Cartomancy Card Meanings and Combinations

Ace of Hearts

Suit Influence:

Hearts:
Love, emotions, feelings, romance, marriage, children, happiness, peace, contentment, comfort, compassion, compatibility, sympathy, empathy, sharing, family matters, relationships, friends, intimacy, rest, relaxation, amusement, entertainment, fun, fantasy, summer, warmth, laziness, pleasure, peace, calm, creativity, art, beauty, soul connections, religion, hope, healing, intuition, honesty, trust and goodwill.  

Characteristics:
Romantic, loving, nurturing, sensitive, sensuous, emotional, intuitive, imaginative, creative, artistic, calm, empathetic, empathic, sympathetic, protective, parental, family-oriented, lovable, light-hearted, lazy, complacent, indulgent, self-indulgent, moody.

Number Influence:

The Number 1: New beginning, first, best, starting out, source, initiative, individuality, the self, solitude, leadership, the conscious mind and conscious control, will.

How to Read the Ace of  Hearts:

Traditionally the Ace of Hearts is a card of love. happiness and celebrations.  The Ace symbolism combined with the Heart symbolism may indicate the birth of a new love, or the beginning of an emotionally fulfilling period in the querent’s life.

The number 1 symbolizes the beginning, or source.  When combined with the suit of hearts, it denotes the source of one’s emotional support which in most cases is the home and the family.

The Ace of Hearts specifically symbolizes the home and domestic affairs. It can refer to the actual building in which one resides, or it can denote the idea of feeling comfortable and “at home.” It can describe your personal environment, your neighborhood, where you hang your hat. In a general sense the A♥ represents a strong foundation.

The A♥ can indicate a change of residence, or a return home after being away for a period of time.  The A♥ can refer to real estate and the sale or purchase of a home.  The  A♥ can also represent a specific family member, or refer to one’s family in general.

My grandmother called the A♥ “La Casa” which means “the house” or “home” in Italian.  For her this card would denote wherever a person held residence.  It could be a house, an
apartment, a hotel, or even a car if that was where the individual called “home.”  The surrounding card would reveal the current situation in the home, and any problems or changes affecting the querent's home life.

The A♥ is also a card of protection. I can remember my grandmother sliding an Ace
of Hearts inside the picture frame behind a photo before she hung it on the wall. She believed the Ace would protect the home and bring good luck.

Ace of Heart Characteristics:

The A♥ will describe someone as: a family member, family-oriented, a homebody, a home owner, comfortable, ready to settle down and start a family, paternal, maternal, parental, neighborly, stable, grounded, strong.

Body Connection:

The A♥  represents the soul


Card multiples:

• 2 Aces - Leadership and authority.


• 3 Aces - an unexpected twist of fate.


• 4 Aces - Major changes that affect every area of life.

Suggested Card Combinations with the Ace of Hearts:

A♥ + Face Card =  someone coming to the home, or someone who is home and family oriented.  The A♥ with the K♣ it would denote a builder or contractor. With a group of Face cards, the A♥ would represent a family reunion, or a family celebration.

Hearts

A♥ + 2♥ = a pregnancy in the family, a domestic animal, a small house, a dog house, a doll house, pet habitat

A♥ + 3♥ = beginning of a new relationship, a church, a house of worship, a religious group, spiritual connection to higher power, love in the home, a house party, decorating the home

A♥ + 4♥ = housemate, sharing living quarters, a brothel

A♥ + 5♥ = daughter's home, girlfriend's home, curtains, fabrics, wallpaper, carpeting.

A♥ + 6♥ = son's home, male friend's home, a love nest, family trust, a soulmate, family karma

A♥ + 7♥ = second home, or two-family dwelling, a surprise comes to the home

A♥ + 8♥ = neighbor, roommate, living together, household spirit, loving family

A♥ + 9♥ = home and hearth, happy home, family wishes

A♥ + 10♥ = summer home, the roof of the house, family compatibility

Clubs

A♥ + A♣ = a mortgage, or a contract on the sale or purchase of a home, the basement in the home

A♥ + 2♣ = household help, maid, cleaning woman, maintenance man

A♥ + 3♣ = garden, yard, a greenhouse, neighborhood

A♥ + 4♣ = motor home, home garage, landline telephone

A♥ + 5♣ = home in the country, housework

A♥ + 6♣ =  family advice, a home gym

A♥ + 7♣ = home repairs, a family discussion/argument

A♥ + 8♣ = work from home, housework, family meeting, daily routine in the home

A♥ + 9♣ = vacation home, travel lodge, motel, hotel, home away from home, going on vacation

A♥ + 10♣ = real estate business, home based business, beach house, vacation home

Spades

A♥ + A♠ = a family decision, loss in the family

A♥ + 2♠ = selling the home. anger or annoying problems in the home, household pests

A♥ + 3♠ = growing problem in the home, meddlesome family member, losing one's home

A♥ + 4♠ = structural problems in the home, cramped household, quarantine, smothering family, a sick family member

A♥ + 5♠ = leaving home, moving, unhappy home

A♥ + 6♠ = a mobile home, moving out, plumbing, septic system

A♥ + 7♠ = problems in the home, an abandoned house, a crack house, a drug house

A♥ + 8♠ = a home inspection, disappointments in the family

A♥ + 9♠ = damage to the home, a dilapidated house, a condemned house

A♥ + 10♠ = winter home, the floor in the home, a haunted house

Diamonds

A♥ + A♦ = remodeling the home, changes in the home

A♥ + 2♦ = family dinner, home insurance. rent payment

A♥ + 3♦ = time share rental, temporary home, vagabond

A♥ + 4♦ = home office, rental home, apartment, condo

A♥ + 5♦ = a home in the city, furnishings for the home, land, acreage

A♥ + 6♦ = a home computer,  jealousy in the home, a stubborn or possessive family member, erratic behavior in the home

A♥ + 7♦ = a showroom home, an expensive home, a wealthy family, a famous house

A♥ + 8♦ = household budget, windows (eyes of the home)

A♥ + 9♦ = electrical wiring in the home, mortgage payment

A♥ + 10♦ = a luxury home, a home investment, family nest egg, home equity

The Jack of Spades

The Jack of Spades (JS) is a skillful, clever young man. In some of the older cartomancy meanings he represents an unsettled, erratic, emotionally inconsistent young man; or simply the thoughts of the Queen or King of Spades. Although Jacks can represent young people of either sex, the Jack of Spades is most often read as a young male.

In coloring, the Suit of Spades is considered the darkest of the deck, and represents people with dark brown to black hair, and dark brown eyes.

Traditional meanings associated with the Jack of Spades:

Positive Aspects:

• A dark-haired, dark-complected youth
• A youth from a foreign country
• A youth in uniform; soldier or cadet
• Skillful, clever youth 
• An intellectual youth; math whiz
• Young leader; knows how to take charge

Negative Aspects:

• A youth in trouble
• A gang leader
• Juvenile delinquent; the bad kid at school
• Cold and calculating youth
• Gossiping, spying youth
• Inconsistent, erratic, emotionally immature youth
• Emotionally controlled and detached

Of course the meaning you choose for this card will depend on the surrounding cards as well as a good dose of your own intuition.

Some combinations with the JS:

JH/JS: The querent’s son or brother or boyfriend is in the military or is a rookie police officer.

