Grand Tableau of the Petit Lenormand: Complete Guide to Interpreting Your Spreads
The Grand Tableau is without a doubt *THE* most complete and fascinating method of the Petit Lenormand. If you’re just starting out, it’s normal to feel a little intimidated by the large number of cards to interpret. But don’t worry, you don’t need to analyze each card in minute detail. The key is to take it step by step, learning to observe the big trends before diving into the nuances.
In this article, we will discover together how to break down and interpret a Grand Tableau progressively. You will learn to read the rows, columns, diagonals, and to identify the significant cards that will shed light on your situation. Each step has been designed to guide you smoothly, with simple explanations and concrete examples. By practicing regularly, you will gain confidence and fluidity in your card interpretations.
Whether you want a general overview of your situation or explore more specific areas like love, work, or finances, the Grand Tableau allows you to do so with great flexibility. It offers you a rich overview, while giving you the freedom to dive deeper into the areas that interest you most.
Ready to explore the mysteries of the Grand Tableau? Follow the step-by-step guide and you will discover that, far from being complicated, this spread becomes a valuable tool to enlighten all dimensions of your life.
- Fully understand this article
- Choose the layout to read the Grand Tableau
- How to read the Grand Tableau
- Making a General Interpretation of the Grand Tableau
- Adjusting to Questions: Choosing the Significator(s)
- Interpreting the Lines of the Significator(s)
- Interpreting the Square of the Significator(s)
- Mistakes to avoid
- Tips to follow
Fully understand this article
This article is the last in the series dedicated to learning the Petit Lenormand, and it is essential to master certain concepts before diving into the Grand Tableau spread. To interpret it well, it is recommended to know the basics, notably:
- Card combinations: The cards of the Petit Lenormand are read in pairs or groups. The way they interact with each other is key to making sense of your spreads.
- Using the Houses: Each position in the Grand Tableau corresponds to a House. This is a key concept to refine your interpretations.
- Choosing the Significator: In every spread, the Significator is the card representing the person or main question. Choosing the right Significator helps focus your reading.
If you are not yet comfortable with these concepts, I invite you to review the previous articles in the series. They are there to guide you step by step and help you get the most out of this final article. Happy reading and learning!
Choose the layout to read the Grand Tableau
1. Traditional Method: 4 rows of 8 cards + a 4-card block
Advantage: The block, made up of 4 additional cards below the layout, provides advice or a synthesis of the reading. This can be very useful for summarizing the overall message.
Disadvantage: If your Significator (the card representing you) falls in the block, it becomes difficult to clearly interpret the reading. Some card readers even believe it's better not to read in this case, saying "it's not the right time to read." Personally, I think this approach is too rigid. On the contrary, it's always possible to gain insights from the cards, even if the Significator is in the block.
2. Alternative Method: 4 rows of 9 cards
Advantage: This layout is popular as it avoids the outer block. The Significator is less likely to fall "outside" the layout, making the interpretation smoother and simpler.
Disadvantage: There’s no block to provide a summary. However, you can resolve this by using the 4 central vertical cards (5th column) as advice or synthesis for the reading.
3. My Personal Method: 6 rows of 6 cards
Advantage: Like the previous method, there’s no block, enhancing the coherence of the reading. Additionally, this method allows the Grand Tableau to be divided into 4 squares of 9 cards, offering the possibility to interpret each square according to a theme (e.g., marriage, children, work, health). This can help provide an overview of different areas of your life. The 4 central cards of each square serve as advice for each theme.
Disadvantage: There is no real disadvantage. Although this method doesn’t offer a block, it doesn't interfere with the interpretation. You can still use the central cards to summarize the reading.
Each of these layouts has its own particularities, but the best method is the one you feel most comfortable with. Try them out and see which speaks to you the most!
How to read the Grand Tableau
It's completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed by the Grand Tableau, given the number of cards to interpret. But don't worry, it’s not necessary to read everything! If the question is specific or the querent is focused on a particular area, you can limit the interpretation to just a few cards.
The Grand Tableau doesn't follow a single, rigid method. It’s flexible and offers a wide range of possibilities. You can see it as a catalog of options to choose from based on your needs and desires. The important thing is to focus on the cards that seem significant to you and interpret them in a way that resonates with you.
The two phases of interpreting the Grand Tableau
It’s often helpful to divide the interpretation into two main steps:
- General interpretation: Quickly skim the layout to get a general vibe or major trends. This gives you a first overview.
- Interpretation of the Significators: Next, focus on the Significators (like The Lady, The Gentleman, or other specific cards like The Fox for work or The Fish for finances). If this term isn’t clear to you, refer to the article that explains in detail how to use Significators.
