more or less happy) and especially a link, an aspect of his/her past with which the consultant has difficulty in breaking. The card can therefore speak of a difficult or delicate moment to live during which the consultant must take courage, assume his decision, and end a situation (uncomfortable), a habit (bad), a relationship (harmful).

In combination with other cards

If the scythe speaks of an injury, the nearby cards may well speak of the object of the injury, its origin, or the means of healing it. If it's about a decision that needs to be made, the nearby cards may specify the stakes and consequences of the decision. Otherwise, if the Scythe speaks of an expected harvest, the juxtaposed cards can speak of the positive aspects and how to take advantage of it, by what means. Finally, if the Scythe speaks of a break-up, the cards next to it can evoke what the consultant must separate from and move away from, what he/she must be wary of, or how he/she can manage to detach from the situation or the person.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : The consultant is prey to an inner emotion from an unhealed wound. Or it is time for him/her to claim what is due. Finally, he/she must make a decision quickly and not put off the deadline at the risk of losing everything.
• Love : The Scythe can confirm a break-up in the couple that must be made, even if it is painful, above all because it is necessary. The Scythe can also evoke a link with a former partner that was never really cut, and that, for one reason or another, comes back to the surface. It can also be a fruit to be eaten together.
• Work : The consultant may be at a turning point in his/her career. Maybe it is time for him/her to leave his/her current job and look for a more balanced and fulfilling position. Or perhaps he/she needs to part with an overly intrusive partner or an incompetent employee. It may be a contract that needs to be broken, because the client is in bad faith or a bad payer.
• Upside down : In reverse the Scythe can indicate a decision that should be made, and that the consultant refuses to make. It can be a wound that does not want to heal, because the consultant is not in renunciation or detachment. The Reverse Scythe can speak of a disappointing harvest, that the fruits of the work are too few or rotten.

Classical interpretation

The Card 12 - The Birds evokes endless chatter, much like the chirping of birds during the day. By extension, the Birds may speak of rumours, gossip, gossip or announce news by telephone or in person, unless they bring inspiration or dreamy thoughts. The card can also announce small excursions, or a fairly short journey (in contrast to card 3 - The Ship which predicts long journeys).

This blade is associated with the 7 of diamonds, which is concerned with communication, discussions and negotiations.

The Gilded Lenormand

There are two Number 12 cards in the Gilded Lenormand game. The first version shows a feeder and birds with different coloured plumage. One of the birds spreads its wings and flies or lands. The second version shows two owls, one perched on a branch, the other flying, under the light of the moon.

In its first version, with the feeder, the card evokes the multiplicity of opinions, as each bird has a different plumage. There may also be a need to share, and not just opinions, through the presence of the feeder which provides food for all the birds. The scene can be an allegory of a work meeting, or also of a family meal.

In the second version, the scene takes place at night, so the author wanted to evoke confidential or even secret talks and negotiations. Perhaps there is even an idea of plotting or scheming. The owls could also play the role of spies or at least have a very discreet but vigilant presence.

My interpretation

The classical interpretation of this card is unsatisfactory (gossip, gossip, news, travel) but revealing of another era. Because of the psychological dimension and the coaching approach of modern divination, make the Birds card the communication card.

The consultant's problem may be seen as one that can be solved through dialogue. Perhaps it is necessary to try to reconcile, or to position oneself as a mediator between two people or two camps. Otherwise, the consultant can convince those around him/her by confronting opposing views and providing strong counter-arguments.

Still in terms of communication, perhaps the consultant should talk about his/her personality, say who he/she is, what drives him/her inside, to better present his/her work. Maybe he/she needs to be more kind and friendly towards others so that those around him have a better opinion of him/her.

The Birds can also express a certain anxiety on the part of the consultant who feels nervous before an interview. Perhaps he/she is afraid of a heated exchange, of a power struggle, of negotiations that may be complicated ? Perhaps he/she is afraid of not being convincing enough ? Or simply that it is impossible for him/her to make his/her arguments heard in a hubbub, in the middle of a group.

Last but not least, the card 12 - The Birds can be a warning to listen better to others, to take their opinions into account, to be open, or to accept conciliation.

In combination with other cards

If card 12 - The Birds is about communication, then the cards next to it may talk about what is at stake in the discussion, what arguments will need to be made, what opposing arguments may be put forward. The juxtaposed cards may also indicate how best to prepare for a confrontation, or perhaps predict the outcome of the discussion. The other cards in the draw can also indicate whether a negotiation is possible, whether an agreement is possible or whether, on the contrary, the other person is sticking to his or her position.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : Le/la consultant peut devoir travailler sur sa communication, peut-être choisir une autre manière d'envisager les choses et essayer de défendre son point de vue avec d'autres arguments. Peut-être la carte lui conseille de ne pas écouter son entourage, et de faire selon sa propre volonté. Au contraire, de mieux écouter les autres. Les cartes voisines permettent de mieux saisir le sens de la carte.
• Love : The consultant needs to listen better to his/her partner and dialogue better with him/her. Perhaps he/she should not listen to gossip about the couple and establish a real dialogue in order to resolve current tensions. The Birds may also indicate that dialogue within the couple is its strength, its cement. Or perhaps there is a form of gossip or idleness between the two partners, and there is no real sharing.
• Work : Perhaps the consultant has a remarkable elocution which makes him/her charismatic with his/her colleagues. Or, on the contrary, he/she may need to work on his/her communication skills in order to be better heard and respected. The Birds may also evoke an atmosphere of rumours, deceit, betrayal, in short the workplace may be a real basket of crabs.
• Upside down : In reverse, the Birds may speak of a planned interview being postponed or cancelled. The consultant is given advice he/she did not ask for. Or on the contrary, he/she ignores a wise advice. Perhaps the consultant doesn't want to bother and chooses to skip the communication stage, when there is a need to maintain the dialogue.

Classical interpretation

Card 14 - The Fox is the card of business, of commercial transactions, and personifies the malice and cunning that must be shown to sign juicy contracts. The Fox can also be bold and use its charm to achieve its ends. The Fox can also be one step ahead of his opponents. In a broader sense, the card is therefore related to the world of work. In the opposite direction, the Fox can become deceitful, deceptive and thieving.