Two Jacks:
Quarrel or court case pending (especially with 5D)

Three Jacks:
Boys night out

Four Jacks:
Boys school, boy scouts, organization consisting of all young men

Modern Meanings for the Jack of Spades:

In modern Cartomancy, the Jack of Spades can represent watching and surveillance, in all of its many forms. This is based on the card’s traditional meaning as The Spiteful Spy.


JS + 8D = watching something or someone carefully

JS + 8D +6C = watching TV

JS + 8S = a private investigator

JS + 10S = a stalker

JS + 8C = a security officer

JS + AH = a home security/surveillance system

AC + JS + 8S = the FBI

AC + JS + 10S = the CIA

Fate, Destiny and Free Will in Cartomancy

Today's article was inspired by a comment that was left by a reader of the blog. The reader's question is both insightful and multi-layered. Because my answer is rather long winded, I decided to respond in a blog post rather than in the comment section. Here is the reader's question:

You once said somewhere that readings go out to few months, what if I have a “will I ever” type of question such as will I ever have a family/see my ex bf again, can the cards go out that far? Also, if the cards are close to each other & of opposite sex but different suits, does that mean the connection is less significant? For example, I often draw out my ex bf (KD) next to QC in a future position. I’m assuming she’s the new gf. Sometimes, she comes out as the outcome or the middle card when I ask will I ever see him again. Even though QC could represent a friend, I am assuming here she is my rival not helping me. And in outcome position, I read this that he will choose her over me, even though they are not of the same suit. If you could, I’d appreciate to hear your perspective.

This brings up an interesting subject regarding fate vs free will in Cartomancy. Based on my own experiences, both in life and through card reading, I have come to believe that we are each born with a cosmic blueprint that can help us to navigate our lives. This spiritual road map is comprised of events that we are destined to experience. These events are what I speak of when I refer to fate.

Free will is the influence we can exert on these fateful events— how we choose to respond to the challenges, how we attempt to avoid the pitfalls, and how we make use of the opportunities placed in our path. The cards can provide guidance to help us make the best of these karmic influences.

I do find that the cards tend to be more reliable when predicting short-term events that can be influenced by free will. For this reason I set the intention when I read that a card spread will cover 3 to 6 months on average, and 8 months to a year on the outside. Beyond that time frame there are so many factors— actions and events and decisions— that may influence a future event. The cards tend to read the potential for a long-term event to occur based on the current energies only.  A future action could change the course of events leading to an alternate potential outcome. This may result in less reliable accuracy in a long-range card reading.

On the other hand, the cards can be very reliable when predicting long-term events that are destined to be— or not to be. These tend to be major life experiences based on our soul contract with the universal energies. Despite the long time frame, the cards can show us how best to navigate these challenges— or blessings, and make the most of the lessons contained in these fateful events.

So questions such as “will I ever marry?” or “will I ever have children?” tend to deal with destiny, and can often be answered reliably even with an unrestricted outside time frame.  Sometimes the cards will provide suggestions to help facilitate a desired outcome. For example, a pregnancy may only be possible with medical intervention, and the cards would highlight this fact in answer to the question of future children.

Regarding your readings on a possible reconciliation with your ex-boyfriend, it is difficult to make clear judgments without knowing all of the cards influencing these readings. The cards I look for to confirm a reconciliation are the 4 of Hearts (reunion) and/or the 7 of Hearts (second chances). Also the 6 of Hearts (karma) is an important card in relationship readings because it can show a past-life or karmic connection. Another important card to look for is the 9 of Spades (fate) which can also represent karma, and events that are destined to happen. The 9 of Clubs can confirm the correct spiritual path.

Based on your feedback, and assuming that you are generally represented by a different Queen in your readings,  I would tend to agree with your assessment that the Queen of Clubs represents a current or future girlfriend. The fact that she appears in key positions in your spreads suggests to me that she is an impediment to a reconciliation.

I do read significance in the fact that she appears repeatedly as a Club. Whereas the Queen of Hearts would suggest commitment, the Queen of Clubs suggests more of a social relationship such as dating. Also, the Queen of Clubs could possibly represent social relationships in general with women. In other words, casual dating. Again, it is hard to say for sure based on the information you provided. The other thing to note is that the cards falling between your Ex and the Queen will provide a insight into the dynamics of their relationship.

If this situation were part of a reading for a client, I would suggest asking the cards how you might facilitate a reconciliation with your ex. The cards should provide good suggestions if the reconciliation is possible. Otherwise the reading will clearly show that the re-connection is not destined to be.

It is my sincere hope that you find my comments helpful, and that fate will bring the fulfillment of your desire.

Cartomancy Five Cards: College Admission

I was asked to post an example reading where the answer based on the ratio of red to black cards contradicts the answer based on card meanings. This can happen when the querent has the power and ability to influence the situation. The cards have taught me that we all come into this life with a blueprint of our destiny, but along the way we have the freewill to influence how we fulfill that cosmic contract. The following reading illustrates this idea nicely.

The reading is for Marcella, a high school senior who has applied to a prestigious college across the country where she hopes to continue her education. The school in question is her primary choice, and she is anxious about getting accepted. Marcella asks, "Will I be accepted to the College?"

Sophia's Fortunetelling Playing Cards

My first impression is of the predominance of black cards in the spread, immediately suggesting that acceptance is unlikely. I quickly peruse the cards to determine why. The 10 of Spades shows insecurity and fear. I also take note of the self-sabotaging Queen of Spades in the center of the spread. I see the queen as Marcella, and determine that it is her own fears creating a block in the situation.  What does Marcella fear?

If we keep in mind that the main columns holding the reading together are the first, middle and final cards (1, 3, and 5), the source of the fear becomes clear.  The 9 of Clubs reflects the fear indicated by the 10 of Spades, and the nine represents travel and movement and distance. Marcella has never been away on her own for any length of time, and the thought of leaving home makes her feel uncomfortable and insecure. This trio of cards will usually provide a concise answer to the question. With the 9 of Clubs as the outcome card, the reading suggests to me that if Marcella can overcome the block (10 of Spades) by resolving her fears, there is potential for her to move forward (9 of Clubs) with her desire to attend the College.

This outcome is confirmed for me by the red cards in the spread. I always look for the cards to reflect the theme of the reading. The King of Diamonds is one of the cards that represents school and education for me, so I know that the cards are tuned into my question. So I take the King to represent the College, and the King reflects the 5 of Hearts which is an offer or opportunity. This five is one of the best cards in the deck because it can denote a dream come true. Unless it is accompanied by very unfavorable cards, it almost always gives a yes answer in a spread. In this case, surrounded by Spades, I read it as a strong maybe.

It looks to me that despite the predominance of black cards, there is excellent potential for Marcella to be offered a position by the school. This is one of those freewill situations that will depend on whether Marcella can resolve her fears. Otherwise she runs the risk of self-sabotaging this opportunity. Often when two red cards and three black show up in a spread, it will suggest that the querent has some power over the situation to affect the final outcome. That seems to be the case with this situation. The cards can indicate the current trends and probable outcome, but only Marcella can create her own future.

This reading was originally posted as an exercise on my Facebook page, Art of Cartomancy. Check out the post for additional insights into these cards. Most of the participants agree with my final answer, but also offer varied perspectives that are equally valid based on the card meanings and combinations.

