One of the things I most appreciate about Lenormand cards is their ability to provide practical, down-to-earth information about the question at hand. Unlike the Tarot, Lenormand cards illuminate the nitty-gritty. They “tell it like it is” and rarely pull any punches. Unlike the Tarot, Lenormand cards do not confuse with esoteric and/or psychological insights and are less prone to being misinterpreted. Lest you surmise I prefer Lenormand cards over Tarot cards, be assured that I do not. Each has its own strengths, weaknesses and place in the grand scheme of divination. Tarot cards were my first cartomantic love and there are plenty of times when I’ll go to them first, and/or use them to elaborate on a Lenormand card spread.
This morning, however, I chose my go-to Lenormand deck, the Piatnik Jeu de destin #194115 for some quick insight.
I simply wanted an objective progress report, a “how am I doing?” if you will, regarding my art which I’ve pursued with renewed commitment since the first of the year.
Q: How am I doing (regarding my artistic endeavors)?
Piatnik Jeu du destin Mlle Lenormand Cartomancy Deck of 36 Cards
I did not like seeing 36 Cross as the central card. It suggested, at best, a challenge, one that possibly has existed for a lifetime, seeing that Cross is followed by Anchor. Despite the “ouch” this information elicited, I had to admit the cards had shown me a personal truth. After a sigh, I looked further into the spread.
9 Bouquet represents my art (and sometimes represents me as an artistic person). Followed by Birds which is a relationship card, I get the sense the cards are discussing the relationship (Birds) I have with my art/ myself as an artistic person (Bouquet). As alluded to above, this relationship has been a lifelong challenge for me (Cross + Anchor). 27 Letter as the final card in a Lenormand Line of 5 refers to the process of documentation I so strictly adhere to* and seems to suggest that my continuation of this process will benefit me.
The saving grace of this Lenormand card spread was intuited from the base card (bottom card of the shuffled deck), 15 Bear. In the context of the question, Bear represents power, strength, authority and protection. “Keep the faith, Baby” comes to mind. Stay strong (Bear) and grounded (Anchor) in the face of difficulties/ challenges (Cross).
So while the difficulties are clearly not over (Cross as central card), I have the power (Bear) to persevere. The continued (Anchor) documentation (Letter) of my artistic journey (Bouquet) is recommended.
And while the main topic of Living with Cards is not my artistic journey, I thought you might enjoy a peek:
Blessings,
Mary Hawkins
*I’ve been recording my card readings in daily journals since March 2012. Earlier this year, after consciously recommitting to pursuing my art work, I began drawing and sketching in various sketchbooks and journals on a daily basis as well.