The card is associated with the 9 of Clubs which, in fortune-telling, symbolises success at all costs

The Gilded Lenormand

In the Gilded Lenormand version, the Fox is depicted in an alert posture, ready to pounce, looking back as if wary of a dog or hunter after him. Not far away, a rooster is perched on a post, possibly preying on the fox, but also indicating the need to remain vigilant and observant when the fox is prowling around. Finally, the image shows a farm in the background, which may evoke the relationship to work that the card symbolises, but also the object of the Fox's covetousness, which would seek to break into the premises.

My interpretation

The fox is an interesting animal because it can be seen as positive or negative, unlike the wolf which is rarely a positive symbol. However, if I like to associate the card with cunning and malice, I find it difficult to make a clear connection with business and the world of work. The fox is above all a predator, far from being a workaholic as the ant can be, and concerning business, one would see it more as a pilferer and opportunist, not as a killer like the shark.

So personally, I keep the idea of a daring, clever, cunning, undoubtedly cautious fox, ensuring its back. Of course the animal can become a real thief with deceptive stratagems.

In combination with other cards

The Fox can transmit cunning and malice to neighbouring cards. Thus, with regard to the other cards in the draw, the Fox suggests to circumvent the problem, to look at it with another eye, to seek a less dangerous, more pragmatic alternative. Alternatively, the Fox may speak of the risks involved in attempts and undertakings made through the neighbouring cards. Thus the Fox can encourage caution and distrust of neighbouring cards. In another interpretation, the Fox could be the consultant or someone close to him/her, and be like the wolf in the sheepfold or among the sheep, i.e. coveting the adjoining cards, trying to get hold of them.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : The consultant is like a fox using mischief, cunning and daring, but is he/she using his/her talents wisely or maliciously? The fox may question the consultant on the validity of his or her objectives as they may be selfish. The consultant is advised to watch his back before embarking on any venture that might jeopardise his present comfortable situation.
• Love : The consultant or his/her partner behaves like a fox in the relationship. That is, he/she may lack honesty and perhaps manipulate the other to achieve his/her own ends and satisfy his/her own desires before the other. The Fox always invites caution within the couple, because nothing is ever definitively acquired, everything can change at any moment, the history of the love relationship is constantly being written, day after day.
• Work : The consultant must behave like a true military strategist in his or her business and profession. He/she has to ensure the day-to-day running and viability of his/her work, and at the same time always look for new business, new projects, and not be afraid to be daring. He/she may also have to use cunning and guile to outwit the competition and win the contracts in front of them. On the other hand, the Fox can signal to the consultant to put down his/her arms, to trust his/her collaborators and partners, and to stop being afraid and distrusting everything.
• Upside down : In reverse, the Fox can be naturally deceitful and deceptive. But even worse, the card can become oppressive and install a kind of ambient paranoia, damaging love and business relationships. The Fox could become totally devious, a traitor even, for is it not so in the world of business and commerce, where true friends are rather rare. The reverse Fox can predict a failure in a project, an aborted attempt, just as the predator returns empty-handed from the farm.

Classical interpretation

The card 16 - The Stars speaks of hope, progress and self-confidence. It is therefore generally perceived as a positive card, a good omen, bringing success when the consultant is patient and persevering. The Stars can also point to a time of calm, peace, a climate of serenity. Because the card speaks of evolution and the future, it can also be synonymous with success, social elevation and prestige. The card can however be disturbed by clouds.

The card is associated with the 6 of Hearts representing the simple pleasures of life, tenderness and memories of the past that allow for a smooth transition into one's present life.

The Gilded Lenormand

The Stars of the Gilded Lenormand version are first of all a Star which takes the form of a compass. On this compass are inscribed the symbols of the 12 signs of the zodiac. The compass is in the middle of a starry sky. The central star forming the compass seems to indicate the four cardinal points, as if to trace the consultant's path towards his/her destiny, or at least to lead him/her towards the success of his/her projects.

My interpretation

The standard interpretation of the card seems relevant to me, except that I wouldn't let card 6 - The Clouds interfere with it. And I'm not convinced that the Stars can represent prestige in the way that, for example, card 30 - The Lily (associated with royalty) can. I like Ciro Marchetti's idea of the compass concept. Even though it is strange to have integrated a compass in this card, and to have extended the basic game with several new cards including card 42 - Compass. Doesn't this duplicate the game ?

Personally, I keep the notion of hope and progress, but also the climate of calm and serenity that the Stars convey. I also add the faith, the fervour and the multiple beliefs that are associated with the notion of hope. For it is well said to "believe in your star". Finally, the Stars could also represent dreams (always connected to hope), but also the world of the night, and the idea of a starry sky showing us a vast and even infinite universe, where everything is possible. In any case, the Stars remind us to follow our deepest convictions and be ourselves.

In combination with other cards

The Stars can transfer hope to other neighbouring cards. In this way, the actions implemented through the cards juxtaposed to the card 16 - The Stars can follow the right direction and be successful. The Stars can also soothe and calm down other cards in the draw, temporising their negative aspect. The Stars can thus say that all cards around them are possible leads, that no card should be put aside. The Stars can be a beacon in the night, a rallying point, towards which the cards in the vicinity must converge. That being said, the Star shines alone in the sky. So, if it is indeed a landmark, it may remain isolated from the other cards, remain inaccessible, like an illusory and vain dream.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : The card 16 - The Stars can force the consultant to question his/her deepest convictions. Is he/she following the right star, the right direction? Perhaps it is time for the consultant to take stock and check that he/she is not going down the wrong path. The card can also be an invitation to continue the efforts in spite of the difficulties, the consultant can reach his objective if he believes in himself. Finally, the card 16 - The Stars can also signify to the consultant that he/she may need to change course, to refocus on his/her deepest aspirations, and to pursue a path or a project that will allow him/her to achieve a harmonious life, in accordance with his/her principles. That it is time for him/her to realise his/her dreams.
• Love : With card 16 - The Stars you may have to hope for something from the current relationship, or perhaps tell yourself that it is illusory. The card may invite both partners to build a long-term project together, but if there is not enough love and sharing in the relationship, it may be better not to continue. The Star is not the card of passionate love and the fulfilment of all desires, and that perhaps celibacy is better for the consultant.
• Work : The card 16 - The Stars promise a bright future for business if the path is taken with lucidity, competence and a real vision of the market. Other cards in the draw could qualify this approach and make the Stars say that the consultant has an illusory faith in a type of product, a segment of the market, or the signing of a contract. The employee may believe in a good promotion in his or her job, but it may be a matter of him or her reorienting his or her professional career and changing jobs.
• Upside down : As already mentioned, Reverse Stars can signal an illusory hope and force the consultant to question the relevance of persisting in the current path. After all, the star only flickers in the night, it certainly does not light up like the moon and the sun. It is perhaps a small hope, a faint possibility that has been nurtured and nourished by a kind of blind will. We must not lose touch with reality by focusing on an unattainable ideal. We must ensure that the dream does not become a utopia.