3 of Diamonds

The 3 of Diamonds is the first of a trio of cards that represent restrictions and limitations in an otherwise very auspicious Diamond suit. The other two restrictive cards being the 6 of Diamonds and the 8 of Diamonds. The 3 of Diamonds combines the growth and expansiveness of the number three with the restlessness and changeability of the Diamond suit. The result is a card of unsustainable efforts and restrictive growth.

Some readers see positive financial growth in this card; in fact, I used to read it this way myself. But over the years I have found that for me the 3 of Diamonds is always challenging. At best it will show success only through blood, sweat and tears. When this card does represent money, it always indicates a tiny amount, or less money than you expect or hope to receive.

In a general sense, the 3 of Diamonds indicates reoccurring patterns or sporadic energies and actions. It can denote an event or behavior that is repeated at intervals, or describe an arrangement that is temporary in nature. As the outcome card, the 3 of Diamonds can show partial success, or a small victory that is won at great cost.

In love readings the 3 of Diamonds will often indicate a lack of commitment to the relationship. It can describe a lover who runs hot and cold, or someone who comes and goes in and out of your life. It can also describe a partner who will not or cannot put forth the required effort to sustain the relationship. With a Face card, the 3 of Diamonds describes a person who is fickle and changeable and unreliable. 

I once did a reading for a young lady who was distraught over her boyfriend who had stopped responding to her phone calls and text messages. Her cards included the 4 of Hearts, which promised reconciliation, but the outcome card was the 3 of Diamonds. I told her that her boyfriend would be back in touch, but warned that it wouldn't be long before he would be off again with no word of his whereabouts. As predicted, the boyfriend re-established contact within the week, but was out of touch again the following month.

The 3 of Diamonds can also show a relationship on the side. Look for the 3 of Spades nearby to show deception, or the Queen or King of Spades to indicate the other woman/man. I also look for a Heart card in the mix to confirm the love affair.

The 3 of Diamonds is not all bad news. In work readings this card can indicate a part-time job or temporary work position. When falling with the 8 of Clubs, which represents full-time employment, the combination can refer to temporary or part-time work that will develop into a full-time job. This card can also represent moonlighting. If you already have steady employment, and the 3 of Diamonds appears in your work reading, it can point to putting in extra hours on your regular job, or picking up a temporary side job. The 3 of Diamonds is also the card that represents freelance work as opposed to regular employment.

In financial readings the 3 of Diamonds is a card of small or erratic growth. It reflects the ups and downs of the stock market, and is an important card in readings about stock investments and speculation. In a negative sense, this card can also talk about pyramid schemes, and with the 3 of Spade it can reveal a ponzi scheme or other fraudulent financial activities.

I always divine the 3 of Diamonds with a wary eye.  I know it will reveal a source of instability in the situation in question. Often the card preceding the three will show the source of the instability, and the card following the three will indicate the consequences of the erratic actions. Here's a quick sample three card reading illustrating the 3 of Diamonds in action...

The reading was done by a young lady who asked if the guy she recently started dating was falling in love with her.  She drew the following cards...

The predominance of red cards suggests an immediate "yes" answer. Let's see if we can back it up with the card meanings. The Jack of Hearts is a man in love, and I always look for him in response to this type of question. He faces toward the left, which is always the position of the querent, so I can be certain that the emotions he is feeling are directed toward her. But what about that Queen of Spades at his back?

First we should ask ourselves why the Queen of Spades in particular rather than any one of the other three Queens? What are the cards trying to tell us here? Well, we know that the Queen of Spades can represent the other woman, or an ex-partner. We have just discussed how the 3 of Diamonds can denote a side relationship. Could there be another woman involved in the equation?

I can't help but notice that the Jack and Queen look away from each other. I get the impression that their relationship is currently off, but the 3 of Diamonds warns that there is an on-again off-again relationship between these two that is not completely ended. Does this mean there is hanky-panky going on?

Probably not. Without more information, we can't assume deception. In fact, it turned out that this man had a child with his ex-girlfriend that he had not yet disclosed to the querent. The child  was the reason for maintaining a relationship with the ex.

Cartomancy Reading: The Aspiring Bartender

I originally posted this reading on my Art of Cartomancy Facebook page as a group exercise. I decided to also post the reading on the blog with a very detailed break down because this particular spread provides an outstanding example of how the cards when read in context go to the very heart of an issue or problem.

The reading was done on June the 2nd of this year, 2016. The querent is a young woman who has been applying at various bars and restaurants for a position as bartender. She is currently working as a server in a hotel restaurant. The querent asks, "Will I be successful in procuring a job as a bartender in the next three months?"

I shuffled the cards while focusing on her question. Then I spread the deck face-down on the table, and randomly drew the following five cards...

The first thing I notice about the spread is the predominance of black cards. The three black and two red cards suggest a probable "no" in answer to the question, but the querent may have the power to positively influence the final outcome.

Next my attention is drawn to the middle card in the spread which I call the "hinge," and on which the rest of the reading hangs. I'm pleased to see the 10 of Clubs because it confirms the theme of the reading: business, career and work experience.

The pillars of the reading stand out for me. The pillars are first, middle and final cards which are read in combination, and provide a brief summary of the reading. The 9 of Hearts is the wish card, and it reveals the querent's desire. The 10 of Clubs and 7 of Spades is the classic combination that represents a bar or nightclub. The querent desires a career tending bar, and these cards suggest that she has the potential to achieve her wish, although perhaps not within the desired time frame. Now we need to look deeper into the cards to discover why.

I'm drawn next to the 9 of Hearts to investigate the influences affecting the querent's desire to become a bartender. The combination of the 2 of Diamonds and 10 of Clubs represents a restaurant. We know the current has restaurant experience which is confirmed by the 2 of Diamonds with the 10 of Clubs. The querent confirmed that she would prefer to tend bar in a restaurant rather than in a bar or nightclub.

Unfortunately the 2 of Diamonds is not in harmony (does not reflect or mirror) with the 7 of Spades. If these cards were in harmony they could be combined with the 9 of Hearts to show that the querent would get her wish. Also notice that the 2 of Diamonds is in harmony with the 3 of Spades which suggests a block or obstacle. The wish card is in harmony the bar/nightclub card, showing that the querent will have better luck finding a bartending job in a bar or nightclub.

So then why will the querent fail to find work as a bartender within the next three months? When the cards tell us "no," they should also tell us "why," and offer one or more possible solutions. Let's take a look at the middle three cards which usually carry the most significance.

We know that the 10 of Clubs represents the querent's career. The action in the spread moves from left to right so we can confirm with the 2 of Diamonds that she has past experience working as a server in a restaurant. The cards following the 10 of Clubs will show future career portions. The 7 of Spades follows to indicate that a bartending job is in the future, but it is blocked by that inauspicious 3 of Spades.

The 3 of Spades represents confusion or a lack of understanding (among other things), so we can infer that it is a lack of knowledge or skill or experience that has prevented the querent from being hired for her dream job. We can further infer that if the girl can acquire some knowledge or experience in bartending, she can remove the block and manifest her wish.

I'm intrigued by the 7 of Spades as the outcome card because it is generally a very negative influence, and can show setbacks and frustrations. But the 7 of Spades is also the drinking or alcohol card, and based on the context of the reading, it perfectly represents and confirms the querent's desired outcome of a position tending bar and mixing drinks.

