The Art of Lenormand Reading by Alexandre Musruck takes a look at a form of card divination from France. Though named for a famous French cartomancer, the author notes that it is unknown what card set up Mademoiselle Lenormand used. Covered in this book are general meanings and associations for each of the 36 cards. Additional meanings are provided at the end of the section looking at each individual card. Various significator cards are discussed, then pairings are looked at, with lists of meanings given to each pairing.

A section covers archangels, their main associations, and when you may wish to call upon them, another discussed how Lenormand readings can provide physical descriptions along with physical associations for each card. The author mentions that most Lenormand decks have cards with a playing card inset in them that provides additional information. A section provides playing card meanings, and how to integrate that information. A variety of smaller spreads, and reading options are discussed, along with the Grand Tableaux that uses all 36 cards. The author discusses the need to clear or cleanse your cards periodically and offers a few methods of doing so.

Despite a familiarity with divination, I am unfamiliar with Lenormand. There are just 36 cards, and all are used in a reading. I found it interesting that there were specific cards that keyed to male or female querent, and ones that keyed to, or served as Significators for health, job, love, and money. Reversals are not used, which I liked. I’ve never used reversals in any form of divination I’ve practiced. Lenormand cards sound like a great form of beginning cartomancy, easier to use than tarot, though more elaborate than pure playing card divination. I’ve not done readings in quite some time. That part of me has felt… dormant. Reading this book woke the desire to do so again. I broke out one of my Oracle card decks and am reacquainting myself with it.

Recommended for any with an interest in divination, and cartomancy in particular!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Schiffer Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.