Classical interpretation

The 18 - Dog card symbolises sincere and solid relationships, where one shows fidelity, loyalty and trust towards the other. The Dog card can also evoke family reunions, outings with friends, moments shared together. The Dog can also be a symbol of protection of the home and family, just as the dog can guard the home of its masters. If the card is far away, then one should become suspicious and guard the house well.

The card is associated with the 10 of hearts, which is a lucky card in clairvoyance, capable of reversing the negative effects of nearby cards. The 10 of hearts is like a protective shield.

The Gilded Lenormand

The dog in the Gilded Lenormand version appears to be young or even a puppy. The animal is shown inside a house, with a leash in its mouth and a ball on the ground. This dog is clearly playful and wants to go outside, or at least demands attention. This is interesting because it indicates that to have a shared relationship with your dog, and to make him a loyal and faithful friend, you have to take care of him and share moments with him. This illustration is also a reminder that while friends are there to support you in difficult times, you should also share fun and festive moments with your friends.

My interpretation

The card 18 - Dog has an undeniable place in a divinatory system like the Lenormand. The Gilded Lenormand version also reminds us that being friends is also about celebrating together. We could also add that the dog's loyalty can also be a real devotion or even a sacrifice, for example, when it is a question of saving someone from drowning at the risk of his life. This sincerity and reliability could become a weakness, if the other used and abused it. The leash in the dog's mouth is a reminder that the dog is enslaved to its master. The card may speak of a harmful dependence on something (alcohol, drugs, etc.) or on someone. The consultant may be in a situation of control.

Finally, it should not be forgotten that the dog is an animal that has often been used by man for hunting. The dog has a good sense of smell and can follow tracks. So the card could also refer to the fact that one should lead with one's nose and not with one's logic and rationality, or perhaps that one should be on the hunt for something ? In another sense, the card may mean that one should stop hunting and stop chasing a deer that will always manage to escape. The hunt may be futile or lost.

In combination with other cards

In the first place, there is probably reason to ask what the Dog represents, an inner aspect of the consultant or a person in the consultant's entourage. The cards around the Dog may indicate to whom or what the Dog is faithful and loyal. In the cards around the Dog, look for the card that might represent the master. The cards juxtaposed with card 17 - The Dog can also evoke the needs and interests of the Dog. In another sense, the Dog could indicate that the consultant is suspicious (rightly or wrongly) of the cards in the vicinity. In this case, the 17 - The Dog card may not represent the current situation but a goal to be achieved.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : The consultant may be bound or subject to something or someone that interferes with his/her freedom and judgement. He/she may have a desire to get out of the house, to get some fresh air, to do new activities, to see people. He/she may need to be rescued, without him/herself being aware of it. The card can also warn the auctor that someone close to him/her needs him/her.
• Love : The Dog could be very positive in talking about a couple and indicate that both partners are faithful and loyal and that they share a lasting relationship. However, the Dog may invite the consultant to consider whether he/she or the partner is too dependent on the relationship, having blind loyalty and love. If the consultant is lonely, the Dog may speak of a feeling of loneliness or sadness, like a stray dog without a master. In another sense, the Dog could be an invitation to go out more, to enjoy life, not to "chase" and let chance and spontaneity of encounters operate.
• Work : The consultant may have to surround himself with a loyal team and he/she has to maintain a group cohesion with friendly human relations. Alternatively, the consultant may have to hunt for new clients in new areas. Perhaps the Dog is telling the employee that he/she should stop moving from job to job, that loyalty to a company can lead to progress and an interesting position.
• Upside down : In reverse, the Dog can mean an absence of support, help that was expected and will not come. Alternatively, a friend may not be as faithful or loyal as one thinks. The consultant may not see that he/she is submissive and subservient to someone. That is, he/she idealises a person who does not deserve it or give anything in return.

Classical interpretation

Card 20 - The Garden evokes new encounters, walking, entertainment, parties, relaxation or outdoor activities. This card also speaks of fame, social success, especially through professional development. The Garden is therefore linked to all social and public relations. The card can therefore represent friends, family, work colleagues. The card can also symbolize the arts, cultural activities, all activities that take place in meetings. The standard interpretation also speaks of a faithful friendship that becomes false when the card is distanced.

This card is associated with the 8 of Spades symbolizes sorrow, pain, and disappointment.

The Gilded Lenormand

The card of the Garden of Gilded Lenormand is quite complete as in the foreground there is a fountain with a water jet, behind a staircase leads to a canopy. A peacock is placed on the steps. Finally, a large tropical plant is enthroned in the middle of the canopy. The image seems to be the representation of the Garden of Eden, with a paradisiacal aspect. The place seems peaceful, conducive to rest, pleasant moments, positive meetings.

My interpretation

Personally, through card 20 - The Garden, I put little emphasis on the notion of distraction and walking. I make the Garden the "sociability" card of the Lenormand system, and I focus on social relations. I therefore take into account the classical interpretation concerning social elevation, the search for prestige and comfort, and everything related to the arts and culture. I can also associate artistic creativity.