I advised the querent that she needs to set her sights on acquiring more knowledge and experience in bartending in order to make herself more attractive to potential employers. I suggested that she offer to volunteer on her days off at the bar in the restaurant where she currently works. Her manager may be grateful for the extra help. I also suggested that she look into attending a bartending class. Such classes may be offered inexpensively through an adult education programs in her local area, or she could investigate an actual bartending school. The querent promised to follow up on my suggestions, and then let me know what happens.

Cartomancy Technique for Answering Yes-or-No Questions

When I was a fledgling card reader in that long-ago age before the invention of the internet and psychic phone lines, most psychic readings were done locally and in person. The dynamics of the psychic reading were different in those days. There was  little interaction between reader and client prior to spreading the cards. Once the cards were on the table, and the cassette recorder was flipped on, the reader would begin to describe important events in the client’s life. The client might grunt approval or groan in surprise, but for the most part questions and comments were saved for the last few minutes of the session. Today, in our modern world of chat readings and per minute charges, psychic readings have become much more focused, and the guiding force behind the modern reading is the question.

Perhaps the most common type of inquiry heard from clients today is the yes-or-no question…

• Will I get married soon?


• Is my spouse cheating?


• Does he love me?


• Will the business deal go through?


• Will I get the job I just interviewed for?

I suppose it is not surprising. Today’s clients come to a reader with specific questions, and expect definite answers.

Questions that are phrased in this way can be challenging for the reader because yes or no answers are not always so clear-cut in the cards. The reader is forced to make a judgement call based on the combined influence of all of the cards in the spread, in conjunction with intuition  Not all readers are comfortable with this process, and many choose to avoid answering predictive questions that require a definite yes or no response.

The yes or no questions have always been popular with my querents, and over the years I have experimented with various spreads designed to answer these specific type questions. I have tried spreads that include techniques for divining yes or no by way of card number combination, or card suit designation or suit color predominance.

I’ve discovered that, for me, the most successful technique is to draw an odd number of cards, and base the answer on the predominance of red or black cards. The red cards are considered affirmative, and the black cards are negative. I find that drawing five cards work best for me. I think three cards are too few, and seven are too many.

I use the following guidelines for interpreting the answer based on predominance of card color:

• 5 red and 0 black = definitely yes, the outcome is predetermined


• 4 red and 1 black = most likely yes, there could be free will involved, or the querent may be able to influence the matter


• 3 red and 2 black = probably yes, there is definitely free will involved, or the querent may be able to influence the matter


• 2 red and 3 black = probably no, but the querent may be able to influence the situation for a more positive outcome


• 1 red and 4 black = most likely no, there is small room for change, but the situation is not hopeless


• 0 red and 5 black = definitely no, it is not meant to be

Once I determine the answer based on card coloring, I then interpret the line of cards to provide more information about why the answer is affirmative or negative.

On the subject of the predictive reading, I think it’s important to note that the cards can foretell the most likely outcome of a situation based on the current influences surrounding the matter. I believe that it is a mistake to ignore the influence of free will in a reading. In the end we create our experiences with our expectations and our choices and decisions. I believe very little is preordained, and that  for the most part, we write our own destiny.

Example Yes or No Spread

In order to provide an example of this type of reading, I just drew five cards off the cuff as I’m writing this post. I asked the question: Will Barack Obama be re-elected president of the United States?

This example was originally posted on September 19, 2012, on my old blog, prior to the election.

The three red cards, and two black, tell me “probably yes.” The outcome may not yet be determined, but the situation looks hopeful. Obama has more work to do to convince the American public to award him with another presidential term.

Now we can look at the specific meanings of the cards to glean more information from this spread. The 9 of Hearts and 5 of Hearts show that Obama was the hope for a bright future. The 10 of Diamonds and 10 Spades show that his financial plan for the country fell short, and the 8 of Spades shows that this caused a general sense of disappointment for the American people.

We could delve even deeper into this spread say that there is dissatisfaction (10 of Spades) with both the financial (10 of Diamonds) and the Health care (8 of Spades) agendas. I also have the impression from the predominance of red cards at the start of the line that expectations were high when Obama was first elected president. It may have been nearly impossible to meet those exaggerated expectations. The 8 of Spades as the outcome shows that his accomplishments and failures are being carefully analyzed, and a final decision is pending.

I have had tremendous success using this yes-or-no method. I suppose you could say it’s because in most cases the answer could go either way, and in a sense this allows me to hedge all of my bets. But in practice this spread has been very rewarding because it can show where the querent may have the power to influence the outcome of a situation, and the cards will usually offer advice on how to turn the tide for a more favorable outcome. I find this to be infinitely more practical and useful than simply telling a querent “yes or no.”

How I Shuffle the Cards For a Reading

In response to several questions from readers of my blog about how I shuffle and draw the cards for my readings, I decided to write an article about my process...

I think it’s important to point out that my method works for me, but it may not work for everyone. Don’t be afraid to experiment to see what process works best for you. I also want to mention that what follows is my approach for handling the playing cards specifically. My process varies with other oracle cards.

Which Hand?

When I first learned to read the cards I was taught to always cut the deck from left to right using my left hand. I was also instructed to draw cards with my left hand. The rationale is that the left side of the body is the receptive or spiritual side, and that the left hand is closest to the heart. Because I am right-handed, this feels unnatural to me. So before long I switched to using my right hand exclusively for the cut and draw. That was many years ago, and my readings have only improved over time. For this reason, I’m convinced that it’s best to use whichever hand feels most natural to you.

Shuffling the Deck

When I started reading professionally, almost all of my readings were done face-to-face in person. For an in-person reading I always allowed my querent to do the shuffling in whichever way felt most comfortable. I have watched clients riffle the deck like a practiced card shark. Others clumsily mash the cards together, bending  the corners, and leaving me thankful that good quality playing cards are reasonably inexpensive. Most clients prefer a smooth over-hand shuffle. A few like to slide and scramble the cards on the table like they’re tossing a big salad. And on more than one occasion I have witnessed a client merely cut the cards once or twice in hand before returning the deck for the reading without shuffling at all. In every case, the quality of the reading did not seem to be affected by the technique used or the time spent on the shuffle. I decided over time that the shuffle is spirit-guided, and always perfect.
Over the last few years my readings have shifted almost exclusively to phone or email, requiring me to do the shuffling for my clients. Prior to beginning a new reading I riffle shuffle the deck because I believe this breaks up any residual energy from the previous reading. If I utilize multiple layouts during a session, I prefer the smooth overhand shuffle between laying out the cards in order to avoid scattering the energies.

Drawing the Cards

I have discovered through trial and error that I get a higher rate of accuracy when I draw the cards randomly for a reading. For this reason, I almost never deal a reading off the top of the shuffled deck. I will spread the cards out face-down on the table, and as I draw each card I focus on the querent’s question. I have the impression that my hand is divinely guided to choose the appropriate cards. This is what works best for me. You might find you get better results drawing from the top of the deck. I suggest you practice both techniques to see which gives you the most reliable results, or “feels right” for you.