For each Significator card, two complementary approaches are available:
- Read the Significator’s lines: Examine the cards in the same row, column, and diagonals as the Significator.
- Read the Significator’s square: Analyze the 8 cards surrounding the Significator.
Types of associations to make during interpretation
To make sense of the Grand Tableau, you can use several types of associations:
- Card combinations (2 or 3 cards, or even more)
- The Houses
- The traditional "Near/Far" method
- The values and colors of the cards
Let’s take a closer look.
Combinations
The art of combining cards is essential to make sense of your reading. Combinations are often made with two or three cards (or even more). For example:
- With two cards, you might have a Noun and an Adjective, a Subject and a Verb, or even a Cause and Effect (e.g., The Rider + The Clouds = uncertain news).
- With three cards, you can create richer phrases: Noun - Adjective 1 - Adjective 2 or Subject - Verb - Object (e.g., The Fox + The Scythe + The Garden = the end of a work contract in a social setting).
For more details, check out the article on card combinations.
The Houses
In the Grand Tableau, each card is placed in a House. The resident card is the one in the reading, while the host card corresponds to the House. The interaction between these two cards can reveal crucial information. For instance, if The Fox (work) is placed in the House of The Fish (finances), it could indicate a salary increase.
To learn more, check out the article on using Houses.
The traditional "Near/Far" method
The "Near/Far" method is a traditional technique that involves interpreting cards based on their proximity or distance from the Significator. Cards that are close generally have a strong and positive influence, while those further away may indicate obstacles or delays.
To learn more, check out the article on this method.
The values and colors
The values and colors of the cards add extra nuance to your reading. For example, a Red card may symbolize positive energy or an affirmative response, while a Black card could indicate difficulties or challenges. You could also gather all the colors of the 8 cards surrounding the Significator (in the style of the YES/NO spread I describe in the link below) to determine if the overall energy around the Significator is positive or negative.
To delve deeper into this aspect, read the article on colors and values.
Making a General Interpretation of the Grand Tableau
The general interpretation of the Grand Tableau allows you to get an overview before diving into the details. Here's how to structure your reading to identify the key trends of the spread.
The 4 Cards of the Cartouche
When using the method with a cartouche (the 4 cards below the Grand Tableau), these cards are often interpreted as a summary of the spread. They provide general advice or reveal the querent's long-term destiny. Take a moment to observe how these cards interact, as they will give you an overall picture of the message the spread is trying to convey.
The First 3 Cards at the Top Left
The first 3 cards of the Grand Tableau (located at the top left) reflect the querent's current situation or an immediate message. These cards provide clues about what the querent is experiencing at the moment or what they need to know right now. They set the initial context and help to understand the present energies.
The Last 3 Cards at the Bottom Right
In contrast, at the bottom right corner, the last 3 cards are often interpreted as a glimpse into the near future, the outcome of the reading, or a warning of what might happen if certain elements are not taken into account. These cards provide insight into what the querent is moving toward in the near future.
The 4 Corner Cards
The 4 cards placed at the corners of the Grand Tableau often represent the overall context of the spread. They indicate the oppositions, challenges, or major influences surrounding the querent's situation. Pay close attention to how these cards interact with each other and with the rest of the spread to gain insight into the elements that may affect the querent as a whole.
The Cards in the Center of the Tableau
The cards at the center of the Grand Tableau symbolize the core issue, what is at the heart of the querent's concerns or challenges. These cards are crucial because they often reveal the main subject of the reading, the central theme around which the entire spread revolves.
Adjusting to Questions: Choosing the Significator(s)
The interpretation of the Grand Tableau can vary depending on the type of question being asked. Here are some tips for adapting your readings based on the life areas being explored.
Questions about Love
When the question is about love, it is naturally advisable to focus your attention on the two key cards 28 - The Gentleman and 29 - The Lady. Then carefully examine 25 - The Ring for marriage, 24 - The Heart for romantic feelings, or 4 - The House for moving in together, or even 17 - The Stork for the birth of a child. Be sure to carefully observe the cards surrounding these Significators to get a sense of the current influences or upcoming challenges in the relationship.
Career Questions
For questions related to career or finances, focus on 14 - The Fox for work, 34 - The Fish for salary and raises, 26 - The Book for education or internships, and 19 - The Tower for the employer or the government. Look at the rows and columns around these cards to get a better understanding of the professional or financial situation's development.
