Everything to know about the bonus cards of the Gilded Reverie Lenormand

The addition of bonus cards by Ciro Marchetti is a move that deserves praise for its boldness and creativity. These cards offer a new dimension of reading and interpretation, allowing users of the Petit Lenormand to better respond to current questions. They invite a deeper exploration of the psyche and personal dynamics, aligning with the needs of personal development of our time.

Ciro Marchetti's "Gilded Reverie Lenormand" is a deck that, with its bonus cards, proposes an interesting evolution of the Lenormand system. However, it is important to note that the introduction of new cards can also cause some confusion among novices. Therefore, it is necessary to remain vigilant about integrating these new cards into divinatory practice. They should enrich and not replace the traditional foundations that have proven themselves over the centuries. It is by finding this balance between innovation and tradition that the Petit Lenormand will continue to thrive and adapt to future generations.

In one of my previous articles on the interpretation of the 36 cards of the Petit Lenormand, I addressed the issue of certain cards whose classic meanings overlap. Take, for example, the card of the Rider and that of the Letter. Traditionally, the Rider announces the arrival of a person or news, while the Letter evokes news, good or bad, depending on the proximity of the Clouds. These two cards, although distinct, can seem redundant, which underscores the need for a more nuanced modern interpretation to clearly differentiate them.

Similarly, the redundancy between card 26, the Book, and card 27, the Letter, deserves reflection. Both are linked to the symbolism of knowledge, research, or even revelation, although they both represent "a piece of paper." This symbolic similarity calls for a finer distinction in their interpretation.

Regarding card 30, the Lily, I have chosen to broaden the meaning of this card. The Lily, often interpreted as a positive sign, shares a common symbol with card 2, the Clover, which is considered a lucky charm. Both cards rely on a plant representation and evoke luck, but the Lily also carries a symbolism of nobility, loyalty, purity, fertility, and fecundity. However, card 17, the Stork, symbolizing change and moving, can also be associated with fertility and fecundity, thus reinforcing the notion of redundancy.

These are just personal observations, not exhaustive, but they make me think that it is not so easy to maintain a coherent, solid, complete, and *MODERN* interpretation grid in the Lenormand system. This task of adapting the Lenormand system to the modernity of our lives can be complex and delicate, which explains why authors are inclined to create bonus cards to compensate for the limitations of the standard system.

My interpretation

The Bridge card, in its symbolism, is a call to connection and the establishment of links. It seems to me to share a conceptual proximity with card number 35, the Anchor, which evokes attachment, but from the angle of creating and maintaining bonds.

For me, the Bridge is primarily a symbol of action in communication. That's why I closely associate it with card number 12, the Birds, which represents communication and negotiation. I find that the traditional interpretation of the Birds, focused on gossip, news, or travel, does not do justice to the depth of their message.

This card invites us to reflect on how we establish connections in our life, whether with people, ideas, or events. It encourages us to consider the importance of building strong bridges, but also to recognize when these bridges become obstacles to our progress. Ultimately, the Bridge card in the "Gilded Reverie Lenormand" is a powerful reminder of our intrinsic need for connection and interaction.

In combination with other cards

The "Bridge" card in the Petit Lenormand serves as a link between the different cards, indicating passages and transitions. It can signal a change or evolution in the situation, depending on the surrounding cards. In association, it often modifies the context of the adjacent cards, indicating either a harmonious connection or the need to overcome an obstacle to progress.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : In a reading focused on the present, the "Bridge" card suggests that important connections are being made or need to be made. It may indicate that it is time to repair broken relationships or create new links to move forward.
• Love : In love, the "Bridge" can symbolize the need for communication to establish or reestablish a broken dialogue. It can also represent a period of transition in the relationship, where partners move to a new stage or overcome challenges together.
• Work : Professionally, this card can indicate the opportunity to forge new business relationships or the need to collaborate to achieve a common goal. It may also signal a moment of career transition or a project that connects different fields or skills.
• Upside down : When the "Bridge" appears upside down, it can evoke delays or a lack of foresight, that the action is not carried out at the right time.

My interpretation

The Masks card is rich in symbolism. It first evokes appearance and the question of the true identity that hides behind the mask. This theme reminds me of the Bouquet card, which speaks of superficiality, and the Garden card, which, in the context of social relations, can suggest pretense and the importance of show. The mask is also the idea of concealment, of secret, an echo to card 26, the Book, which in its classic sense, also evokes the secret.

The author's interpretation, which sees in the mask a way to embrace paradoxes and transform contradictions into coherent assets, is curious, even unexpected. The card illustrates this vision with two masks, one smiling and the other grimacing, representing the multiple facets of life.

Personally, I might have chosen a different symbol to express this duality, like yin and yang, which represents the harmony of opposites in a more immediate and understandable way. However, I recognize that Ciro Marchetti's use of masks brings a theatrical and visual dimension that challenges and invites reflection.

On the other hand, it is important not to get carried away by the idea that everything is just appearance. The Masks remind us that behind every facade lies a deeper truth, and that secrecy is not always synonymous with deception, but can also be protective and sacred. In short, the Masks card in the "Gilded Reverie Lenormand" is a powerful symbol of human complexity.

In combination with other cards

The "Masks" card in the Petit Lenormand suggests themes of illusion and revelation. In combination with other cards, it can indicate that appearances are deceptive or that hidden truths are about to be unveiled. It can also emphasize the role of perceptions and prejudices in the situation mentioned.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : In a reading focused on the present, the "Masks" card may indicate that the current situation is not what it seems to be. It invites us to look beyond appearances to understand what is really happening.
• Love : In love, this card may suggest that feelings or intentions are masked, requiring more open communication to discover the truth. It can also indicate a phase of seduction where appearances play an important role.
• Work : Professionally, the "Masks" can indicate that information is concealed or that one must navigate in an environment where image and reputation are crucial. It can also suggest the need to adapt one's role according to the circumstances.
• Upside down : When the "Masks" card appears upside down, it can signal lies, deceptions, or a refusal to see reality as it is. It warns against the danger of being seduced by illusions or hiding behind a facade.

My interpretation

The Compass, in its symbolism, seems to me to echo card 16, the Star. While the Star is traditionally seen as a sign of good omen, except when obscured by clouds, I find this interpretation too limited. For me, the Star embodies hope, serenity, faith. It is a point of reference in the sky, akin to a lighthouse guiding through the night or storm, a symbol of the need to stay the course in the face of trials.

The Compass, on the other hand, represents direction and the determination to follow a chosen path. The interpretation is therefore similar, and the Compass can be encompassed by the Star, which offers a more universal and enriching symbolism. Also, I believe I would prefer a card like the "Map", suggesting the idea of delineating a territory or assessing the forces at play, rather than the "Compass" which emphasizes orientation and personal navigation (and is very close to the Star).

But there may be a nuance to add between the Compass and the Star with the idea of a predetermined trajectory. Unlike the Star, which can symbolize a destiny written in the heavens, the Compass can remind us that we are the masters of our journey, capable of redefining our route at any moment. It's a nuance, which in my opinion, is not discriminating enough and too subtle to justify the existence of the Compass card.

In combination with other cards

The "Compass" card in the Petit Lenormand serves as a guide, indicating the direction to follow. In association with other cards, it may underline the necessity to follow one's intuition or to rely on landmarks to find one's way. It may also indicate a choice to be made or an important decision regarding life's trajectory.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : In a reading focused on the present, the "Compass" card suggests that key decisions are on the agenda. It indicates that the current orientation of events is crucial and that it is important to ensure that one is aligned with their goals and values.
• Love : In love, this card may indicate the need to determine the direction of the relationship. It may suggest seeking advice or following one's heart to navigate the sometimes troubled waters of love.
• Work : Professionally, the "Compass" may represent the search for a vocation or career direction. It may encourage following one's passion or reorienting towards a path more aligned with one's aspirations.
• Upside down : When the "Compass" card appears upside down, it may signal a loss of direction or a lack of clarity. It warns against indecision or blindly following paths that do not match one's true desires or needs.

My interpretation

The Magnifying Glass card invites me to meticulous introspection, reminiscent of card 41, the Well, where the quest for truth requires diving deep. The Magnifying Glass also evokes card 23, the Mice, which, with its burrowing behavior, reflects the act of scrutinizing, examining in detail, as if seeking to unveil what is hidden.

The Mice, in their classic sense, are associated with the recovery of a lost object, which makes me think of the image of a cartoon detective, magnifying glass in hand, determined to solve a mystery. It's this precision of analysis and quest for clarity that could confer the Magnifying Glass and the Mice the same domain of interpretation.

The Magnifying Glass is a card that symbolizes attention to detail and discovery. It reminds us of the importance of careful observation and concentration in our quest for understanding. However, it is essential not to become obsessed with details to the point of losing sight of the whole. The Magnifying Glass encourages us to balance our overall vision with a fine analysis, so as not to get lost in the meanders of the accessory. Be careful to differentiate the Magnifying Glass from the Well card and the Mice card.

In combination with other cards

The "Magnifying Glass" card in the Petit Lenormand symbolizes meticulous examination and focus on details. In association with other cards, it may indicate the need for an in-depth analysis to understand the subtleties of a situation or to discover hidden information. It can also emphasize the importance of precision in the interpretation of surrounding cards.

Thematic interpretation

• Present : In a reading focused on the present, the "Magnifying Glass" card suggests that attention is being paid to the small details of a situation. It indicates that a meticulous analysis is necessary to fully understand what is currently happening.
• Love : In love, this card may mean that it is time to look more closely at often overlooked aspects of the relationship. It may encourage observing the small gestures and expressions that reveal true feelings.
• Work : Professionally, the "Magnifying Glass" may indicate that success depends on the ability to focus on details and to finely analyze data or ongoing projects.
• Upside down : When the "Magnifying Glass" card appears upside down, it may warn of a tendency to hyper-focus on details at the expense of the bigger picture. It may also indicate an obsession or paranoia that prevents seeing reality objectively.