Card Spreads

I prefer smaller card spreads. In fact, other than the Answer Spread, I rarely use structured spreads any more. Most often, I will draw no more than three or five cards to answer a specific question. For a general reading I use a process for drawing the cards that  my grandmother taught me whereby I deal every third card looking for the Aces and other meaningful cards which serve as significators in the reading.  This process allows me to fall back on a structure if I need to answer specific questions from the cards already on the table.
I have discovered that I am able to keep focus, and provide a more accurate reading with fewer cards. I never draw more than 12 or 15 cards for a general reading. In my experience, more cards do not necessarily mean more relevant information. So much of the meaning in a card reading is derived from how the cards influence each other.  It’s easy to become muddled when having to account for too many cards in a spread– especially when answering a simple question.

Clarification Cards

When I do use a structured spread, such as the Answer Spread for specific questions, I am not a fan of drawing additional cards for clarification. I find that if I’m not able to piece together the meaning of a small grouping of cards, drawing one or two additional cards is not likely to help, and only serves to further muddy the interpretation.  The one instance when I may employ a single clarification card is when a spread or group of cards end in a court card. I sometimes use an additional card to clarify the influence this person will have on the matter in question.

Basic Cartomancy Skills: Number Meanings

Part 2: Number Meanings

I think the biggest problem most new cartomancers encounter is how get the card meanings to fit together and tell a story.  The beginner will memorize all of the various meanings and the important combinations for each card. In actual practice, those special combinations don’t always show up in a layout to make things easy.  That’s when a good foundation in the symbolism of the suits and numbers becomes so important.

Once you have a good understanding of the Suits and how they interact as outlined in Basic Cartomancy Skills: Part 1, the basic number meanings can be used to delve more deeply into the symbolism of each card.

In the system that works for me, each number has two opposing meanings.  The appropriate meaning applied to each card will be determined by it’s suit symbolism.  The first meaning listed (positive meaning) usually applies to a red card, and the second meaning (negative) will most often apply to a black card.  It's important to note that the card falling to the right will always influence the final meaning, and it’s always best to allow your intuition to make the final determination.

Basic Number Meanings:

1 – beginning or ending

2 – cooperation or conflict

3 - expansion or loss

4 – foundation or instability

5 – activity or restlessness

6 – communication or ignorance

7 – improvement or stagnation

8 – Health or illness (balance/imbalance)

9 – wish or disappointment

10 – success or failure

11 (Jack) – thoughts/message, also young helpful person, or troubled youth

12 (Queen) – receptivity/intuition, also female friend or rival

13 (King) – action/force/mastery, also male friend or rival

The basic Suit Interactions combined with the Basic Number Meanings are all you need to produce accurate, insightful Cartomancy readings.  You can add additional meanings to each card to broaden the scope of your readings, but you’ll find that you’ll return to the basic information again, and again when the more detailed meanings don’t seem to jive in your card layout.

Example Reading with Basic Number and Suit Meanings:

To illustrate this basic method of Cartomancy, I shuffled the cards while focusing on my question.  When I felt the shuffling process was done, I cut the cards into three piles from left to right using my left hand.  Finally I flipped over the top card of each pile to reveal the three cards for my reading.

Question: Will I be hired in the new job position I’m pursuing?

Cards:

1. 9 of Clubs


2. 6 of Diamonds


3. Queen of Hearts

Interpretation:

Since I asked a “yes/no” question, the first thing to take note of is the balance of red vs black cards in the layout.  In this spread we find a predominance of red cards indicating that the basic answer to the question is “yes.”

Next, let’s take a look at the Suit Interactions:

♣ + ♦

Club + Diamond =   an increase in money, rewards, or power.

♦ + ♥

Diamond + Heart = rewards, positive attraction, and sharing money.

The suit combinations confirm the good news, and suggest that the new position will bring a raise in pay, and emotional well being.

Now let’s dig for more information by taking a look at the Basic Number Meanings:

The number 9 represents a “wish or disappointment.” Because the 9 is followed by a red card, I would read it to represent a wish.  The 9 is a club, and if we look to the basic suit meanings, we find that clubs represent business and work, among other things.  So the 9 of clubs is the perfect card to represent my wish for a new job.

The number 6 represents “communication or ignorance.“  Since this number 6 is a red card, and it’s also followed by another red card, I would go with the positive interpretation of “communication.”  The basic suit meanings tell me that diamonds represent energy, power, rewards, money, etc.  So the 6 of diamonds would indicate some good news (followed by ♥ ) regarding money, and could represent the forthcoming news that I am hired for the new position.

The final card is number 12 (or Queen) which represents “a female friend or rival,” and may also denote the qualities of “receptivity and intuition.” Either or both of these meanings could apply.  In either case, I would interpret the Queen of hearts as a friendly influence since hearts indicate love, friendship, peace, happiness, and pleasure.

The Queen of hearts falls in the end position of the layout which represents the final outcome. Therefore, I can read this card in a general sense to mean that the new job brings (I receive) pleasure and happiness.  Or I could read this card to represent a kind-hearted female who will be instrumental in helping me secure the new position.  Either way, this card denotes a happy outcome to the question.

As you can see, with just these simple meanings it is possible to get a lot of detailed and accurate information from the cards.  When you encounter a card in a layout that doesn’t seem to make any sense, you can fall back on the basic symbolism of suit and number. You’ll be amazed by how the reading will suddenly come together and make sense.  Give it a try, have lots of fun, and happy readings!

Overview Spread: School Days

What follows is a spread I did for a mother who was concerned about her daughter who was leaving at the end of the month to begin college across country. Mom wanted to know that her daughter would be safe, and that she would have a successful winter semester.

I thought this proved to be a good example of a classic Overview Spread, giving a general overview of a specific situation, and so with Mom’s permission I am sharing it here…

Question: How will the daughter fare during her first semester away at school?

General Impressions

What struck me first about this reading is the beautiful symmetry in the suits and numbers. There are two Spades, two Clubs and two Diamonds. There are two Aces, two 5′s and two Face Cards, not counting the Queen of Hearts which I chose as significator to represent the daughter.

The two Spades indicate the challenges that the daughter will face, and the two Clubs show that she is willing to put forth the work to achieve success. The two Diamonds represent intellectual pursuits, and foretell a successful outcome for the situation.

The Heart suit is conspicuously missing from this spread. This can be interpreted as a good sign since the Hearts can represent laziness and a lack of initiative. On the other hand, the girl may need reminding that school should also be fun, and that it’s okay to take some time away from her studies to relax and enjoy herself.  The mother confirmed that her daughter is a serious student, and not prone to either laziness or frivolity.

The two Aces represent a major change in the daughter’s life– a pair of Ace bring new people, situations, and places!  The two 5′s indicate that the daughter will take things in hand. Her future is literally in her own hands, and this new experience will be whatever she makes of it. The two Face Cards represent the new friends that the girl will encounter living on campus.

Now for an analysis of the individual cards…

The Two Cards on the Left

The two cards on the left represent the premise of the question, the recent past or present influences on the situation. The Ace of Spades is a life transition. It is the ending of one phase of life, and the start of another. It also represents the anxiety associated with any major life change. The Ace of Diamonds is a new phase of life beginning, and brings a sense of adventure. Going off to school is clearly a significant event in the daughter’s life. The mother confirmed that the girl has never been away from home for more than a day or two, and both mother and daughter are feeling anxious about the separation.

The Ace of Spades and Ace of Diamonds can also indicate some anxiety over a letter, and there had been some concern over whether or not the girl would get into the school of her choice before the letter of acceptance finally arrived last month.

