Chapter 2: Understanding the Lenormand
- Cristina Santos
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
Overview
The Lenormand deck consists of 36 symbolic cards, each representing a specific concept or situation. Unlike Tarot, Lenormand cards are not read individually but in combinations to form direct, practical messages.
This chapter explores the structure of the deck, the meanings of symbols, and how context changes interpretation.
2.1 The Structure of the Lenormand Deck
36 cards, numbered 1 to 36.
Each card has a simple, everyday symbol (e.g., House, Ship, Book).
No suits or court cards like Tarot.
Neutral, positive, and negative energy (some cards are naturally beneficial, others challenging).
Cards are always interpreted in pairs or sequences to form full messages.
2.2 Card Categories & Meanings
Each Lenormand card represents a concrete concept. Below is an overview of key categories:
A. People Cards (Represent individuals in a reading)
Man (28) / Woman (29) – The querent or their partner.
Child (13) – A child, innocence, something new.
Bear (15) – Authority, a boss, a protector.
B. Action & Movement Cards (Represent change or progression)
Rider (1) – News, arrival of someone or something.
Ship (3) – Travel, movement, overseas connections.
Stork (17) – Transformation, upgrades, big changes.
Scythe (10) – Cutting, ending, sudden decisions.
C. Situational Cards (Describe events, locations, or situations)
House (4) – Home, stability, private matters.
Tower (19) – Institutions, isolation, long-term matters.
Garden (20) – Public places, social events, networking.
Crossroads (22) – A decision, multiple choices, hesitation.
D. Obstacle Cards (Indicate difficulties or challenges)
Mountain (21) – A major block, delays, a big challenge.
Mice (23) – Loss, stress, worries, decay over time.
Snake (7) – Deception, manipulation, a rival.
Clouds (6) – Confusion, unclear situations, doubt.
Coffin (8) – Endings, transformation, something fading away.
E. Luck & Prosperity Cards (Indicate positive outcomes or blessings)
Clover (2) – Luck, small opportunities, a fortunate event.
Sun (31) – Success, happiness, high energy.
Star (16) – Wishes, goals, divine guidance.
Key (33) – Unlocking solutions, revelations, certainty.
F. Communication & Learning Cards (Related to information, messages, or learning)
Letter (27) – Written communication, messages, contracts.
Book (26) – Knowledge, secrets, studies.
Birds (12) – Verbal communication, gossip, discussions.
G. Health & Emotional Cards
Tree (5) – Health, long-term growth, deep roots.
Heart (24) – Love, emotions, relationships.
Moon (32) – Feelings, creativity, fame, recognition.
Cross (36) – Burdens, spiritual lessons, destiny.
H. Money & Work Cards
Fish (34) – Money, financial flow, independence.
Bear (15) – Career, business, strong influence.
Anchor (35) – Stability, work, something long-lasting.
Fox (14) – Caution, deception, strategy in business.
2.3 Why Context Matters in Lenormand
The same card can mean different things depending on:
Question Asked: House in a career reading may mean “working from home,” but in a love reading, it could mean “a stable relationship.”
Cards Next to It: Clover + Letter means “lucky news”, but Mice + Letter means “stolen information” or “missing documents.”
Position in the Spread: The first card sets the theme, while the following cards refine it.
Practice Exercise: Recognizing Lenormand Symbols
Look at your Lenormand deck (or images online).
Pick three random cards and describe their literal meanings (without adding intuition).
Write a two-card combination and guess what it could mean in different contexts (love, career, daily life).
Next Lesson: Chapter 3 - The 36 Lenormand Cards & Their Meanings
This lesson will cover:
Each card’s meaning in detail.
How to remember symbols easily.
Examples of card interpretations in different areas of life.
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