Petit Lenormand: How to Use Colors and Values for Accurate Readings

About Colors

In Tarot, the Latin suits carry well-established elemental symbols:

• Deniers (Earth – material needs),
• Bâtons (Fire – desire and action),
• Epées (Air – thought, intellect),
• Coupes (Water – emotions, feelings).

These suits can be linked to the French colors in cartomancy:

• Deniers → Diamonds,
• Bâtons → Clubs,
• Epées → Spades,
• Coupes → Hearts.

However, the Lenormand system does not follow this symbolic logic. The colors of the cards in the Petit Lenormand do not directly correspond to the symbolism of the suits in the Marseille Tarot. For example, the 8 of Diamonds card, which should symbolize Earth (material needs, stability) in cartomancy, is associated in the Petit Lenormand with concepts of intelligence and secrets (The Book), elements closer to the Air element (Swords). The The Book card should therefore be more related to Spades rather than Diamonds.

About Values

The same challenge arises with the values of the cards. It is difficult to find a coherent correspondence with Tarot.

In Tarot, the King represents a manager, a leader, an authority figure. Yet, in the Petit Lenormand, the King of Clubs (Clouds) speaks more of confusion and obstacles. These notions are far from the patriarchal role played by the King in Tarot.
Similarly, the Pip cards 10 in the Marseille Tarot convey ideas of inheritance, transmission, or a complete cycle, while the Dog card (10 of Hearts) in the Petit Lenormand speaks of loyalty, friendship, and fidelity. These symbols differ considerably, making any attempt at exact correspondence difficult.

My Point of View

It is complex to find a coherent structure between the colors and values of the Petit Lenormand and those of Tarot or traditional French cartomancy. Why? Because the Petit Lenormand was not created to maintain such symbolic coherence.

The naming of the cards, such as Rider, Clover, Ship, etc., seems to have been done randomly, without the concern of following a structured logic. Some colors, like Hearts, are associated with positive notions, while Clubs are often perceived more negatively. The values also follow a curious distribution, with the Ace of Hearts representing the Man, and the Ace of Spades representing the Woman, as one could have chosen a Queen for the card 29 - The Woman, and a King for the card 28 - the Man.

In the end, it is difficult to draw a systematic parallel between the color or value of a card and its interpretation in the Petit Lenormand. For example, the Clouds card evokes troubles, while the King of Clubs represents the management of desires in Tarot, creating a significant gap.

Of course, one could try to detach from the symbolism of Tarot to adopt the interpretation of traditional cartomancy (different from my interpretation grid of the Marseille Tarot), but this complicates things even more, especially if we consider the variations between French and German cartomancy traditions. For example, in French cartomancy, Spades are always perceived negatively, as bearers of difficulties or obstacles, whereas in the Petit Lenormand, the Queen of Spades is associated with the positive Bouquet card. This contrast reflects well the differences in interpretation between the two systems (Petit Lenormand Traditional Cartomancy).

Finally, German cartomancy also differs from French cartomancy. In the German tradition, it is the Clubs that have a more negative connotation than the Spades, which corresponds more to the logic of the Petit Lenormand. This shows that the Petit Lenormand system is probably of German origin and not French.

Authors like Caitlin Matthews have tried to structure the Petit Lenormand. For example, she suggests that the square of the four Aces represents creation: the Sun (Ace of Diamonds), the Lady (Ace of Spades), the Man (Ace of Hearts), and the Ring (Ace of Clubs). Similarly, she suggests that the square of the four Kings represents the 4 elements: Fish (King of Diamonds ➡ Water), Lily (King of Spades ➡ Fire), Clouds (King of Clubs ➡ Air), and House (King of Hearts ➡ Earth). But these structures remain quite subjective and do not convince me.

In conclusion, it is difficult to find a coherent structure, so the Petit Lenormand offers us a certain freedom of interpretation of colors and values. As practitioners, we must learn to innovate and adapt our reading of colors and values according to our own experience.