The Card Above

The card directly above the significator represents what is on the person’s mind regarding the question, or what the person hopes to achieve in the situation. The 5 of Spades is a card of movement, separation and loss. The daughter is obviously thinking about being away from her friends and family, and relocating to unfamiliar surroundings. The 5 of Spades can also indicate independence and the fear of striking out on one’s own. No doubt the daughter is feeling some anxiety, but she also looks forward to being on her own for the first time in her life.

The Card Below

The card below the significator represents what the person fears or dreads regarding the situation surrounding the question. The Jack of Clubs is a young person– usually male. The mother confirmed that the daughter has a boyfriend she has dated through high school. The Ace of Diamonds suggests that there may have been some talk of an engagement, and the upcoming separation from the boy is the single dark cloud in an otherwise happy situation.

Often the Card Above and the Card Below will refer to a single situation. It becomes obvious that it is the separation from the boyfriend that weighs heavily on the girls mind.  She does not dread the separation itself– which would have been the message if the 5 of Spades had fallen below. Instead, she’s looking forward to the change, but dreads how the move will affect her relationship with the boy. The Ace of Diamonds also suggests that they have promised to stay in touch through written correspondence.

The Two Cards on the Right

The cards on the right reveal the future influences or outcome of the situation. The 5 of Clubs brings good luck, and it is a card of self-sufficiency. The daughter will manage very well on her own, and the experience will build confidence and self-esteem. The Queen of Diamonds represents the personality traits that the girl will foster and develop through this experience– she is studious and energetic, intelligent and quick-witted, confident and independent.

The Queen of Diamonds may also represent is an influential woman who will play a significant role in the successful outcome of the situation. The daughter will be moving into a dorm on campus, and perhaps the Queen of Diamonds represents a roommate who will motivate the girl, and help distract her from pinning for the boyfriend.

The Outcome

Symbolically, the Queen represents personal power and growth. The Diamond as the final card in the spread indicates optimism and success, and foretells good marks in her classes. There can be no doubt that the daughter will come into her own at school. She will perform well, and her first semester will be a very beneficial experience for her.

Who Is That Jack?

Who Is That Jack?†

The most pressing question I still hear from fellow cartomancers is, “How do I interpret a Court Card when it makes absolutely no sense to read the card as an actual person in the questioner’s life?”

I have found in my own readings that a court card will almost always represent an actual person in a general card spread. Our lives are influenced daily by the many people we interact with both personally and professionally, as well as by the people we may never actually meet. The court cards play a very important role in helping to identify these people and the influences they have on the events in our lives.

Conversely, I’ve learned that in a short spread designed to answer a specific question, the court cards will sometimes appear as qualities rather than as actual people. How to tell the difference?

If you find yourself struggling to make sense of the court card as a person within the context of the reading, chances are that the Court Card serves another purpose in the spread. For a general overview on how the Court Cards can function in a reading when they don't represent people, please see my article,"When the Court Cards Do Not Represent People."

In this article, I want to talk about the Cartomancy Jacks, and suggest ways to interpret them when they don’t represent people in your reading.

In the old cartomancy books you’ll find that a common meaning for the Jack is “the thoughts of the King or Queen.” In my own readings I’ve found that the Jack will sometimes represent the thoughts of the questioner, or of the person who is the focus of the reading. For example, it you choose the Queen of Diamonds to represent your female questioner, then the Jack of Diamonds would represent her thoughts, and the cards surrounding the Jack of Diamonds would describe what is on her mind, or what she thinks about the matter in question.

The Jacks as Thoughts and Intentions

The old method works well for a general reading, but the modern questioner is interested in specific answers, which can be provided best with a short spread. A more modern approach that I find works well in my own readings is to consider all of the Jacks as possible thoughts or intentions of the questioner, and to define those thoughts based on the color and suit of the Jack.

Jack of Hearts:

Loving thoughts and intentions. He is Cupid the Bringer of Love, and in combination with other cards of the Hearts suit, the jack can indicate an offer of love. He also denotes thoughts of pleasure, healing, and fun intentions. He brings the creative thoughts that are expressed through the arts.

Jack of Clubs:

Enterprising thoughts and practical intentions. He is Hermes the Messenger, and he represents knowledge and learning, communication and business ideas, and active participation.

Jack of Diamonds:

Thoughts of power and success, and intentions for profitable gain. He is Apollo the Bringer of Light. He represents the intellect, the imagination, talent, prophetic thoughts and psychic ability.

Jack of Spades:

Stagnant thoughts and frustrated intentions. He is Seth the bringer of storms and conflict. He represents fear and worry and anxiety. In combination with other cards of the Spades suit, the jack can indicate anger and resentful thoughts, and malicious intentions.

Sample Reading Where the Jacks Can Be Read as Thoughts and Intentions

The following Answer Spread illustrates a reading where, based on the context of the question, it does not make sense to read the Court Cards as actual people. This reading is for a female client who reads cards for friends and family, but is afraid to take the step toward reading professionally. She complains that when she tries to read for someone she does not know, the information does not flow. She asks...

“Will I ever be successful as a professional card reader?

I begin every reading with a quick overview of the cards. I notice a predominance of red cards, which is always a favorable sign. There is also a predominance of the Diamond suit, which represents success, money, intellect, power, and psychic ability– definitely a good sign in reference to the question. Only one card of the Spades suit appears in the spread, and it is not in a key position (neither in the answer column nor in the pivot position). There don’t appear to be any major challenges or obstacles to face in the situation. I notice the pair of black jacks. I’ll address those later in the discussion.

The first column represents the premise of the situation, and shows that the questioner is being stingy with her talents. Reading professionally is a wonderful opportunity to share her gifts with the world, but she is holding herself back. The 5 of Hearts covered by the 8 of Diamonds suggests that the questioner does not place enough value on her own talents and abilities.

The middle column answers the question. In a general sense we could say that a young person will bring a message or invitation, but that doesn’t make much sense within the context of the question. More likely, the Jack of Clubs represents the questioner’s enterprising thoughts of going professional with her readings, and the Ace of Diamonds indicates the successful start of a money-making venture.

The final column provides additional factors to be considered in the matter. We might say that a young person with dark features is attracted to the questioner, or will offer financial help. But based on the context of the question, it makes more sense to read the Jack of Spades as the questioner’s fear, and the 9 of Diamonds as her psychic ability. A more in depth interpretation indicates that what is holding her back (8 of Diamonds) from making that successful start (Ace of Diamonds) is that she feels uncomfortable (Jack of Spades) accepting payment (9 of Diamonds) for her readings, and her fears (Jack of Spades) are blocking her psychic ability (9 of Diamonds).

What do we tell the questioner? Well, the only black cards in the spread are the two Jacks. That suggests to me that the problems are all in her mind. If she can work past the fear, she can make a very successful start as a professional reader. The 9 of Diamonds in the pivot position shows that not only will it open up her psychic abilities, it will also bring in some extra cash.

When the cards indicate a potential obstacle or challenge, they will almost always provide a solution to the problem. How can the questioner overcome her fear of offering her readings for financial gain? I look to the pivot card, the 9 of Diamonds. It represents the powers of the mind. It covers her fears ( is on top of the Jack of Spades), so we know that she can overcome her anxiety with her mental powers. I advised her to visualize herself as a successful professional reader in her daily meditations, and she will soon achieve the success she desires.

