Lenormand Cards Elaborate on Book of Light Messages: 6 Clouds, 33 Key, 16 Stars, 20 Garden, 17 Storks, 19 Tower

Maybe, like me, you’ve had years where you’ve made New Year’s resolutions and years where you haven’t made any at all. This year, while I briefly entertained the thought of using my Lenormand cards to help me make goals, I’d pretty much decided to skip the process when a trip to a local bookstore yesterday set me on my ear.

While browsing through the New Age section, a book I’d noticed before and had wanted to buy but didn’t popped into my line of vision.

The Book of Light: Ask and Heaven Will Answer

Channeled (I suppose) by Alexandra Solnado, The Book of Light contains messages from Jesus that uncannily address any question, concern, situation, circumstance or request for guidance you can imagine. Before you click off this post because you don’t believe in Jesus, hear me out.

Regardless of your religious affiliation or lack thereof, there is no doubt that Jesus is one of the heavy hitters on the religious / spiritual circuit. If you were brought up Catholic (like me) or in a Christian faith of any denomination, the concept of Jesus is hard-wired into your conscious and subconscious mind. Even if you no longer practice. Even if you’ve become a Wiccan or a Buddhist or an agnostic or atheist. Even if you’ve converted to Judaism, Islam, Native American spirituality, Mormonism, Scientology or who-knows-what-and-who-cares-why. And why wouldn’t wisdom from Jesus be any less appropriate or useful than wisdom from any other source?

Back to the bookstore experience: so there I am, scanning the titles in the New Age section, when The Book of Light pops into view. Okay, I silently tell the book. If you give me a good enough reason to buy you, I will. Then I picked the book up and ran my thumb against its pages until it felt right to open it up to a selection.

Here is an excerpt from the page that was presented to me:

 ATTRACTION. You are entirely responsible for everything that you attract. You attract everything that happens to you. 

That was all I needed to read to make my decision to buy the book. I had attracted this book to myself for a reason and I’ve learned enough on my long and winding journey through this 3-dimensional experience we call life to know this particular book held value for me. Certainly as much value as my Tarot cards or Lenormand cards or Playing cards or Oracle cards. Another tool for my toolbox, so to speak.

After reading the “instructions” upon arriving back home, I found myself mindfully focused on receiving guidance to help me fulfill and achieve heartfelt needs and desires for the upcoming year — so much for skipping the resolution process — and was “told” three things:

1. Reinvent yourself.

2. Live in the Present.

3. Express Gratitude.

While I could understand and relate to living in the present and expressing gratitude, the concept of reinventing myself seemed a little out of reach and curiously un-understandable. How am I supposed to do that, I wondered.

So, being the card reader that I am, I decided to ask the Lenormand cards to clarify the messages that I had received from The Book of Light. Here’s what I got:

Q: Some insight, please, on reinventing myself: what does it mean, how do I start, etc.?

Piatnik Lenormand 6 Clouds - 33 Key - 16 Stars - 20 Garden - 17 Storks - 19 Tower http://livingwithcards.com

6 Clouds – 33 Key – 16 Stars – 20 Garden – 17 Storks – 19 Tower

Piatnik Lenormand Jeu du destin Cartomancy Deck

Clouds show confusion, Key is an answer or solution and Stars bring clarity or vision. Garden can show “many” or “multiples” referring to the card to its left and Storks bring improvements and positive changes. Tower, according to Andy Boroveshengra, can refer to longevity, old age or long term plans.

The Lenormand cards suggested that although the concept of reinventing myself is now confusing, I will succeed in gaining clarity (Clouds + Key + Stars). Many directions (Stars + Garden) resulting in positive growth or changes and improved circumstances (Storks) are available to me. Tower, symbolizing my retirement years and long term plans, is quite appropriate as a “theme” or general focus of the reading.