I have outlined the meaning of each color by trying to find common keywords for all the cards within each color.

• Spades (Lady, Lily, Bouquet, Child, Ship, Anchor, Garden, Letter, Tower): social structure, communication, and establishing connections.
• Clubs (Ring, Clouds, Snake, Whip, Bear, Fox, Mountain, Mice, Cross): challenges, trials, and obstacles to overcome, often associated with complex relationships and compromises.
• Diamonds (Sun, Fish, Paths, Scythe, Book, Coffin, Key, Birds, Clover): achievement, decision-making, and opening up to new perspectives, as well as aspects related to transformation and the end of important cycles.
• Hearts (Man, House, Stork, Heart, Dog, Rider, Moon, Tree, Star): love, harmonious relationships, change and personal growth, including elements of guidance and emotional protection.

The number Two symbolizes duality, balance, collaboration, and receptivity. For each combination, we will seek to understand how these qualities manifest in the interaction of the two cards based on their values (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace).

Combination with the value 6

Confirmed Duality or Opposition: Cards with the value 6 (Tower, Star, Cross, Clover) bring structure and a solid foundation. In pairs, the interpretation may indicate a need to balance opposing forces in a stable environment or to collaborate to build something lasting.
Example: Tower + Clover → The opportunity (Clover) to solidify (Tower) a partnership or project.

Combination with the value 7

Fluid Duality in Exchange: Cards with the value 7 (Letter, Tree, Mice, Birds) are linked to communication and flexibility. In pairs, this reflects a collaboration or choice that requires fluid exchange and decision-making based on communication.
Example: Letter + Birds → Open and important discussion to resolve a dilemma or establish a compromise.

Combination with the value 8

Balance Threatened by Obstacles: Cards with the value 8 (Garden, Mountain, Moon, Key) can show challenges or important revelations. The duality in this pair can represent a balance between challenge and success, or a collaboration to overcome obstacles.
Example: Mountain + Key → Overcoming a blockage (Mountain) through a solution found in partnership (Key).

Combination with the value 9

Collaboration for Transformation: Cards with the value 9 (Anchor, Rider, Fox, Coffin) speak of transformation or movement. The pair may indicate a need to work together to navigate change or find balance in a shifting situation.
Example: Coffin + Anchor → A stable or anchored transformation (Coffin), requiring compromises to accept it.

Combination with the value 10

Partnership to Achieve Goals: Cards with the value 10 (Ship, Dog, Bear, Book) bring aspects of achievement, expansion, or power. This can represent a partnership aimed at accomplishing an important goal, where each party provides support or expertise.
Example: Ship + Dog → Expansion or a journey (Ship) facilitated by the loyalty and support of an ally (Dog).

Combination with the value Jack

Duality between Innocence and Conflict: Cards with the value Jack (Child, Heart, Whip, Scythe) are linked to youth, innocence, or conflicts. In pairs, they can indicate a fragile beginning or a collaboration that might be tested by tensions or uncertainties.
Example: Whip + Heart → A collaboration (2) may be disrupted by conflicts (Whip), but with a chance of reconciliation through affection (Heart).

Combination with the value Queen

Receptivity to Change: Cards with the value Queen (Bouquet, Stork, Snake, Paths) are associated with transformations and subtle choices. A pair of Queens could indicate that collaboration or duality brings changes and opportunities for personal growth.
Example: Stork + Paths → A choice (Paths) that requires openness to change (Stork) to advance a relationship or project.

Combination with the value King

Balance and Power: Cards with the value King (Lily, House, Clouds, Fish) speak of power and stability. A pair involving these cards could illustrate a balance of forces or cooperation to maintain or regulate power in a given situation.
Example: House + Lily → The balance between authority (Lily) and protection (House) in a relationship or environment.

Combination with the value Ace

Duality and Leadership: Cards with the value Ace (Man, Lady, Ring, Sun) are often associated with independence and leadership. In combination, this can symbolize a collaboration or decision where each plays a leadership role in specific areas.
Example: Sun + Ring → A relationship or partnership (Ring) illuminated by personal success and leadership (Sun).