†This is a repost of an article original published on my original Art of Cartomancy blog.

The Overview Card Spread

Most of my work these days is by phone, and phone clients require fast and accurate information even when they are unable to clearly formulate a question. I’ve created the following spread, which I call the Overview Spread, for clients who want specific information in return for a vague or general inquiry.

For example, the client says, “I want to know about my love life.” Instead of trying to get the client to refine the question, I’ve found that the Overview Spread provides enough specific information to break the ice, and get the client involved in the reading.

The cards are laid out based on the following diagram:

Interpreting the Card Positions:

The Significator

This spread requires a significator. If the client wants to know about a specific area of live, such as romance or work, I will choose a significator to represent the situation. Otherwise, I’ll use a court card to represent the client or some other person the client wishes to know about. The significator is placed on the table, and the remaining cards are shuffled and then dealt according to the following diagram:

The Card Above

The card above the significator is the most important card of the spread. If the significator represents the querent, it reveals what is on the querent’s mind. If the significator represents some other person, the card reveals what is on that person’s mind. If the significator represents a theme such as ‘work’ or ‘love,’ the card above will reveal the influences currently ruling the situation.

The Card Below

The card below is also very important for deciphering the current situation. It will reveal what the querent dreads or fears in relation to the question or situation. If the significator represents a situation, this card will reveal what is harming the situation.

The Cards to the Left of the Significator

The cards to the left represent past influences leading up to the current situation.

The Cards to the Right of the Significator

The cards to the right represent future influences and the outcome of the situation.

Cartomancy Health Reading: a Clogged Ear

Health readings can be a slippery slope. On the one hand, we want to meet our querent's needs; but on the other hand, most of us are not health professionals, and we are not qualified to diagnose a health problem-- neither are we qualified to offer medical advice. In fact, to do so is against the law in most countries. So what do we do?

I don't shy away from health questions. I will advise the querent up front that I am not a health professional, and that a health matter should never be decided by a card reading. I remind the querent that even the best card readings can be only 80% accurate, and only a licensed health professional can diagnose and treat an ailment.

Having said that, what I will do is agree to look into the cards to see what they show about the health issue. Interestingly, I find that 9 times out of 10 the cards will suggest that the querent visit with a doctor. Even when that is not the case, I still encourage the querent to visit the doctor anyway. What I won't do is offer a definitive diagnosis nor will I prescribe a treatment.

Happily in most cases when a querent asks about a health issue, he or she has already seen a doctor, and is interested in the outcome of the doctor's prescribed treatment.

Sample Health Reading

The following reading was done for a family member. The querent is a young man who has recently recovered from a nasty head cold. Despite feeling healthy and strong, he is suffering from a lingering clogged ear. The querent asks...

Will the ear unclog on its own without having to see the doctor?

I drew the following line of 5  cards...

Who the heck are all these lovely ladies?

The reason I wanted to share this particular reading is because it illustrates a special combination that has appeared in my cards time and again. You probably won't see this combination in any book; although (Who Knows?) you may because there is a universality to the card meanings. In any case, the combination I'm referring to is the 4 of spades surrounded by court cards. In my readings, this combination always signifies a communicable disease-- a contagious illness that is passed from person to person. I have found that 99% of the time, when this combination appears in my cards, it indicates a viral infection (most common bacterial infections are not contagious) which ends up being the flu or the common cold.

My immediate thought is that the ear problem is due to the lingering effects of the head cold, and would probably not respond to antibiotics. (I should mention at this point that despite this suggestion I still encouraged the querent to visit the doctor if the ear continues to be a problem.)

So what about the ladies? Well, digging deeper into the spread, I see the Jack of Hearts as representing the querent himself and his body (health). The Queen of Spades is the infection that brought on the head cold (4 of Spades). The three queens in the spread represent gossip or advice. The Queen of Hearts is the mother or the wife. She represents care and love and nurturing. The Queen of Diamonds is full of good information. The combination suggests "old wive's remedies." The suits show that with proper care (heart) the problem will improve (diamond card ending the row). I suggested that the querent also talk with his mom and other female family members to ask if they have any home remedies that might help relieve the clogged ear.

Feedback: The querent did end up seeing his doctor. The doctor examined the nose, ears and throat, and said there was no redness or irritation visible. The doctor did not think there was a bacterial infection, but he was willing to prescribe an antibotic just in case. The querent declined the antibiotic since he has a history of antibiotics causing complications with his digestion. The querent mother (QH) suggested home remedies that she used on him when he was a child to help clear up (QD) the clog.

Cartomancy Dream Interpretation

The playing cards are a wonderful tool for exploring dreams. They can reveal the hidden motivations and unconscious fears behind the dreams; and may bring forth important messages from the subconscious mind.

The following reading is for a good friend who was laid off from his job several months ago. He has had a recurring dream over the past several weeks in which he is hired back to work at a job he left more than 10 years ago. In the old job he and his female boss were good friends.

In the dream my friend is feeling anxious because he is supposed to be working, but can't remember how to navigate the software program he needs to perform his job. Time is passing, and he is becoming more and more anxious that his boss will come by and see that he is not working. Then the boss appears and they have a friendly chat, but she takes no notice of the fact that he has not been productive.

I drew an Answer Spread for insight into the dream. My question was: What is the significance of the recurring dream?

The Middle Column Answers the Question

The middle column suggests to me that finding a new of job (5 of Clubs) is on the querent’s mind (Ace of Spades). Of course, this is true. For the past several months he has been investigating a new situation (Ace of Spades). Perhaps on the subconscious level he is feeling unprepared for the change in work (5 of Clubs + spade), and that is the source of the recurring dream. The Ace of Spades also shows worry and anxiety, and the need for a decision or new plan of action. The 5 of Clubs followed by a spade can also denote a lack of confidence. The querent is feeling unsure about the change in career that he faces.

The Final Column provides Contributing Factors or Additional Information

My first impression of the final column is that extra income (9 of Diamonds) would be helpful (2 of Clubs), which is also true for the querent. But these cards in the position of “contributing information,” and more in line with answering the question, the final column more likely indicates that the dream is psychically (9 of Diamonds) beneficial (2 of Clubs) by allowing the querent to work through (club) his nervous (diamond) feelings of anxiety through the dream state.

The First Column Represents the Premise of the Dream

I interpret the QH in the first column to represent the old boss because she plays such a significant role in the dream. She appears as the Queen of Hearts in her role as friend, and she brings nurturing energy to the old work environment (5 of Diamonds). Subconsciously the querent associates her with a safe and friendly workplace; and it’s his fear of disappointing her that causes his anxiety in the dream.

It occurs to me  that her presence in the dream, and the querent’s anxiety about failing to measure up to her expectations, reflect his subconscious fears of not measuring up to the demands and expectations of a new job opportunity (5 of Clubs + spade). In the dream she appears as a friendly authority figure, and she is completely unaware of my friend’s nervousness or lack of productivity. This suggests to me that the dream is trying to impress upon my friend that his fears regarding the new situation are unfounded.