As I often do, I further examined the spread for an additional message by consulting the playing card insets on the selected Lenormand cards. I do this by turning a Line of 5 Lenormand spread with Base Card (six cards total) into a Playing card Answer Spread:

Playing Cards Answer Spread: King of Clubs - 8 of Diamonds - 6 of Hearts - 8 of Spades - Queen of Hearts - 6 of Spades http://livingwithcards.com
Playing Cards Answer Spread: King of Clubs – 8 of Diamonds – 6 of Hearts – 8 of Spades – Queen of Hearts – 6 of Spades

The Playing cards show that investigating the process (King of Clubs + 8 of Spades) will be rewarded, allowing me to create and attract the desirable future I wish for myself (8 of Diamonds + Queen of Hearts), as long as I “stay on the right path” and not let myself be distracted or thrown off course (6 of Hearts + 6 of Spades). According to Kapherus, 8 of Diamonds can refer to vision, both literally and seeing into the future. This gave me the impression that visualization practices (including art journaling) might prove beneficial as I proceed with the 2015 challenge of “reinventing” myself. Serendipitously, I had also purchased a lovely 2015 weekly planner yesterday (at clearance pricing, 75% off!!) and have already embarked upon what I expect to be a year-long experiment in self-growth and personal and artistic development.

At the risk of overusing the word “serendipitous,” it certainly felt like a happy coincidence that I got the idea to combine messages from The Book of Light with messages from the Lenormand cards. And with that in mind, I wish you all many magical and serendipitous moments and a rewarding 2015 filled with happiness, success, health, prosperity and blessings galore. 🙂

See you next year,

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

Reading with the Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards Part 1

The Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards is a strange little deck. It’s been described elsewhere as “deviant.” “Quirky” might be another accurate description. I purchased this deck back in 2009, threw a handful of spreads with it and promptly relegated it to some storage container or another.

Curiously, earlier this week, out of nowhere, an image of this deck’s garish orange box popped into my mind. I brushed it off and went about my business. As the day progressed, however, I kept seeing images of the cards — or least what I could remember of them — and that stick-out-like-a-sore-thumb orange box. The cards seemed to be begging me to locate them and throw a spread or two. Finally, tired of being nagged, I started looking for them.

Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards http://livingwithcards.com
Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards

Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards

Do I really need to tell you how much time I spent annoying myself half to death searching all the usual places I stash cards before I finally found them, buried beneath and behind various other decks on a shelf I normally don’t pay much attention to?

Let’s just say it was more than a minute…

After finding them and then browsing through and tossing aside the lamest excuse for a LWB (Little White Book) that I’ve ever seen, I decided to ease back into a relationship with the Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards by asking a simple question: “Can I Substitute You for Regular Playing Cards?” My underlying and unspoken question was “Do You Want to Work with Me?”

“Can I Substitute You for Regular Playing Cards? (Do You Want to Work with Me?)”
Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards: Hand-in-Hand (King of Hearts), Tree (3 of Clubs), House (6 of Hearts), Dog (4 of Diamonds) http://livingwithcards.com
Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards: Hand-in-Hand (King of Hearts), Tree (3 of Clubs), House (6 of Hearts), Dog (4 of Diamonds)

Just from looking at the pictures, even a beginning card reader can see it looks like the start of a happy and fruitful relationship. 🙂

The spread consists of three cards, color sequence RED-BLACK-RED and a RED base card. The preponderance of RED cards augers a “yes” answer to the question(s). To summarize, I can expect that working with the cards will be satisfying and rewarding (Heart – Club – Heart – Diamond).

Specifically, the cards read, “YES, you can read us as playing cards and YES, we will work with you (Hand in Hand). The relationship between us will grow and flourish (Tree) and be successful (House).” The base card, Dog, shows the cards will be friendly and supportive, as well as rewarding (Diamond).

I was delighted at the reading and wanted to use the cards again as soon as possible. I didn’t have to wait long. Male X’s wife gave me an update on his ongoing employment saga and I decided to cast an Overview Spread using the Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards to gain insight into this recent development.

I’ll tell you how that went in Part 2.

To be continued…

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins


Bicycle Club Tattoo Playing Cards Predict Help is on the Way!

When I woke up this morning, a look out the window quickly revealed that Mother Nature had dumped at least a foot of snow in my driveway.

Undaunted, I bundled up and stepped outside, ready to brave the elements, optimistically focusing on snow removal success.

Silly me.

A half hour later, frozen to the bone with little to show for my work, I dragged myself back inside, fixed a cup of coffee and sighed. Wondering if I could expect any help, I picked up my Bicycle Club Tattoo Playing Cards deck and threw an Answer Spread.*

“If I Ask, Will I Get Any Help Shoveling the Driveway Today?”