Conclusion

In this interpretation grid, each card combination explores how the duality of the number Two interacts with the card values to offer interpretation insights. Each pair highlights a balance or collaboration that shapes the overall reading interpretation.

Here is an interpretation grid for using values through a square combination (4 cards) in a Petit Lenormand reading, using the symbolism of the number Four and the card values (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace). The number Four represents stability, construction, determination, and laying solid foundations to achieve a goal.

Combination with the value 6

Stability in Organization and Foundations: Cards with the value 6 (Tower, Star, Cross, Clover) bring elements of structure, luck, and divine guidance. A square formed with these cards indicates that evolution rests on solid foundations but may involve spiritual or organizational challenges.
Example: Tower + Clover + Star + Cross → Progress requires proper structuring (Tower), while being open to lucky opportunities (Clover) and following a clear vision (Star), despite necessary trials or sacrifices (Cross).

Combination with the value 7

Balanced Communication and Interactions: Cards with the value 7 (Letter, Tree, Mice, Birds) represent communication, personal growth, and social interactions. A square here could reflect solid foundations based on the importance of communication, where stability is achieved through exchange and adaptability.
Example: Letter + Tree + Mice + Birds → Building a stable situation (4) requires clear exchanges (Letter), personal growth (Tree), avoiding losses or distractions (Mice), with attention to adaptability and lightness in exchanges (Birds).

Combination with the value 8

Resolution through Challenges and Clarity: Cards with the value 8 (Garden, Mountain, Moon, Key) symbolize both external challenges and enlightening solutions. A square with these cards emphasizes stable progress built on the ability to resolve concrete obstacles or achieve a deep understanding of hidden elements.
Example: Mountain + Key + Garden + Moon → Stability is achieved by facing major obstacles (Mountain) and finding a solution or key (Key) that illuminates the situation (Moon) while being open to external or social opportunities (Garden).

Combination with the value 9

Transformation through Movement and Change: Cards with the value 9 (Anchor, Rider, Fox, Coffin) are associated with movements, adaptations, and deep transformations. A square here reflects a stable but constantly evolving construction, where adaptability is essential to maintain balance.
Example: Rider + Fox + Anchor + Coffin → Stability (4) relies on quick actions (Rider), cunning or caution (Fox), while finding a solid anchor (Anchor) in the face of a major transformation or necessary end (Coffin).

Combination with the value 10

Ambition Leading to Achievement: Cards with the value 10 (Ship, Dog, Bear, Book) symbolize expansion, loyalty, and knowledge. A square formed with these cards illustrates the creation of solid foundations to succeed and achieve ambitious goals through loyalty and knowledge.
Example: Ship + Bear + Book + Dog → A stable foundation (4) is built by expanding new horizons (Ship), power and authority (Bear), deep knowledge (Book), and the loyalty of close ones (Dog).

Combination with the value Jack

Conflicts Leading to New Construction through (Re-)Birth: Cards with the value Jack (Child, Heart, Whip, Scythe) symbolize beginnings, but also necessary conflicts or cuts. A square formed here highlights a nascent situation, where challenges and tensions must be faced to build a stable foundation.
Example: Child + Heart + Scythe + Whip → A new beginning (Child) or relationship (Heart) requires cutting away what no longer serves (Scythe), facing conflicts directly (Whip) to build new stability.

Combination with the value Queen

Anchored and Firm Choices Leading to Transformation and Change: Cards with the value Queen (Bouquet, Stork, Snake, Paths) are oriented towards changes, choices, and subtle opportunities. A square with these cards reflects progress based on delicate transformations and important choices to establish stability.
Example: Stork + Snake + Paths + Bouquet → An evolutionary change (Stork) involves complex choices (Snake) and important decisions (Paths), leading to gratifying or joyful stability (Bouquet).

