In our previous article, we explored the basics of interpreting the Petit Lenormand by focusing on combining 3 to 5 cards. This approach allows you to associate meanings for nuanced and precise answers. Today, we will delve deeper into this method by addressing a key concept: the Houses in the Grand Tableau.
The Houses represent a new way to enrich your readings by adding an extra dimension to card interpretation. If you've understood how to combine cards, the Houses will allow you to add even more depth to your readings by modifying the meaning of the cards according to their position in the spread.
In this article, I will explain what the Houses are, how they work, and most importantly, how to incorporate them into your readings to refine your interpretations. If you’re ready to take your Petit Lenormand practice to the next level, the Houses are a natural and logical step to explore.
When you start learning the Petit Lenormand, you will quickly hear about the Houses. But be careful not to confuse them with other concepts like astrological Houses or positions in tarot. Here, the Houses are specific positions used in a very particular spread called the Grand Tableau.
In this spread, the 36 Petit Lenormand cards are arranged on a grid of 4 rows and 9 columns (or 4 rows of 8 columns with an extra row of 4 cards at the bottom). Each position in this grid corresponds to a House, numbered from 1 to 36. Each number is associated with a specific card in the deck’s order. For example, the first House is linked to the Rider (card number 1), and the last House, number 36, corresponds to the Cross.
But what does this mean for you? Imagine each House as a space in a board game: each has its own role and can influence the card placed in it. For example, if the Fox card falls into the Rider’s House (position 1), this combination brings a nuanced message, as the House influences the card placed in it.
In other words, the Houses help you give more depth to card interpretation. Instead of simply reading a card in isolation, you take into account where it falls and the meaning of that position. This enriches your readings and allows for a more precise interpretation.
One of the main questions people ask when discovering the Houses in Petit Lenormand is: what exactly are they for?
In a Grand Tableau reading, the Houses add an extra layer of interpretation to each card. In fact, each House acts as a sort of modifier for the card that is "in its home." You can think of the House as a context or an atmosphere that influences the message of the card.
For example, let’s say the Moon card is in the House of the Rider (position 1). Here, the Moon often represents emotions, creativity, or recognition. If it lands in the House of the Rider, this position may indicate that these emotions or this need for recognition is coming quickly or is in motion, as the Rider is linked to speed and news.
The Houses help structure and refine your readings, a bit like when you combine two cards in a classic reading. The card is the main subject, and the House becomes an adjective or nuance that slightly modifies the message. This helps you dive deeper into the interpretation without having to look at the surrounding cards.
However, using the Houses is optional. You can do a reading without considering the Houses at all, but their use enriches your readings by adding a specific framework. This makes the Grand Tableau even more powerful and detailed, especially if you’re a beginner and feel overwhelmed by the large number of cards present.
Using the Houses in a Grand Tableau reading offers several benefits, especially for those looking to deepen their interpretation of Petit Lenormand.
Like any method, using the Houses also has its drawbacks.
Once you’ve understood what the Houses are in Petit Lenormand, it’s time to see how to use them in your readings. Combining a card with its House allows you to create a richer and more nuanced interpretation. But how do you do that?
It’s important to note that the ways to combine a card with its House are not fixed. You can use these different approaches depending on the situation or the question being asked. The main point is to always remember that the House is not the subject of the combination. It enriches and nuances the "subject" card that’s in it.
By practicing these methods, you will gradually refine your readings and be able to create more subtle interpretations while maintaining the overall meaning of the spread.
Keywords for the 36 cards of the Petit Lenormand, including the Houses, to slide into your favorite deck. Keep your leaflet always with you, handy, to guide you in your readings 👍 Thanks to it, your interpretations gain richness and depth 😉
To fully grasp the use of Houses in Petit Lenormand, there's nothing better than practice. Here are some simple exercises to do at home, with minimal equipment, to help you master the art of combining cards with their Houses.
This exercise involves using two Petit Lenormand card decks. If you only have one, don’t worry, we’ll see how to adapt the exercise.
Although assigning roles to spread positions isn’t part of the Lenormand's DNA, anything is possible, so here are some role suggestions to avoid getting lost if you come from the Tarot tradition:
Learning the Houses in Petit Lenormand can be simple and rewarding, but some mistakes are common, especially for beginners. To help you progress without stumbling, here are the most frequent pitfalls to avoid.
The use of Houses in the Petit Lenormand is a simple method to enrich your readings and add extra nuances to your interpretations. Although not mandatory, it offers a more structured approach and helps better understand the interaction between cards. Whether you choose to use them in the context of the Grand Tableau or in smaller spreads, the Houses provide new perspectives on your readings.
However, as with any practice, the key lies in experimentation and perseverance. By practicing regularly and taking the time to familiarize yourself with these associations, you will see your intuition sharpen, and your interpretations gain depth.
Remember, the Petit Lenormand is a tool for personal exploration, and using the Houses will help you enrich your connection with the cards while staying true to your own interpretation style.
Keep practicing, stay curious, and you will discover how this method can open new doors in your understanding of the Petit Lenormand.
To further your exploration of the Petit Lenormand, I invite you to read my next article, where we will delve deeper into the use of colors and card values.
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