In combination with other cards

Without a doubt, the first question when it comes to interpreting the card is what aspect the Garden is talking about within the draw. Fame, social relationships, the arts, etc.? The cards next to the Garden may indicate what the Garden is referring to. Alternatively, the card may also indicate that you need to use your social network to achieve your goals. Indeed, the Garden can connect the cards around it, facilitating exchanges, sharing the same goals, the same means. Within a drawing, the Garden card can be seen as a kind of market place, an Agora, where neighboring cards will exchange values and qualities with each other, responding to each other.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : The consultant should perhaps blossom in extra-professional activities. He/she may have wanted to practice an art or a cultural activity for a long time without ever having had the time or the opportunity to do so. It is perhaps time to carry out his desires. The consultant needs to take time for himself in order to better enjoy life.
• Love : Card 20 - The Garden is an invitation for the couple to spend time together, or it confirms that the couple is united around a true understanding. The Garden may be indicative of one partner's desire to rise in society because of the other's social standing or wealth. In any case, within the couple, there may be an ambition, a share of dreams, which is shared or not. If the consultant is alone, he/she must undoubtedly go out of the house, do the activities he/she likes in order to meet people who correspond to him/her. Maybe he/she can even rely on his/her friends to meet new people and get recommendations.
• Work : The consultant must use his network to reach his ends. Perhaps that among his contacts and his professional relations, he can find allies able to help him to face his difficulties. The consultant has perhaps delusions of grandeur and shows himself too ambitious in his project. Or on the contrary, he/she cruelly lacks ambition to develop his/her professional activity.
• Upside down : In reverse, the card 20 - The Garden can mean that the consultant is passive, enjoying his or her comfort and letting himself or herself become idle. He/she needs to pull himself/herself together. Otherwise the consultant may lack social connection, he/she may flee contact with others or crowds. He/she must socialize, and find people sharing passions or the same interests as him/her. Lastly, the consultant may be on the edge of burnout, and the card indicates that it's time to rest and have a good time.

Classical interpretation

Card 22 - The Way can symbolize travel by train or by road, but it especially evokes the idea that the consultant is at a crossroads in his/her life. He/she can therefore experience doubts, uncertainties, hesitations as to which path to take. There is thus a choice to be made, a decision to be taken which can become a dilemma. This decision can lead to a break, a rupture if the path that the consultant follows is a turning point in his/her life. In the strict interpretation, if the Way are close to the Clouds, they announce a misfortune, but if the card is far from the Significator (card 28 - Man or 29 - Woman) then a solution (alternative path) is possible.

The card is associated with the Queen of Diamonds who is a totally free and independent character.

The Gilded Lenormand

The illustration of the Gilded Lenormand shows a staircase covered with a red carpet, which splits in two towards two windows. The left window looks out on a yellow sky as if at dawn, while the right window shows a blue sky with some clouds. The railings on each side of the staircase seem to form a V or even a heart.

The Gilded Lenormand card seems to suggest that while the possible paths are different, they both seem valid. The image illustrates that there is no one choice that is better than another, or in other words, there is no wrong way or right way. The saying goes "all roads lead to Rome".

My interpretation

In addition to the standard interpretation, the following nuances can be added :

• First, it may be urgent to make the decision. The consultant has been evaluating the possibilities for a long time, so much so that he/she has lost himself/herself in his/her thoughts.
• The proposed alternatives may be fictitious. The decision will have no consequences. Perhaps the real choice is not there. It is even possible that there is no choice to be made, that the decision must be abandoned, because the decisive elements to be taken into account are not yet mature, present or available.

In combination with other cards

Of course, the cards next to the Way can indicate the possibilities available to the consultant. The nearby cards can also be arguments or elements to consider, either in favor or against one of the possibilities. One of the juxtaposed cards may emphasize the need to make a decision quickly. Or, on the contrary, a card around the Way may signal that there is no urgency to make the decision. Card 22 - The Way can also transfer the choice to be made to one of the neighboring cards, suggesting that there is a decision to be made in the area of the receiving card.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : The consultant may be reminded of a choice from the past. He/she may be dealing with the delayed consequences of an earlier decision. Otherwise the consultant can delay to take a decision, or indicate that he/she is not taking the right option. Perhaps the situation is not sitting well with the consultant because the decision was made under coercion and pressure. The situation may need to be re-evaluated.
• Love : The couple probably has to make a common decision while each one wants to go in a different direction. The consultant should try to find a common path with his/her partner. Otherwise, the Way card could well foretell a separation if everyone thinks differently. It is better to be alone than badly accompanied. If the consultant is alone, maybe he/she has to choose between two people he/she met recently, maybe he/she has to go to a specific place, or to undertake a journey to finally meet someone.
• Work : Card 22 - The Way can of course raise the question of professional reorientation. Maybe the consultant has to think about a new position, a new mission. Perhaps a proposal has been made by the hierarchy or on the contrary the consultant must create the opportunity of choice by proposing his/her CV elsewhere, by asking for training assistance, by registering for seminars. It is by multiplying the initiatives that the consultant will finally have the possibility of having the choice in his/her reorientation.
• Upside down : In reverse, card 22 - The Way can warn of a dangerous or risky path among the available options. It is better not to rush the decision, or not to make it at all. Perhaps the card is signaling that a recent choice is wrong, and that it would be good to go back and undo what has been done.

Classical interpretation

Card 24 - The Heart is naturally the card of love or friendship. The Heart eases tensions, indicates that sharing and harmony reign in the life of the consultant. Love is lasting, the atmosphere at work is good, finances are healthy. If the card represents a person, he or she is sincere, generous and honest in their feelings.

The card is associated with the Jack of Hearts, it represents a man in love or a good friend or loved one.

The Gilded Lenormand

The Lenormand gilded version shows two white swans, with a heart in the center with golden ornaments, and in the background a baroque, majestic and luxurious decoration. The two birds symbolize purity and nobility.

My interpretation

With a symbol like the heart, it is difficult to be more explicit. The panel of qualities associated with the heart is also wide. We can speak of course of romance, true love, fidelity, but also passionate desire or physical attraction. This rich symbol can also speak of generosity, kindness, benevolence and even forgiveness. The difficulty of interpretation is undoubtedly to specify the central quality that must be retained in the context of the consultant.