The Answer:

Answer Spread with Bicycle Club Tattoo playing cards 2 of Hearts - Ace of Diamonds - King of Hearts - 8 of Clubs - 6 of Diamonds - 3 of Diamonds http://livingwithcards.com
Answer Spread* with Bicycle Club Tattoo playing cards 2 of Hearts – Ace of Diamonds – King of Hearts – 8 of Clubs – 6 of Diamonds – 3 of Diamonds

Bicycle Club Tattoo Playing Cards

Preliminarily, five red cards looked to be a good sign, as did two red cards in the “Answer” column (column 2). I also noted no spades were present, suggesting “no problems.” Just as I was about to begin delineating the spread, Daughter #1 called to let me know she, her hubby and their snowplow were on the way to shovel me out!!!

To say this was serendipitous would be an understatement. 🙂

Later, still smiling over my good fortune, I looked over the spread I’d cast and jotted down the following notes:

Column 1: Circumstances Leading Up to the Question

Answer Spread Column 1: 2 of Hearts - 8 of Clubs http://livingwithcards.com
Answer Spread Column 1: 2 of Hearts – 8 of Clubs

Column 1 of the Answer Spread represents the situation or circumstances leading up to the question. It can show the very recent past or the actual current circumstances.

Here we see the 2 of Hearts and 8 of Clubs. The 2 of Hearts can symbolize a family member or loved one and the 8 of Clubs can symbolize thoughts, discussions, or thinking about taking some action. The cards in Column 1 succinctly expressed that I was thinking about asking my daughter for help but had not yet done so.

 

Column 2: The Answer

Answer Spread Column 2: Ace of Diamonds - 6 of Diamonds http://livingwithcards.com
Answer Spread Column 2: Ace of Diamonds – 6 of Diamonds

Column 2 of the Answer Spread answers the question. Here we see double Diamonds suggesting great energy is in play, as well as quick results. Diamonds often symbolize money but that is not applicable to my question, so we’ll go with thoughts, energy and immediacy.

In the context of my question, the Ace of Diamonds suggests a new thought or communication, written or verbal, to be given or received. The number 6 suggests harmony and the 6 of Diamonds can refer to psychic energy, among other things. The sense I got from this combination was that a message, thought or communication of some sort (Ace of Diamonds) would show that my loved ones (2 of Hearts) and I were “on the same page,” or psychically attuned (6 of Diamonds) in some way. It so happened that even as I was thinking of asking (8 of Clubs) for help from a family member (2 of Hearts), I received a phone call offering the very assistance I was about to ask for!

Column 3: Something that may affect the Outcome, or Clarification of the Answer

Answer Spread Column 3: King of Hearts - 3 of Diamonds http://livingwithcards.com
Answer Spread Column 3: King of Hearts – 3 of Diamonds

Column 3 of the Answer Spread gives additional information that often helps explain the answer found in Column 2. Sometimes it describes why the answer is what it is. The bottom card in Column 3 is called the Pivot Card because often the answer “pivots” on whatever that card represents. Here, the Pivot Card is the 3 of Diamonds, topped by the King of Hearts.

It was easy to see that the King of Hearts represented my son-in-law, a generous, kind-hearted family man. Because I sometimes (but not always) equate the 3 of Diamonds with the Tarot 3 of Wands, which is the “ships coming in” card, it was easy for me to make the jump to “snowplow coming in.” Column 3 clearly showed my son-in-law (King of Hearts) and his snowplow coming to my rescue!

Once again, I’m happy to report, the Answer Spread* came through with flying colors. Give it a try on your next question if you haven’t already done so, and to those of you living in snow zones, may your driveways stay clear!

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

*I learned the Answer Spread from The Art of Cartomancy blog by Kapherus.

Lenormand Predicts Skylanders Game for Christmas: 12 Birds, 8 Coffin, 2 Clover, 1 Rider, 13 Child

If you’ve been reading Tarot cards, Lenormand cards, Playing cards or Oracle cards for a while now, you’ve likely noticed the cards are perfectly happy to answer pretty much any type of question. It’s just as valid to ask “Will I have fun at the party?” as it is to question whether or not your job is secure, your significant other is cheating on you, or if you’ll pass the real estate licensing exam.

