Lenormand Step by Step

by Kendra K Hurteau

  Method 1: Sentence Structure Pieces

  Figure 5a

  The most commonly used method for 3 Card Combinations is a sentence structure, though this method was developed in Europe and is not formatted as English sentence structure. The way that actual sentences fit together won’t match the card positions of 1, 2 or 3. However, if we pick apart the sentence and then use its pieces, the method works well.

  Shuffle and pull 3 cards for Method 1 (Figure 5a). The card in position 1 will be a noun from your PAMs or Suggested Keyword list. The card in position 2 is an adjective, so again select a keyword. The final card in this method is a verb, so select another keyword that makes sense for the card you pulled.

  To complicate matters, some people prefer to use this third card as the “period” or “object” of a sentence. If that interests you, I suggest you return to this method after you are comfortable with the cards to explore this option more thoroughly.

  Figure 5b

  As an example, we will use the above cards (Figure 5b) to describe a material item. We could use the Ship as a “car/vehicle,” the Lilies as “classic,” and the Rider as “speeding.”

  Method 2: Subject, Adjective, Cause

  This method is a modification of Method 1. The layout and concept are similar to Method 1, but it is read differently.

  Pull three cards and lay them in their positions. The card in position 1 will be the subject or topic of the reading. The card in position 2 will be an adjective to the card in position 1; this card adds details to the first by describing it. The final card, in position 3, may represent the reason behind the given situation - the “how” or “cause” of it - in the first two cards. If you elect to use this reading method for your 3 Card Line, be sure to be clear about how you will read position 3 and how it connects to the first two positions.

  I’ve observed many variations of how people use this 3 Card Line in this way. I use this method often when I want a quick answer.

  Method 3: Pair Chain

  This method will later be used in larger spreads. For the most part, you know how to read the cards in this way because you already know how to read 2 Card Combinations, the difference is that other 2 Card Combinations are added on to the previous pairing.

  Figure 5c

  If the Heart, the Scythe, and the Stork are pulled (Figure 5c), the combination would be broken down into 2 pairs: Heart and Scythe plus Scythe and Stork. However, they are part of the same set, so they need to be looked at in a cohesive way to see the entire picture. Breaking the combinations apart, I may say the Heart and Scythe are a broken heart and that the Scythe and Stork might be a fresh ending. Looking at the cards cohesively, I may derive that someone has had their heart broken, but that it will create a fresh beginning.

  Figure 5d

  Later, when using longer lines of cards in readings, the progression continues. In the sequence of four cards (Figure 5d), position 1 and position 2 are the same as the positions in the 2 Card Combination. Then the card in position 2 becomes its own position 1 and the third card becomes position 2 in this combination. Each additional card pairing (2 Card Combination) adds to the information of the prior card combinations.

  Method 4: Flanking Description Cards

  The following method is distinctly different from the above methods because the cards are not read from right to left. Like Method 3, this method will be used later in larger spreads.

  Figure 5e

  After shuffling, the cards may be laid out in one of two ways.

  1) In consecutive order.

  2) Put down the center card first, then the cards on the left and right.

  Regardless of the order the cards are laid out, the center card becomes the subject and the flanking cards on either side both add a description to the center card. It is read similar to two 2 Card Combinations, only now being read in two directions and with one subject card.

  Card Clusters

  When using multiple sets of 3 Card Lines, I call these “clusters.” It is a convenient way to read multiple outcomes or to modify existing spread layouts.

  For instance, if a querent is inquiring about work and has multiple job options it would be beneficial to pull a 3 Card Line for each option to see which option is the most promising or beneficial. Or, let’s say a querent wants to move and they are considering three different areas they might want to relocate. By using 3 Card Lines to predict the likely experience of each area, the querent may gain a better understanding of what to expect from each location, therefore narrowing their search.

  Clusters can also be used to predict future events. For instance, let’s pretend you have ordered a new custom car that is guaranteed to come in within the next four weeks. Lay out four 3 Card Lines to determine which week is likely to be the week it will arrive.

  Figure 5f

  Try doing a yearly reading to forecast events of the upcoming months. In the above circular spread, the 3 Card Lines are read for the twelve months of the year (Figure 5f). I do this reading every January 1st!

  Figure 5g

  The spread in Figure 5g is also a yearly reading in which each 3 Card Line represents a month. It separates the quarters of a year by using four rows of three sets/clusters of 3 Card Lines (this can also be done with the seasons of a year). The first row represents the first-quarter of the year (January, February, and March). The second row represents the second-quarter of the year (April, May, and June). The third row represents the third-quarter of the year (July, August, and September). The fourth row represents the fourth-quarter of the year (October, November, December).

  As stated previously, Lenormand and Tarot cards are not compatible reading systems and cannot be interchanged. However, the spread layouts from each system can be used. 3 Card Lines may be used in lieu of individual Tarot cards in any one Tarot position. The Tarot spreads can only have twelve positions or less because of the number of cards available in a Lenormand deck. However, custom spreads don’t need to be Tarot spreads.

  Figure 5e

  A very common Tarot spread is Past-Present-Future (Figure 5e). In this spread, place a 3 Card Line in each position (for a total of nine cards).

  The following information is for Tarot practitioners; skip this paragraph if you aren’t familiar with Tarot terminology. Try using the Celtic Cross Spread with 3 Card Lines in each of the spread’s positions. I commonly use an Elements spread which uses the four Tarot suits. Consider the suits and what each of them represents; pull the aces from a Tarot deck if that helps. By laying 3 Card Lines in each area (ultimately using twelve cards total) a well-rounded reading develops.

  5 Card Line

  Here are three ways in which you can pull and place your 5 Card Line. The positions will be in order from 1 to 5.

  The first and most common way is to shuffle the deck and then simply put down five cards in consecutive order off the top of the deck.

  The second way is to pull a focus card (a card that represents what the querent’s question is about) from the deck and then place it in position 3. After that, shuffle and place the other cards around it (positions 1 and 2, then positions 4 and 5).

  The third way is to predetermine your focus card. Then, shuffle with all the cards in the deck including the focus card and keep the deck in your hands (without pulling any cards). Flip the deck over and look for the focus card. Once the focus card is located, pull it and two cards on either side of it from the deck and lay them out in the order you found them in. If the focus card is near the end of the deck, preventing you from being able to pull a full five cards, repeat the process until you have all five cards to pull.

  Figure 5h

  You already know how to read the cards in positions 3, 4, and 5 (Figure 5h). How so? Simply by laying the positions of the 3 Card Line: Method 3 over the last three cards of the 5 Card Line (in this case the cards would be the Fish, the Tower, and the Bear). In other words, the 3 Card Line: Method 3 fills-in positions 3, 4, and 5 of the 5 Card Line. Confused? Look at the f
ive cards you have already pulled. Flip the first two cards so they are face down and leave the remaining three cards face up. The three cards on the right are read just like the 3 Card Line: Method 3. To clarify, continue using Figure 5i and 5j.

  Figure 5i

  In Figure 5i, we see a face-down card, another face-down card, the Heart, the Scythe, and the Stork. By flipping the first two cards over in the 5 Card Line, the remaining three cards are read as a 3 Card Line: Method 3.

  Figure 5j

  Now, turn over the first two cards in positions 1 and 2 (Figure 5j). The center three cards are read just as the 3 Card Line: Method 4, the only difference being that the combinations are extended outward. Work your way out from the center of the five cards. Even though position 1 in this reading is technically the first card on the left, it will not be the starting point of this reading. This is because the card in position 1 describes the card in position 2. The card in position 2 describes the card in position 3. The card in position 4 also describes the card in position 3. The card in position 5 describes the card in position 4.

  The 5 Card Line contains a past, present, and future timeline. Ignore the cards in position 1 and position 2 for the moment and evaluate the cards moving to the right in positions 3, 4, and 5. The combination of the cards in positions 3 and 4 represent what is presently happening. The combination of the cards in positions 4 and 5 represent the direction the future is going. Now, we go the other direction and move from the center to the left. The combination of the cards in positions 3 and 2 represent a transition from the past to what is currently happening. The combination of the cards in positions 2 and 1 represent the past.

  This spread may be read with a Significator or preselected focus card in the center position. Let’s say you have placed the Gentleman in the center of the reading. Now, imagine he is a real person that is facing you. He stretches his arms out to indicate his past and future; His right arm will be the past, his left arm will be the future, and he is in the center of his story.

  Another way to imagine how time is read in the 5 Card Line is to compare it to an open book. Imagine a book lays open with its spine down and pages up. About half of the pages are on the left and half of the pages are on the right. You would have already read the pages on the left. The pages that are open are where you are currently reading. The pages on the right are what are left to read.

  Sometimes when the cards are pulled, those cards will describe a future you already know is coming. In this case, it may be helpful to add additional future cards to the right of the reading. Do not change the positions of the original 5 Card Line you laid down, the first two positions will remain the past. Each card that is added on to the right side of the reading will create another pair in the chain and a progression in time. The periods of time may be set to specific increments (days, weeks, or months). This is a very convenient way to be able to discern timing in card lines.

  Bookends

  Bookends are used exclusively in 5 Card Lines. Pair only the cards in position 1 and position 5, temporarily ignoring the cards in between. Read the bookends as a 2 Card Combination (card 1 becomes position 1 and card 5 becomes position 2 of the combination). If we use Figure 5j the Bookends would be the Tree and the Stork. This pairing would describe the theme of the reading.

  Lenormand and Tarot Side by Side Readings

  It is amazing what can be gleaned by reading Lenormand and Tarot side by side. If you use Tarot, try using a Tarot Past-Present-Future next to a Lenormand 5 Card Line. Usually, the 2 different systems will deliver similar messages.

  Homework:

  Explore the 3 Methods of the 3 Card Line. Decide which you are most comfortable with. Make sure that you understand Methods 3 and 4 because they will be used in larger spreads.

  Then, lay out 3 Card Lines, one on top of the other, for practice. First, lay down three cards and interpret them. Then, right on top of the existing set, lay down another set. Once you have interpreted that set, lay down another set, etc. This is also enjoyable as a game with friends or at a party. It is a quick way to show others how to use the cards and it is fun to see their reactions.

  Use 3 Card Lines in clusters, such as a yearly reading or a Tarot spread.

  Once comfortable with 3 Card Lines, move on to 5 Card Lines. If you like, add additional cards to the right for an extended look into the future.

  If you use Tarot, try using 3 Card Lines in Tarot spread positions. Also, do a side-by-side Lenormand and Tarot reading using a Lenormand 5 Card Line and a three Tarot card spread.

  Remember to write your card lines, spreads, interpretations, and conclusions in your notebook.

  Chapter 6: Step 4: 9 Card Square

  Step 4: The 9 Card Square

  Figure 6a

  The 9 Card Square, also known as the 3x3 or Square of Nine, is a medium-sized spread that is commonly used. It provides a more comprehensive reading than card lines but is less daunting than the complex tableaus.

  In addition, the 9 Card Square can serve as a precursor for larger spreads. Like the smaller readings we have used, it is built upon the lessons you have already learned. And, once this spread is understood, it creates a foundation for using the Grand Tableau.

  There are a few different ways to lay the cards out in the 9 Card Square:

  The first and most common way is to shuffle and then place the cards in consecutive order by row - the first three cards in the first row, the second three cards in the second row, and the third three cards in the third row.

  The second way is to preselect a focus card from the deck and place it in the center position. After that, shuffle and place the other cards around it in consecutive order – the first row, cards 4 and 6 of the second row, then the third row.

  Use a pattern that incorporates the corners or the cross within the spread.

  The 9 Card Square Format

  Figure 6b

  Like with the 5 Card Line, the cards of the 9 Card Square are read outward from the central card position (Figure 6b). The central card is the focus of the reading and acts as the first card in the 2 Card Combinations used within the spread. The card in position 6 acts as the second card in a 2 Card Combination. And, actually, each of the surrounding cards to the central card also acts as a second card of a 2 Card Combination, though their placement makes the meaning of that combination different than the others. Because it is a natural inclination to read the cards from right to left, this is often times where people get confused. However, in a 9 Card Square, the only pair read in a left to right line is the cards in positions 5 and 6. The rest of the pairings are read outward from the central card (5+1, 5+2, 5+3, 5+4, 5+7, 5+8, 5+9).

  Note: There is a larger copy of the 3x3 Grid in the Appendix.

  The cards are read in a cohesive way with each card affected by another card, though each position has its own unique function. A situation is represented, timing is determined, thoughts and beliefs are revealed, and reality is addressed. To further distinguish each card position in the 9 Card Square, a breakdown follows.

  Rows

  The rows of a 9 Card Square distinguish different parts of the querent’s life experience. The top row (positions 1, 2 and 3) represents the thoughts or beliefs of the querent. The center row (positions 4, 5, and 6) is the situation unfolding or being addressed. I like to look at the row as the perspective of the querent. The bottom row (positions 7, 8 and 9) represents things that are happening in the querent’s reality. As a reminder, cards are combined as 2 Card Combinations.

  Situation. Because the cards are read outward from the central card, start by reading the second row. The second row is read as two 2 Card Combinations (5+4 and 5+6).

  Thoughts. The cards in the first row are first read in relationship to the central card, acting as they would as cards in the second position of a 2 Card Combination (5+1, 5+2, and 5+3). Then, to understand more about the thoughts of the querent, the cards may be read in connection with the other cards in that same row. They are read outwar
d from position 2 (2+1 and 2+3).

  Reality. The same method will be used in the third row as in the first row. The cards in the third column are read in relationship to the central card, acting as they would as cards in the second position of a 2 Card Combination (5+7, 5+8, and 5+9). Then, to understand more about the life of the querent, the cards may be read in connection with the other cards in the same row. They are read outward from position 8 (8+7 and 8+9).

  Columns