Tarot Cards and Lenormand

So what are Lenormand cards, and how are they different to the Tarot?

Although Tarot cards are the best known, clearly there are other card decks out there, and one of the most popular of these is the Lenormand deck, sometimes called the Petit Lenormand.

At a glance, these cards might be mistaken for Tarot cards, to those who are not familiar with them. They share some symbols, although these don’t necessarily have the same significance. And for those who think of cards as a way to “see the future”, both will do this, but the Tarot and Lenormand decks are quite different, in both practical and more profound ways.

For starters, unlike Tarot cards, whose origins are a little obscure, we know exactly when and where Lenormand cards were first published: In Germany, at the end of the 18th century. The cards are named for Mademoiselle Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand, a famous cartomancer in Revolutionary and Napoleonic-era France. Lenormand wasn’t involved in the publication of this deck; the German publisher simply wanted an esoteric celebrity associated with them.

Other Differences between Tarot and Lenormand cards:

Suits and Numbers: A standard Tarot deck has 78 cards, divided into major arcana and minor arcana (number). The minor arcana cards are the equivalent of suits (cups, wands, pentacles, and swords).  A standard Lenormand deck has 36 cards and there are no suits, although some versions of the  cards, like Blue, Red, and Grey Owl decks, are marked with equivalent modern-day playing card suits.

Reversals: While a tarot card’s meaning can be affected depending on whether it presents right-side-up or upside-down, a reversal has no effect on a Lenormand card.

Clarity or Ambiguity: One thing I love about the Tarot (and most Tarot fans do) is that the cards have basic meanings and significance, but can be interpreted in a variety of ways depending on their placement in a spread and the cards that surround them.  Knowledge, intuition and experience all play a part. Lenormand cards, on the other hand, actually used to come with instructions, and some decks, like the traditional Red Owl, still do. These distinctly spell out what their symbols mean, with no leeway.  Some Lenormand readers don’t necessarily agree with this, though. For instance, for this Lenormand reader, the clarity and way of combining Lenormand cards in a layout or spread, makes them easy to read and interpret.

What They Tell Us: Many people who aren’t ‘in the know’ see all kinds of cards as divinatory objects. There is a strong esoteric aspect to Tarot. But it is also a tool to help people reflect on their inner selves, their circumstances and the path they need to take in order to achieve their goals.  Tarot can be used as a tool for personal development. It is a source of healing. The cards work in similar ways to other therapeutic tools. Lenormand cards, at least traditionally, tend to give us straightforward answers about what is happening or what will happen and how. There is some room here for reflection and personal growth, but unlike Tarot, which runs deep and is more expansive, the Lenormand cards’ specific instructions make it easier to ‘wrap up results in a tidy package’. In that sense, Lenormand decks are in keeping with their (unauthorized) namesake, giving definitive “answers” about the future.

Which Deck Is The Right Deck?

Is there a “right” or “wrong” deck or path to choose?  To me, it’s about what speaks to you, and what your goals are in working with the cards. I personally feel that the Tarot has more depth, perhaps even magic. Lenormand cards are more straightforward, although some readers do connect with them and use them on a more intuitive level, as Tarot and Lenormand teacher Mary K. Greer explains. 

Do you feel intrigued or even drawn to Lenormand cards? Why not buy a deck and try them out?

You could start with one of the three traditional decks: the Blue Owl, Red Owl, and Grey Owl. The blue owl deck is the most common, and features the illustration with the image of a card suit above it. The red owl, however, also features instructions in verse for how to interpret the card, above each illustration. The grey owl deck is similar to the blue owl, but with illustrations whose colors are less strong. You can see what these decks look like in this video.

As with Tarot decks, there are many other versions of Lenormand decks. You can find a good list here. This article has some helpful advice on how to choose the best one for you.

Whether you’re a Tarot purist, a Lenormand lover, or maybe even a hybrid of the two, the important thing is the journey. Both of these decks can provide insight, comfort, and connection. Use the one that ‘speaks’ to you or use them both!