In combination with other cards

The Heart will have a tendency to focus the reading on emotions and feelings. If the reading is not about love, but other aspects such as work, the card indicates that you should do things from your heart, at least follow your feelings or intuition. The means to do this can be shown by the cards surrounding the Heart. But those same cards surrounding the Heart can also point to obstacles that get in the way. If the reading is about love, the Heart confirms the importance of the subject to the querent. The Heart may naturally be very supportive of the romance, but beware of an unbalanced positive opinion. The Heart's neighboring cards should temper its unfailing positivism.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : All is well or almost all is well for the consultant unless it is the opposite, that is to say that he/she is prey to an inner unhappiness, he/she may be heartbroken by a recent event. The neighboring cards can clarify the injury. In any case, the basic message remains: do things with your heart. The card can also invite the consultant to strengthen family and emotional ties, to spend more time with loved ones.
• Love : Of course, the Heart can speak of a shared, faithful and lasting relationship. But here again, if the consultant asks a question about Love, it is because he/she is in doubt and questioning. The Heart can naturally be reassuring, but it must always be nuanced. The Heart can draw attention to a specific quality (forgiveness, generosity, tolerance, availability, etc.) that the consultant must develop.
• Work : Without doubt, the Heart invites to put more humanity in his professional life. If the consultant is the leader of a team, he/she must take care of his/her team by installing a real dialogue and trust within the group. If the consultant works on his/her own, maybe he/she has to be more friendly with his/her client or to provide a real follow-up in his/her client relationship. If the consultant is an employee, maybe he/she has to question his/her real motivations in his/her current job. Is he/she doing the job of his/her dreams? Is he/she fulfilled in his/her work?
• Upside down : I don't necessarily believe in turning the Heart upside down, into a negative card symbolizing a broken heart or a malicious person. The Inverted Heart can still indicate a lack of love within the couple, a lack of humanity in one's work, or a deep malaise in the person. The Inverted Heart can also speak of a suffocating love, which imprisons his/her partner. Of an almost blind absolute trust in his/her partner who can take advantage of it. In short, the Inverted Heart can speak of a person who lacks heart, but also of a person who is too kind, perhaps too candid, and whose trust or generosity is abused.

Classical interpretation

Card 26 - The Book is considered the card of secrets, mystery and esotericism. The Book can indicate that something essential is hidden from the view of the consultant or that he/she does not have the necessary height to see it. The book can also symbolise administrative procedures, intellectual occupations such as scientific research or studies punctuated by examinations. As the card is about secrets, it can also bring about revelation or awareness when the mystery is revealed and the truth comes to light.

The card is associated with the 10 of Diamonds, which symbolises travel, escape and encounters with foreign cultures.

The Gilded Lenormand

The Book of Gilded Lenormand has ornaments such as cogs and a dial. Metal reinforcements and a hinge strengthen the book. A stack of books is visible in the background. The interpretation of the card remains classical.

My interpretation

I do not make the Book the card of secrets, but rather the card of knowledge. I do not evoke esoteric or mysterious meanings with this card, because divination is precisely the action of revealing what is hidden. It is up to the fortune teller to reveal what is secret to the consultant. So there should be no unsolved mystery with a good fortune teller !

Furthermore, I do not take into account the interpretations about the administrative procedures which are for me more symbolised by card 19 - The High Tower.

Speaking of knowledge in a general way, here are the possible interpretations :

• Naturally the Book can refer to intellectual occupations, from scientist to writer to accountant. It is possible that the card could relate to legal occupations such as judge or lawyer, although this seems to relate more to card 19 - The High Tower.
• The card can of course talk about education, training, the teaching profession, higher education, etc.
• The card can symbolise research, investigation, documentation with the aim of accumulating knowledge or establishing the truth.
• The card can refer to age and experience, an older person, a mentor, a person with knowledge.
• On a philosophical level, the Book can represent the humanities and social sciences, learning on the path of life, spiritual progression, personal development.
• The card may also speak of religious faith, of prayer. This area of meaning could be part of card 36 - The Cross or 30 - The Lily, but this is not the case in the standard interpretation. So why not assign the religious field to the card 26 - The Book ?
• Finally, the card could speak of Destiny, Karma, the future written or not in advance. This area could also be the role of card 16 - The Stars, but this is not the case in the classical interpretation.

In combination with other cards

The Book has a wide range of interpretation. The neighbouring cards can help to find its axis of interpretation. For example, if the consultant is looking for a training course, a nearby card can indicate the type of training. If it is a question of carrying out an investigation, the neighbouring cards can indicate the axes of research but also the difficult points or the assistance which one can benefit from. If the Book speaks of experience, wisdom, vision of the future, the neighbouring cards can again direct the reflection, by focusing on a memory, an idea, an abandoned wish, a bitter regret. If the point of view is reversed, the Book card can transmit its knowledge to another card. A juxtaposed card could be a brake because the consultant does not understand an aspect of the situation. The Book draws attention to this obscure point which must be clarified by knowledge and experience. The Book very often speaks of a knowledge, an experience, a truth that must be transmitted in one way or another in order to unblock the situation.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : The consultant must pass on his/her knowledge or truth to people in need, whether they are aware of it or not. If not, the consultant must undergo training, get help from an experienced person, conduct research and learn about a subject.
• Love : Within the couple, there may be mutual understanding, open dialogue, but the relationship may be very intellectual, without real love or passion. Perhaps there is a need to spice up the daily routine, to stimulate the libido, to do entertaining activities? If the consultant is lonely, perhaps he/she should try to understand the deeper reasons for the loneliness, by contacting a coach. Perhaps he/she can get out of his/her loneliness by taking advice from friends, by following the example of successful couples in the close circle.
• Work : The consultant may need to undergo training to remain competitive in the industry. If the consultant is older, the card may mean changing career direction to become a trainer. It may also mean becoming self-employed as an expert and thus better selling oneself through high value-added services.
• Upside down : In reverse, the Book could symbolise a lack of understanding, a form of ignorance, a lack of knowledge rather than a hidden truth. The Book inverted may speak of a lack of experience leading to incompetence in a field. It may also indicate to pause or end a training course that is not going well or is not bringing the consultant anything. Finally, if the consultant is trying to transmit, the Inverted Book may mean that the students are not receptive, that the one receiving the consultant's knowledge is blocking.

Classical interpretation

Card 28 - The Man represents the man, the consultant himself. If it is a female consultant, The Man will represent the lover, the husband, the father or simply a man in the entourage. Whatever the relationship between this man and the consultant, he is of particular importance to the question of the reading.

This card is associated with the Ace of Hearts, speaking of family and home.

The Gilded Lenormand

In the Gilded Lenormand, the card comes in two versions. The first card shows a bearded man sitting on a high iron chair with a red rose in his hand. A window surrounded by two columns is behind him. The second card shows a bearded man with long hair, his shirt half-open over his rather muscular torso. He is wearing a necklace with the male symbol. The fact that the deck comes with two No. 28 cards allows the "Grand Tableau" draw to be made with two Man cards instead of one Man and one Woman card. This makes the gay love draw more consistent.