Mastering Modern Cartomancy

So you want to master Modern Cartomancy… where do you begin? There are 52 playing cards, and each card carries a multitude of meanings. The playing card suit symbolism must also be understood because the suits determine how the cards interact in a spread. Then there is also the number symbolism which can add important significance to the overall interpretation of a cartomancy card layout. Other than the suit symbols, there are no images to help with memorizing all of this information. It can be overwhelming for the beginning cartomancer.

Do not be discouraged. There is an easy way I’ve found to master the playing cards through regular practice by analyzing the simple three-card spread. I advise drawing three cards every morning for insight into the coming day. Analyze the cards for all the possible meanings that come to mind. Contemplate the cards individually and in combination. Suit interactions and overall intuitive impressions should also be noted. Get a feel for what the cards mean before referring to a book or your notes. Record the resulting interpretations in a cartomancy journal including significant internal and external influences such as time of day, weather, moon phase, moon sign, mood, etc.

You will discover that mood can have an effect on the cards you draw. You may find that your readings are clearer during certain times of the moon phase or when the moon is in a particular zodiac sign. You might be surprised by how often the weather will appear in your daily cards.

Shuffle the cards while you focus on your question. I like to ask, “What will I experience today?” If you prefer a more structured reading, you can decide ahead of time to apply special significance to each card position, such as “morning, noon, night” or “past, present future” or “premise, situation, outcome.” I prefer to keep the reading fluid and allow the cards to speak to me freely.

Then at the end of the day examine your cards to determine how they reflect the energies of your day, and which of your predictions prove accurate. When something occurs in your day that was clearly predicted in the cards, but you missed seeing that morning, consider it a valuable learning experience. The next time this card combination appears, you will automatically remember the new interpretation.

If you find that you are unable to relate the events of your day to the cards, keep referring back to the reading over the coming week. Sometimes the predictions in a cartomancy daily draw can take up to a week to manifest in your life. Meditate on the particularly challenging combinations. Your Higher Self is fluent in the language of the cards.

As you continue this practice, you will easily assimilate the card meanings, and the subtle ways the cards interact in a spread. The experience you gain will enable to you tackle larger card spreads with ease. In time this daily practice will help you build new card associations. You will move beyond the meanings you learned in a book, and begin to develop your own personal meanings for the cards (To get you started, my two favorite resources for Modern Cartomancy card meanings are It’s Written in the Cards by Dr. Leo Louis Martello, and The Card Reader’s Handbook by Regina Russell).

An Example of a Daily Card Analysis from My Own Cartomancy Journal

Date: January 19, 2015
Time: 8:34 a.m.
Moon Phase: waxing (one day away from new moon)
Moon Sign: 15° Capricorn
Weather: chilly and clear
Mood: feeling calm and creative

Question: What will I experience today?
Daily Card Draw:
10 of Clubs, 6 of Spades, 2 of Clubs

Analysis:

Predominately clubs = active day, dealing with practical matters.
Clubs + Spades = service and sacrifice… taking care of work responsibilities and social obligations. 10C and 6S are both cards of movement—travel, making progress.

10C = travel, business, commerce, boat, water, sink, beach, rain
6S = progress, cleansing, moving forward, transportation, car, move, ending, relocation, bathroom, garbage, responsibilities
2C = help, benefits, service, work, employee, wheels, and tires

10C + 6S = a trip by car, a boat, bathroom sink, bathtub, drain, garbage disposal, rain storm, beach erosion, business responsibilities, a business trip, a business move/relocation, moving forward with a business deal, plumber, car dealership, hardware store.

6S + 2C = car mechanic, car tires, bicycle, motorcycle, bathroom work, plumber, sanitation worker, moving forward/making progress brings benefits.

10C + 6S + 2C = a plumber provides service, cleaning the bathroom, help with a car trip, car tire dealership, trip by bicycle or motorcycle, cruise ship employee, moving forward with a business plan brings benefits. I receive help with moving my business forward.

Immediate Impressions:

Today is a good day to move forward with practical plans, and take care of any work responsibilities or social obligations. I already plan to scrub the bathroom tub today, so perhaps that will be the highlight of my day. Yes, the daily cards can really be that mundane.

End of Day Observations:

Well, I did end up scrubbing my bathtub today as planned (the 10C represents water and also the bathtub, the 6S is the bathroom and also cleaning, and the 2C is benefits, or a service provided).

I also had a phone client ask me if I offered distance cartomancy mentoring. Up until now I’ve only ever offered classes and mentoring in person. The request got me thinking about the possibility of expanding my cartomancy mentoring service outside of my local area. I would say that qualifies as receiving a helpful (2C) suggestion about moving forward (6S) with a business plan (10C). It’s not an earth-shattering validation (daily cards rarely are), but it is certainly relevant based on the cards.

It’s not unusual for the cards to mean more than one thing, and for two or more interpretations to prove valid and accurate. I will stay alert over the next few days for any experiences or events that may also be predicted by today’s cartomancy card draw.

Cartomancy Health Reading

This spread is from a practice exercise previously posted on the Facebook group Kapherus’ Blog Alumni. The source material is from an actual phone reading for a client who was kind enough to permit me to share the reading for instructional purposes.

The querent is a 57 year old male. He asks how he can facilitate the healing of a chronic health issue that has been plaguing him for some time. He did not specify the health issue, but I was able to identify the problem from the information in the cards.

For reference material regarding the cartomancy health meanings, please see the page titled Cartomancy Body Connection where I have compiled a list of health meanings from various sources including Dr. Leo Louis Matello, Regina Russell, and meanings derived from my own experience with the cards. The article also includes an additional example of a health reading.

Question: How can the querent facilitate the healing of his chronic health problem?

8 of Spades, 6 of Clubs, 2 of Diamonds
6 of Diamonds, King of Clubs, 7 of Clubs

In this spread the cards are read in vertical pairs, and each column deals with a specific aspect of answering the question.

The first column sets the premise for the reading, and reveals that the chronic health problem (8 of Spades) is caused by nervousness and stress (6 of Diamonds). Notice that there are no hearts in the spread, and the 6 of Diamonds suggests holding things in. My impression is that the querent stuffs his emotions. With the 2 of Diamonds also in the spread (the stomach), I suspect that as a result of not expressing his feelings, the querent suffers from a chronic stomach ulcer. The querent confirmed that this is indeed the case.

The second column answers the question, and advises the querent to seek practical advice from a helpful gentleman. The 6 of Clubs + club shows sound, helpful advice. With the 8 of Spades (doctor card) in the spread, my impression is that the King of Clubs represents the querent’s physician. The best way for the querent to facilitate the healing of his stomach ulcer is to heed and follow the advice of his doctor. The querent stated that his doctor had prescribed medication, but it did not seem to be helping.

The final column deals with contributing factors, and addresses dietary concerns. The 2 of Diamonds represents “eating,” and the 7 of Clubs is “disagreements.” There is something the querent is eating that does not agree with him, and is exacerbating the problem. The 7 of Clubs also advises that the diet should be evaluated by his doctor to determine which foods he is eating that may be aggravating the ulcer, and preventing the medication from bringing the desired effect. The 7 of Clubs can refer to social drinking, and I wonder if alcohol consumption might be irritating the ulcer.

The querent admitted that the doctor had prescribed a special diet, but he had not been following the diet carefully.

The problem is not too serious with only one spade appearing in the reading. If the querent will follow the dietary restrictions suggested by his doctor, and continue to take all other measures and medications prescribed, his chronic health problem should improve.