Health Questions
If using the Grand Tableau for health-related questions, pay attention to the cards symbolizing the body or energies, such as 5 - The Tree for overall health, 17 - The Stork for fertility issues, 6 - The Clouds for depression, 10 - The Scythe for a fracture or surgery, and 11 - The Whip for chronic illnesses or allergies. These cards can offer clues about the querent's overall health.
Personal Development Questions
For questions related to personal growth or inner transformations, cards such as 26 - The Book for knowledge, 36 - The Cross for beliefs, 1 - The Rider for a mentor or therapist, and even 5 - The Tree could play this role. 31 - The Sun may represent fulfillment. If you want to lean into Carl Jung's theories, 22 - The Paths can symbolize the path of individuation, 32 - The Moon the Shadow, 28 - The Gentleman the Animus, or 29 - The Lady the Anima. It is important to observe the influences that affect these cards to better understand the querent's journey.
Using the Grand Tableau for Multiple Questions
The Grand Tableau is particularly useful when answering multiple questions in a single spread. You can focus on different Significators for each specific question. This allows for a more complete reading and connects the answers to provide a richer interpretation.
Interpreting the Lines of the Significator(s)
The Significator represents the person for whom you are doing the reading, or a specific subject (work, finances, marriage, etc.). Once you have identified the Significator(s), it is important to understand how the surrounding cards influence its interpretation. Here's how to proceed:
The Horizontal Line + Column of the Significator
The Horizontal Line
- To the left of the Significator: The cards to the left represent the past, past influences or conditioning that shaped the current situation.
- To the right of the Significator: The cards on the right point to the future, revealing possible solutions or the outcome of the reading. This is the direction the energies are moving towards.
This horizontal line allows you to have a linear view of time: the past on the left and the future on the right, offering a sequential reading of events.
The Column
- Above the Significator: The cards placed above indicate what is hoped for, dreamed of, or desired by the querent. They show conscious expectations.
- Below the Significator: The cards below symbolize what is hidden, unconscious, or sometimes repressed. They highlight aspects that the querent may not see, but which influence the situation.
The column helps you understand the alignment between conscious aspirations and unconscious forces shaping the situation.
The Diagonals of the Significator
- Top left: These cards show conscious influences, those that the querent can clearly identify.
- Bottom left: They reveal unconscious influences, underlying forces that affect the situation without the querent necessarily being aware.
- Bottom right: These cards illustrate unconscious possibilities, hidden or not-so-obvious opportunities that may manifest over time.
- Top right: These cards suggest conscious possibilities, opportunities that the querent perceives and can seize.
The diagonals offer a cross-view of the situation by highlighting both conscious and unconscious influences and possibilities.
The Meeting Cards (with another Significator)
If multiple Significators are present (for example, for two people in a relationship), the meeting cards are the cards located at the intersection of the horizontal line and the column of the two Significators. These cards characterize the relationship between these two subjects or people, offering insights into the dynamics or connections that unite them.
The Vertical Hierarchy of Cards
Cards above another card have a stronger influence. They dominate or impact the cards below them. This can be useful for identifying which energies or influences are the strongest in the reading.
The Law of Causality in Horizontal Lines
Cards to the left in a horizontal line influence those that follow to the right. This indicates a form of causality: a card can induce an effect or change in the following cards. This logic helps understand how a situation evolves through time and actions.
Interpreting the Square of the Significator(s)
The square of 9 cards around the Significator is a powerful tool to refine your interpretation. It allows you to analyze the past, present, and future influences affecting the situation. Here's how to read this square, with the Significator as the center.
The 3 Columns
- Left column: This column represents the past, past influences, or conditioning that shaped the current situation. This is where we find the roots of ongoing events.
- Central column: It symbolizes the present and the current situation. The cards here provide insights into the energies and events happening right now.
- Right column: It points to the future, possible solutions, or the outcome of events. These cards show the direction the situation is taking.
The 3 lines
- Top line: The cards here indicate what is hoped for, what the querent desires or dreams of obtaining. They represent conscious aspirations.
- Middle line: This line shows what is conscious and expressed, the aspects of the situation the querent recognizes or actively acts upon.
- Bottom line: Here lies what is hidden, unconscious, or repressed. These are underlying forces influencing the situation, but the querent may not be aware of them.
The 4 cards at the center sides (2, 8, 4, 6)
These cards, placed around the Significator, symbolize the forces and allies that can help the querent overcome obstacles. They represent the support or resources available in the situation.
The 4 corner cards (1, 3, 7, 9)
The cards in the four corners of the square are indicators of opposition, adversaries, or challenges the querent will have to face. They show the obstacles to overcome to achieve a goal.
Triangles to refine interpretation
The triangles formed by certain cards can offer additional angles for interpretation:
- Upward triangle (7, 2, 9): This triangle reveals the help or advice to follow to progress in the situation.