My interpretation

Honestly, the Man card is only really useful in the love draw of the "Grand Tableau". In a classic draw of 3 to 7 or more cards, the presence of the Man can indeed mean the intervention of a man. But if the draw is about a financial or other matter, the Man card may have very little meaning.

Also, I like to see this card as the "Mirror" card of the consultant if he is a man. As if the consultant is looking in the mirror. What emotion is in him ? Is he asking himself the right questions ? Is he able to look himself straight in the eye, to confront his own image ? In short, this is an introspective card.

If the consultant is a woman, the card may evoke the masculine aspects of her personality. Does she show initiative? Is she a fighter ? Perhaps she is even too much of a warrior ? Is she protective ? Perhaps too much of a mother hen ? Can she speak with aplomb ? Or is she too bossy ? Is she assertive, cool-headed ? Again, this is an invitation to introspection.

In combination with other cards

If one takes the classical interpretation of the card, it has little added value. It is therefore necessary to look for additional information in the neighbouring cards. If the evocation of a man is validated, the neighbouring cards will specify his personality or even his identity. Otherwise, the Man card is so neutral and empty, don't take it into account. Unless, like me, you see it as an introspective card, in which case, ask the consultant more questions. Look for a "mirror" effect or a "male" aspect, the source of the problem or, on the contrary, the solution to the problem.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : The consultant may not be aware of the image he/she gives to others. There is a conflict between his/her actions and his/her inner convictions. Or perhaps he/she is looking for him/herself? Perhaps he/she does not accept certain aspects of his/her personality that should be assumed.
• Love : If the consultant is a woman or gay, the Man can of course represent her lover or husband. The neighbouring cards show what he/she should think of him/her. If the consultant is single, he/she may meet a man soon. If the consultant is a heterosexual man, the Man can indicate a competitor, an adversary such as the father of his partner for example.
• Work : The consultant may need to ask himself/herself if he/she is a good manager, a good business leader ? Is he/she too authoritarian, sectarian, arbitrary ? The consultant should question his/her relationship with power in the context of his/her work.
• Upside down : The Reverse Man may represent a man who has fled and disappeared into thin air, leaving behind a lonely person, empty boxes, a ransacked place, damaged or lost property. The upside down card can also indicate a blind date or a change of partner.

Classical interpretation

Card 30 - The Lily symbolises purity, loyalty and to a lesser extent royalty (hence nobility and prestige). If the Lily represents a person then that person will be a good judge, fair, honest and sincere. Serious and dedicated, they will be capable of real support or protection. The Lily is therefore a sign of a person who can be trusted. Otherwise the Lily brings light, peace and happiness. The card also brings a certain amount of glory, making social advancement possible. In the strict interpretation, if the card is close then it is positive and speaks of a happy life, but beware if it is close to the Clouds or below the Significator (28 - The Man or 29 - The Woman) it becomes negative.

The Lily is associated with the King of Spades who is an austere man, working in intellectual professions such as medicine or law. He is a man of nobility and inspires respect.

The Gilded Lenormand

In the Gilded Lenormand version, the card shows 6 fleur-de-lis, 3 white and 3 purple. Behind it, an Art Deco stained glass window gives off a soft light. In its style, the card remains within the framework of the classical interpretation without extending it.

My interpretation

I am not very comfortable with this card, because like card 27 - The Letter, I find it redundant with other cards in the Lenormand system. Indeed, the symbol of purity and loyalty of the Lily can overlap with the symbol of innocence, trust and sincerity of card 13 - The Child. Similarly, card 2 - The Clover speaks of a form of protection which can also be found in the Lily. We can also mention the card 9 - The Bouquet, which speaks of benevolence and which can be totally in line with the meaning of loyalty and nobility present in the Lily. The Lily can also bring the same calm and serenity as the card 16 - The Stars. Finally, the Lily can also speak of a dream of social ascension, of prestige, just like the card 20 - The Garden.

Moreover, I can understand that at the time of the creation of the Lenormand system, social elevation, prestige, glory were perhaps more desired values. Today, however, people would rather want personal well-being, fulfilment at work, stability and sustainability of the social circle. Therefore, the Lily seems to have less reason to be in the game than other cards such as the Child, the Bouquet or the Clover with similar interpretations.

Also with the Lily, I tend to leave the values of purity to the Child, nobility and prestige to the Garden (although the Lily is the emblem of French royalty). I can keep the notions of righteousness and loyalty which do not seem to be embodied by any other card. Last but not least, I opt for a modern yet classical interpretation of the lily, as an almost religious flower (since it is usually associated with the Virgin Mary) and therefore of fertility. If fertility can also be perceived through card 17 - The Stork, religious faith is absent from the standard interpretation even through card 36 - The Cross. So to summarise, although you can keep the keywords Purity, Nobility, Prestige about the Lily, you can focus on :

• Loyalty, uprightness, frankness of a person. A healthy and serene situation.
• Fecundity, fertility. A person's ability to move forward. A situation favourable to change and evolution.
• Religious faith. Inner convictions. The fervour to fight a battle. Energy committed to a project.
• Mourning. Indeed, lilies are often used for funerals; the serene and pure look of this flower is suitable for expressing one's feelings.