For example, my 7 year old grandson really, really, really wants a particular Skylanders game for Christmas…


Skylanders Trap Team Starter Pack – Wii U

And he’s really, really worried he won’t get it…

I decided to throw a few Mystical Lenormand cards to see what his prospects are:

Mystical Lenormand 12 Birds - 8 Coffin - 2 Clover - 1 Rider - 13 Child http://livingwithcards.com
12 Birds – 8 Coffin – 2 Clover – 1 Rider – 13 Child

Mystical Lenormand (c) 2006 U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

This is one of the most direct, literal spreads I’ve ever thrown. Coffin ends things and Birds can show stress, anxiety or worry that is often short-lived. In the context of my question, I can see that Birds + Coffin easily translates to “Don’t worry!”

Clover is the central or hinge card, giving a very positive spin to this spread. Clover indicates good luck and positive opportunities. Followed by Rider, it’s easy to see that good things are on their way to my grandson (Child).

I had to smile at this very pleasant probable future. “Don’t worry, Sweetie,” I told him. “Just tell Santa you really, really, really want that game and I’m sure he’ll bring it to you.”

Of course, I’ll be sure to put in a good word with his mother…….

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

Card Reading 101: Predictions and Probable Outcomes Part 2

In my previous post I discussed the correlation between predictions and probable outcomes and cautioned against inadvertently creating self-fulfilling prophecies for yourself.

Despite what I said, the ability to predict with the cards is a valuable skill and one well worth learning. If you’d like to explore that path, you may find the following guidelines useful:

Draw cards every day.

A time-tested way to learn how a particular card system speaks to you is to perform and record a daily draw in the morning, interpret it, then record feedback at the end of the day. If you make this daily ritual part of your routine, your ability to read cards correctly will greatly improve.

Record your daily card draws!

What is the point of pulling some cards, making an awesome, intuitive connection that actually pans out correctly in real life, only to “forget” how the card combination spoke to you? Make it a habit to record your daily card draws!

Record your daily card draws in a dedicated journal

The easiest way to record daily draws (especially if you’re short on time in the morning) is to use one of those weekly planners that has spaces for each day of the week in a two-page spread. All you need to do is jot down your daily cards in the space for the day and add your interpretations or predictions. Because a years’ worth of dates are already printed in the book, you get the extra bonus of being able to record a years’ worth of daily draws all in one book, making it easy to go back and see how things played out. Pick a planner that “speaks” to you; one you will enjoy using.

(If time is not an issue, or if you prefer, you could purchase and use a lined journal or notebook dedicated to recording your daily draws.)

Consider using a weekly planner to record your daily tarot card or Lenormand card predictions - http://livingwithcards.com
Consider using a weekly planner to record your daily tarot card or Lenormand card predictions

At-A-Glance Vienna Weekly and Monthly Planner 2015, Wirebound, 5.5 x 8.5 Inch Page Size (622-200)

Only pull 2 or 3 cards for your daily draw.

One card is hard to interpret and more than 3 is overkill. Record the cards and jot down a brief interpretation and 1 or 2 predictions. At day’s end, review your entry. What actually happened during your day? How did the cards play out? Was your prediction accurate or were you way off base?

Add your card combinations or interpretations to your favorite reference books.

Jot down card combinations or interpretations that prove accurate into the margins of favorite reference books and place your initials and the date in parentheses. That way, over time, you will have developed rich, personalized and customized, master reference books of your own. (I write in the margins of Sylvie Steinbach’s Secrets of the Lenormand Oracle and Trish MacGregor & Phyllis Vega’s Power Tarot.)

Practice, practice, practice!

The key to improving your ability to predict correctly is consistent, daily practice. Don’t let early failures or faulty predictions deter you. Over time you will find your “hit rate” improving. As with any other skill you may be trying to develop, daily, consistent practice is essential.

Consider recording your card combination interpretations in the margins of a favorite reference book. http://livingwithcards.com
Consider recording your card combination interpretations in the margins of a favorite reference book.

Predictions and Probable Outcomes

You may also find, much to your amazement and delight, that your improved ability to predict with tarot cards, Lenormand cards, playing cards or oracle decks helps enormously in tracking your own subconscious or unconscious motives, beliefs and thoughts, making it easier to practice conscious creation as you attempt to manifest good things into your life. Because you already know that a probable outcome is just that: a probable outcome, you will develop the ability to catch yourself in a negative mindset, question your motives, thoughts and beliefs and make another (hopefully more positive) choice for yourself.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins