Old Style Lenormand Fortune-Telling Cards
Author: Alexander Ray
Artist: Alexander Ray
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
2019
ISBN #978-1-57281-987-0
What an absolutely lovely deck! Ray’s vintage-looking illustrations bring a sense of peace to those reading with them. The neutral color background creates a “safe place” for the reader and the client (which is not at all surprising, since Ray is a psychologist). This is a traditional 38 card deck, with two versions of the Lady, and two versions of the Gentleman (allowing personalization in readings). It is accompanied by a 92 page companion book.
Ray begins with a short history of the Lenormand deck, followed by commentary on reading with it. He points out the simplicity of its reading style (as compared with other divination practices), and the fact that symbolism is kept to a minimum. The Lenormand system also includes specific cards to be used as signifiers (cards that represent the individual being read for). These are the Man and the Lady.
Ray also gently insists that the reader respect the system – that there are subtle forces behind the cards that should only be used for really important matters. He also goes through the does and don’ts of asking the cards questions.
Each card in presented in the companion book by number, title, keywords, a small black and white scan, the nature of the card, and how it appears in specific readings (in a people spread, in a relationship spread, in spreads concerning work, in questions of well-being, and in questions of finance).
At the end of the book two spreads are presented (the Open Book Spread and the Nine Witnesses Spread).
The cards are 2.6 inches by 3.9 inches. The backs have a neutral color background, with floral images in each of the four corners, with the deck name across the middle, and imagery above and below it.
The cards have the card number in the upper left hand corner, with a scan of the associated playing car in the upper right hand corner. The image is centered in the upper two thirds of the card, with the card name centered across the bottom against a white background.
I love working with Lenormand decks, and I find this one to be gentle, easy to use, and one that clients can relate to well. Two thumbs up!
© October 2019 Bonnie Cehovet
Reproduction prohibited without written permission of the author.
Bonnie Cehovet 