In combination with other cards

The Lily card signifies a person who is behaving in the right way, moving in the right direction within a healthy and serene situation. Also the neighbouring cards will capture this positivity and should be read as favourable or at least moving in the right direction, even if these cards seem negative at first sight. As if an evil was necessary for a good. As if failure would lead to success sooner or later. Another view is to see the Lily card as a questioning of the consultant's inner and deep values, while the cards nearby will speak of the surface of things, of immediate actions and words. In this way, the Lily can raise the level of moral debate proposed by the other cards, and encourage one to take a step back, to put into perspective the agitation of the present time.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : The consultant must feel confident that his/her current situation is moving in the right direction, despite his/her lack of confidence, doubts, or lack of enthusiasm in the face of unforeseen or sudden events. The consultant must believe in him/herself and in his/her ability to create change or renewal.
• Love : Both partners have a stable and healthy relationship. Perhaps the couple can consider conceiving a child, buying a house, or carrying out a joint project. But perhaps both partners need to behave in a dignified and loyal way towards each other during the resolution of a conflict. If the consultant is single, it is probably by adopting a form of loyalty, honesty and authenticity in his or her actions that he or she will succeed in winning over the one he or she loves. He/she should not put forward his/her sexual desire, his/her passion, his/her ardour. He/she must show a clean slate.
• Work : In the management of his business, the consultant must behave honourably and loyally towards his business partners and not behave like a predatory shark. Perhaps he is under a court order, a guardianship order or a tax audit which forces him to observe the law to the letter. The consultant is invited to abandon his or her illegal arrangements. The Lily may also refer to the opportunity to explore a new market, change careers, or obtain a new position, where the conditions are right.
• Upside down : The Reverse Lily could speak of dishonesty, betrayal, hypocrisy, which may be precisely the meaning of card 7 - The Snake in the standard interpretation. Perhaps this set of values is best left to the Snake. The Upside Down Lily could then speak to the idea that sometimes you have to work around the rules without breaking them in order to get your way. In other words, you have to know the laws well in order to break them. The Upside Down Lily can be a call for less rigidity and more flexibility. It can also speak of deep-seated convictions that have become inappropriate, obsolete, and no longer in tune with the times. It can also refer to a lack of creativity resulting from a consuming inner darkness, or a rigidity close to fanaticism. Finally, the upside-down Lily can of course symbolise a problem of fertility in a woman, or in a man for that matter.

Classical interpretation

Card 32 - The Moon has a rather special meaning in the Lenormand tradition. The card speaks of the light of others that is reflected, as the moon reflects the light of the sun. Thus the Lenormand Moon evokes recognition, honours, notoriety. When it is far away, it speaks of disappointment, sadness or even misfortune.

Many cartomancers extend the field of interpretation of the Moon to its usual symbolism, which I detail in the section 'my interpretation' below.

The card is associated with the 8 of Hearts which brings joy and care to the consultant.

The Gilded Lenormand

In the Gilded Lenormand, the Moon is waxing with a face, just like the Sun. The picture also shows the different phases of the Moon, and underneath, what might look like an astrolabe. The author goes beyond the standard meaning about the Moon. He sees it as a card of love, romance, intuition, imagination and creativity. But he also warns that its sphere of influence is even greater. He also talks about cycles, water, and emotions.

My interpretation

I am therefore not the first to modify the basic meaning of the Moon, as it is true that honours and notoriety are not usually associated with the star of the night. Moreover, these two values could cover the field of interpretation of the cards 16 - The Stars, 20 - The Garden or 30 - The Lily, which deal with the notions of grandeur and prestige.

The moon has a vast symbolism perhaps even wider than that of the sun, due to its changing appearance. As a reminder, the moon usually symbolises: femininity, fertility, the menstrual cycle, the mother, dreams, imagination, illusion, intuition, spirituality, the unconscious, sensitivity, emotionality, shadows and mystery, nostalgia and melancholy.

You can of course use such a wide field of interpretation, but you may get lost in your reading. For my part, I do not retain the notions of femininity, fertility, spirituality that I connect more with the Lily card. Emotionality, melancholy, shadows can be represented by card 6 - The Clouds. Nostalgia can be carried by card 13 - The Child. Mystery can be embodied in card 26 - The Book. Dreaming can be seen in card 16 - The Stars, probably also imagination and illusion. Finally the values of the Moon are already induced by some cards. Also, with the Moon of the Lenormand, I usually focus on sensitivity, intuition, the unconscious which remains the essence of the symbolism of the star of the night.

In combination with other cards

If the Moon comes out in the draw, you can ask the consultant how he/she perceives the situation. The neighbouring cards may not reveal what he/she already understands or knows, but more about repressed aspects, buried emotions, latent feelings. There is what the consultant thinks he/she is, and what he/she really is. The Moon is there to warn of the difference between the perception of one's interiority and the reality of one's interiority. In fact, the dialogue about the cards next to the Moon is very important, because the consultant might think that the fortune teller is following a false direction, whereas this is not the case. It is therefore relevant to review the juxtaposed cards of the Moon through the prism of interiority or even the lunar symbols mentioned above. The Moon can spread its attributes to the nearby cards: a cyclical frequency of the phenomenon, a lunatic character, an illusory aspect, an emotional or irrational fear on a specific subject.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : The consultant must carry out an introspection at the end of which he/she will have accepted certain aspects of his/her personality. He/she will finally be able to move forward, free of blockages linked to past wounds that had never healed.
• Love : If the consultant is in a couple, perhaps both partners are going through a period of confusion, sailing at a loss. A difficult daily life, deep-rooted habits may have gradually driven the two partners apart. Perhaps it is time to return to dialogue, to speak from the heart, to rediscover the connection with the other. If the consultant is single, this may not be the right time to meet someone. He/she should first take care of him/herself, possibly healing from past break-ups or failures. The Moon can also invite the consultant to use his or her sensitivity and lyricism, and to show imagination, poetry and spirituality in order to conquer the one of his or her heart.
• Work : The consultant should read between the lines of the contracts governing his professional activity. He/she should pay attention to the rumours in the corridors, to the confidences that can be made to him/her. The consultant should ask himself/herself if a wolf has not entered the sheepfold through a new alliance, through the enlargement of the team. If not, he/she should question himself/herself, ask if it is still reasonable, useful, interesting and motivating to continue working in such conditions, in such a framework, in such a company.
• Upside down : In reverse, the Moon can evoke a negative representation of one or more of the lunar themes discussed above. In concrete terms, it can be a fertility problem, a lack of inspiration, a depressive state as anchored as a bad habit, a chronic or degenerative disease, a hyper-sensitivity rendering the individual incapable of controlling himself, a deeply repressed psychosis, a loss of reference points, a wandering or a fanaticism leading to self-destruction.

Classical interpretation

Card 34 - The Fish is related to work and money. It heralds a miraculous catch, success in business and in all enterprises. The Fish can also represent places like the sea, rivers. If the card is far away, as is often the case, it becomes a bad omen, and speaks of misfortune.

The card is associated with the King of Diamonds representing a skilful and competent person, a true entrepreneur.

The Gilded Lenormand

In the Gilded Lenormand, the image shows 3 carp at the bottom of a river covered in algae. A ray of light shines through the water. The card does not seem to provide any additional insight to the standard interpretation.