Combination with the value King

Power and Organization Led with Stability and Authority: Cards with the value King (Lily, House, Clouds, Fish) represent authority, protection, and power. A square with these cards illustrates a stable foundation built on power and authority, even while going through periods of uncertainty.
Example: Lily + House + Fish + Clouds → Stability is built through a figure of authority or protection (Lily + House) and an abundance of resources (Fish), even if moments of confusion or temporary uncertainty (Clouds) may arise.

Combination with the value Ace

Will and Commitment Leading to Creation: Cards with the value Ace (Man, Lady, Ring, Sun) symbolize achievement, success, and commitment. A square formed with these cards indicates that stability rests on firm decisions, clear commitment, and strong will.
Example: Ring + Sun + Man + Lady → Stability (4) is created through a solid commitment (Ring) illuminated by great clarity (Sun), reinforced by key figures (Man and Lady) who bring leadership and support.

Conclusion

This interpretation grid for squares in the Petit Lenormand, using the symbolism of the number Four, highlights how stability, structure, and lasting construction rely on the different card values. Each square forms a solid foundation for the evolution or progression of a situation, depending on the energies and influences specific to each card combination.

Here is a simple and effective method to get a nuanced answer to a closed question (Yes/No) using the colors of the Petit Lenormand cards. This 3-card spread will give you a detailed answer, ranging from "No" to "Yes", with intermediate nuances like "Maybe".

Procedure:

• Formulate the question: Ask a question that calls for a Yes or No answer. It can concern any area of your life (love, work, etc.).
• Draw 3 cards: Shuffle your deck and draw 3 cards in a row, which you will place face up in front of you.
• Interpretation of colors: Each card color will have a defined value in terms of response:
  - Clubs: NO
  - Spades: Maybe NO
  - Diamonds: Maybe YES
  - Hearts: YES
  
• Summing up the answers: To determine the final answer, you will need to sum up the value of the 3 drawn cards:
  - If the majority of the cards are Clubs or Spades, the answer will lean towards No.
  - If the majority of the cards are Hearts or Diamonds, the answer will be closer to Yes.
  - An equal distribution of colors will give you a Maybe, indicating an uncertain or evolving situation.
  

Example of interpretation:

• If you draw a Club, a Diamond, and a Heart, the answer will be rather Yes (because two out of three cards lean towards a positive answer).
• If you draw two Spades and a Heart, it indicates a Maybe NO, the situation remaining unclear but leaning more towards a negative outcome.

This method not only allows you to get a simple answer but also to nuance your interpretation according to the colors of the cards, while giving you a more detailed view of the situation.

When working with the colors and values of the Petit Lenormand cards, it is easy to make certain interpretation mistakes. Here are common pitfalls to avoid:

1. Overly Attaching to Tarot Symbolism

Many practitioners, especially those with Tarot experience, tend to automatically transpose Tarot symbolism to Petit Lenormand cards. For example, associating Spades with intellect and Hearts with love. However, the Petit Lenormand has its own interpretation system that differs from Tarot. Avoid confusing the systems and respect the specifics of each method.

2. Forgetting the Simplicity of the Petit Lenormand

The Petit Lenormand is a much more direct deck than other divinatory systems. Seeking overly complex or sophisticated meanings for colors or values can lead to interpretation errors. Stay true to the simple and pragmatic approach of the Petit Lenormand. Each card should be interpreted in a clear and direct context.

3. Neglecting the Importance of Context

Colors and values should always be interpreted within the context of the overall spread and not in isolation. For example, if a majority of Heart cards appear, it is tempting to think that love or emotions are predominant. But it is essential to consider the surrounding cards and the context of the entire spread to avoid biased interpretations.

4. Forcing Coherence with Card Values

It can be tempting to want to assign precise meanings to values (King, Ace, 10, etc.) in the manner of traditional cartomancy systems. However, values in the Petit Lenormand do not always follow a strict logic as in other forms of divination. For example, a King in the Lenormand does not always symbolize an authority figure or power, and an Ace does not necessarily mean a new beginning.