- Downward triangle (1, 8, 3): This triangle indicates warnings or blocks that may slow or hinder progress.
- Left triangle (3, 4, 9): It allows for learning from the past, to understand what led to the current situation.
- Right triangle (1, 6, 7): It highlights the challenge or gamble for the future, the energies to master to move forward.
Diagonals to refine interpretation
Diagonals complement the reading by providing a more nuanced view of influences and developments:
- Upward diagonal (7, 5, 3): It shows the evolution of the situation or the illusions that may cloud the querent’s perception.
- Downward diagonal (1, 5, 9): It represents the deep truth or introspection, what the querent must understand or accept to move forward.
Mistakes to avoid
Even though learning the Grand Tableau may seem complex at first, it is important to avoid common mistakes that could bias your interpretations. Here are some pitfalls to avoid to refine your practice and gain confidence:
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Trying to interpret everything
One of the most common mistakes, especially for beginners, is wanting to analyze every card in the spread. Remember that you don’t have to read everything. If you asked a specific question, focus only on the cards related to that domain. Trying to do too much can create confusion and weigh down the interpretation.
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Neglecting the overall context
It is tempting to immediately focus on the Significator cards or the 4 Destiny cards. However, neglecting the general interpretation of the spread can cause you to miss the overall mood or trends of the reading. Always take a moment to feel the general atmosphere before zooming in on the details.
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Forgetting the flexibility of methods
The Grand Tableau offers several methods of interpretation (lines, squares, Houses, "Near/far" or even the values and colors of the cards). There is no universal path to follow. Don’t feel compelled to apply all the methods to every reading (in fact, that might confuse you). Choose the ones that resonate best with your question and intuition.
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Redoing the spread if the Significator falls in the cartouche
If you have done the traditional Grand Tableau in 4x8+4, it is possible that one of your Significators falls into the 4-card cartouche below the tableau. If the position of this Significator bothers you, don’t redo the spread. Accept the situation, and exercise adapting your method to the particular location of the Significator. Turn a problem into an original way to interpret the Significator. And for future spreads, do as I do: Abandon the traditional formula! 😅 Embrace modern cartomancy 😉
By avoiding these mistakes, you will maximize the quality of your readings and progress more serenely in your learning. The Grand Tableau is a powerful tool that requires patience and perseverance, but it also offers amazing revelations when approached with method and an open mind.
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Tips to follow
Although the various methods of interpreting the Grand Tableau are essential for structuring your readings, it is just as important to leave room for your intuition. Here are some tips to cultivate this balance:
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Let your first impressions guide you
When you reveal the spread, take a moment to observe the cards without immediate analysis. What are your first impressions? Are there cards that particularly catch your attention? Often, these first intuitions are revealing and deserve to be explored before diving into a more rational reading.
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Trust and let go
Especially for beginners, it can be difficult to trust your instincts. Yet, cartomancy is an art that relies as much on technical interpretation as it does on letting go. Don’t be afraid of the large number of cards. If anyone should be impressed, it’s your querent, not you! 😉 Try not to be too rigid in your interpretation methods, and leave room for the unexpected and the imaginative.
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Let your imagination run free
More than any other system, Lenormand requires imagination. For extremely specific questions, you can answer very concretely by relying on the generic and universal symbolism of the Lenormand cards. How? Contrary to what you are often told "Interpret with your intuition" (which means everything and nothing), I would say "Look at the cards with your imagination to make them concrete".
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Adjust methods to your style
With practice, you will develop your own way of interpreting the Grand Tableau. Some methods, such as reading lines or squares, may seem more natural to you than others like the "Near/Far" method. Trust your unique style, even if it differs from traditional methods.
Interpreting the Grand Tableau is an art that may seem complex, but in reality, it just requires practice and patience. Taking your time, because you can skim over the Grand Tableau in a few minutes, but interpreting a Grand Tableau in-depth takes more hours, allows you to get a broad and detailed vision of your life or that of the querent.
Now that you have the keys to read and interpret the Grand Tableau, I encourage you to deepen your knowledge of the cards. If you want to understand in detail the meaning of each Petit Lenormand card, check out this article dedicated to the card meanings. It will help you strengthen your basics and refine your readings for even more accurate and insightful interpretations.
✨ Share your way of reading the Grand Tableau ✨
There are as many ways to read the Grand Tableau as there are card readers! 😉 Your personal interpretation enriches our collective understanding.
I invite you to share your comments or questions below. Your contribution is valuable and can help someone else better grasp the Grand Tableau.
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