My interpretation

The Fish may speak of a big catch and mean a bountiful catch. But this good fortune is undoubtedly an unhoped-for chance, as we all know, we never know in advance what will take the bait. In the end, this success seems rather random and not necessarily linked to judicious choices, real skills, or hard work. In this respect, I find that the Fish is really close to card 2 - The Clover, they are almost a duplicate card. I would probably have preferred a symbol like the pig (with a piggy bank for example) to widen the possibilities of interpretation.

We can still suggest, because fish live below the surface of the water, that the card may represent activity, a disturbance below the surface of appearances such as bribes, secrets, unofficial information, etc. But again, with such interpretations, we are closer to card 26 - The Book.

The fish is also an animal that slips through the water, it is very difficult to catch it with bare hands because the fish slip out of the hands thanks to their scales. This card can be used to refer to a situation that is slipping out of the consultant's hands: his money, his lover, his time, etc.

Finally, Water is the symbol of tears, of emotions. It is possible to propose interpretations in this sense, to evoke the emotional state of the consultant.

In combination with other cards

In combination with other cards, The Fish can naturally convey their good fortune, and reverse apparently negative cards. The Fish can also randomise the effects of juxtaposed cards, or render them invisible at first impression, but well and truly existing, merely concealed by deceptive appearances. The Fish can totally negate the effects of a nearby card, like breaking your line, or like the landing net coming out of empty water. Conversely, the Fish's successful but hazardous fishing may be confirmed or denied by a nearby card.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : The consultant must be cautious and lucid, without doubt he/she must observe around him/her, watch the winds, the currents, the seagulls, and detect where the school of fish is. The card may speak of an interiority, a maturing, which is about to come up and appear on the surface of the water.
• Love : If the consultant is single, the Fish can announce a beautiful meeting. If he/she is in a relationship, a happy event may await both partners, unless one of them is thinking of escaping elsewhere.
• Work : If the question is about business, The Fish can indeed speak of a juicy business and an outright success. And if the consultant is employed, a well-paid job. If not, you should consider seeing the situation as deceptive, with something going on beneath the surface.
• Upside down : In reverse, the Fish talks about a poor business, a gloomy market. Resources are depleted, perhaps because of overfishing, as if the goose that lays the golden eggs has been killed. The lack of business is not necessarily due to bad management, but perhaps to external conditions that cannot be controlled. With the inverted Fish, questions of profitability and productivity arise. Outside of the business world, the inverted Fish can indicate a missed opportunity, bad luck, or a consultant's venture that does not bear fruit. The Fish may indicate that something is slipping through the consultant's fingers, requiring great vigilance.

Classical interpretation

Card 36 - The Cross announces the end of an era, of a happy period, it announces sadness, grief, torment. As always, its effect depends on its distance. The closer the Cross is, the shorter its negative effect will be.

The card is associated with the 6 of Clubs which speaks of a solution to a problem or adversity. It announces a small joy, recognition or admiration.

The Gilded Lenormand

The Gilded Lenormand cross is made of wood and has two images of Christ and the Virgin Mary. Behind it are the stained glass windows of a church through which the sun's rays shine. The image gives off a positive mood, whereas the booklet describes a card that is in line with the standard interpretation, i.e. rather negative.

My interpretation

The Cross is one of the cards with which I disagree the most regarding its interpretation. My first impression would have been that the Cross is a symbol of faith, fervour, spirituality, blessing, and therefore a rather positive symbol. It seems that originally, the passages of the way of the cross of Christ and his suffering on the cross were used to establish the symbolism of the card. However, the Lenormand system already has the card 8 - The Coffin, the card 11 - The Whip, which can be related to the notions of end and suffering. Certainly the Whip speaks more of conflict and strife rather than a kind of flogging or enduring of suffering. So the additional interpretations I offer below, which are in contradiction with the standard view, are for you to judge if they can be useful to you anyway :

• The Cross can speak of faith, fervour, spirituality, unless you have chosen card 30 - The Lily as the embodiment of these values. This fervour can turn into prejudice, dogmatism, conservatism if it becomes extreme. This field of interpretation can be vast, nuanced and balanced.
• The Cross can be a symbol of morality, imposing norms, typical behaviour in many situations. The card can indicate what is on the side of good and what is on the side of evil. It can have a judgmental dimension.
• The Cross could act as a shield, a symbol of blessing and protection as could card 2 - The Clover.
• The Cross could represent that which must be punished, sent to the stake, not to say the cross. In other words, the Cross could represent something to be sacrificed, in order to ensure the survival of something else. In this, it may be consistent with the interpretation of card 10 - The Scythe
• Finally, in keeping with Christ's last words on the cross, which remind us of the importance of love, the Cross can invite an act of love, of self-giving, of pure self-denial and even of forgiveness.

In combination with other cards

Depending on whether you make the Cross a negative card of suffering or a positive card of fervour, its interaction with neighbouring cards will of course be profoundly altered. Because the Cross remains a religious symbol, the card tends to be the central or pivotal card in the draw. The Cross shapes minds, sets standards, and judges what is good and bad. Also within a draw, the Cross can indicate that next to it there is a good card, a bad card, a blessed card, a redemption card, a suffering card. Think of the Cross as a vindictive priest who, in the midst of his disciples, would distribute good points and bad points. Thus card 36 - The Cross judges the other cards around it or perhaps forgives.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : The consultant must believe in him/herself, open his/her mind to other ways of perceiving and understanding the world. He/she must conduct his/her actions with honesty and uprightness. He/she must position him/herself in relation to the behaviour of a person around him/her, or on the contrary he/she must not judge him/her.
• Love : If the consultant is in a relationship, he/she may have over-idealised his/her relationship with his/her partner. He/she may realise that he/she does not share the same life goals as his/her partner. Or on the contrary, he/she shares a spiritual relationship. If the consultant is single, perhaps he/she needs to review his/her demands on his/her partners, his/her ideals about Love.
• Work : Either the consultant must continue to believe in his/her professional project despite the difficulties he/she is experiencing. Or, on the contrary, he/she must open his/her eyes, abandon his/her ego, analyse and understand his/her mistakes, in order to save what can be saved, everything else must be considered as lost.
• Upside down : You can turn the initial negative aspect of the card into positive effects, such as fulfilling your destiny. Otherwise, the reversed Cross can oppose the consultant's destiny in a more or less brutal way. The luck that turns, a reversal of fortune, incessant hazards, recurring problems. There are signs that the path taken is not the best one.