CARTOMANCY - THE GUIDANCE OF DIVINE WISDOM
WHAT ARE CARTOMANCY READINGS?

Cartomancy is the art of reading a standard, 52-card deck of playing cards to gain information, understanding and guidance. This process, commonly called divination or fortune-telling, can be performed using many tools, including the I Ching, tea leaves, runes and tarot cards. In cartomancy, the reader intuitively and skilfully combines the meanings of suits (hearts, clubs, diamonds, spades), numbers (aces through tens), face cards (jacks, queens, kings) and colours (reds and blacks) to correctly interpret the cards. Additionally, cards are read according to where they fall in a “spread,” which is a predetermined order of laying them out from left to right, past to future, with each position in the spread showing where and when the meaning of the card is expressed.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF CARTOMANCY

Playing cards are thought to have developed from the first paper currency, which resembled cards with pictures, used by the ancient Chinese, and then to have spread throughout Asia, Egypt, Africa and Europe. Playing cards had surfaced in Europe by the 1300’s and, by the 1700’s, their use, as a fortune-telling device was well established and very popular. Napoleon himself is said to have consulted them regularly.

HOW DOES CARTOMANCY DIFFER FROM TAROT?

Tarot decks contain 78 cards depicting symbols, pictures and keywords to convey information. They are easier to read because the pictures and keywords suggest their meanings, sometimes quite graphically! For this reason, a new or inexperienced reader will often lay out a tarot spread and immediately receive a compelling answer or very clear guidance.

Playing cards, on the other hand, have meaning for most of us only in relation to card games. Therefore, if you are new to (or inexperienced in) cartomancy readings, it is unwise to attempt to read your own cards or to consult an inexperienced reader. It is simply too easy to completely misinterpret the reading.

HOW A CARTOMANCY READING CAN HELP YOU

In daily life, we are frequently confronted with situations, issues, dilemmas and problems where some form of action or a decision is called for but … what is the right action or the best decision? At other times, we know things are happening to us and in our lives, but we don’t understand what, exactly, is going on - or why. We may feel a need to do something, or we know what to do but aren’t sure about doing it.

Sometimes friends or family, to whom we usually turn for help, are biased, fearful or uncertain themselves. Or perhaps we prefer to not to share what is going on with those we know. In such cases we may choose to seek help from a compassionate and professional cartomancy reader with the experience, expertise and wisdom to provide an accurate, insightful and helpful reading. Using the cards as a diagnostic tool, the reader can provide enlightenment about the situation, validate our feelings and perceptions, suggest courses of action, and help us find solutions to our problems.

Another reason to consult a professional cartomancy reader is that the reader will convey information in a detached and objective manner. A friend who reads playing cards may be upset by or reluctant to be honest with you about a difficult reading. The same is true if you read your own cards, even if you are experienced. You are much more likely to over-dramatise and become negative about a difficult reading if it is your own!

If you are considering a cartomancy reading instead of tarot or another system of prediction, you are probably drawn to cartomancy because it is the best divination method for you at this time. The familiar deck of playing cards is a comfortable instrument for many people, lacking the sometimes-alien quality of other tools.

BUT IS IT FOR REAL?

Some sceptics decry the practice of divination, calling it a fraudulent and bogus activity. Critics may claim that, because there is no scientific evidence to support divination, it must be a rip-off. But how does it really differ from a projective test, such as the inkblot, used by psychologists to determine personality - and therefore predict behaviour? Divination consists of ascertaining, based upon a layout of objects for a person, what is going on in that person’s life and how that person is most likely to respond to it. Both tools use subjective data gained about a subject to describe what that subject is like, what is going on with them, and what they are most likely to do next. The only real difference between these tools is that one is scientifically accepted while the other, most often, is not.

While readers do exist who lack ethical standards or sufficient knowledge and experience to perform accurate and helpful cartomancy readings, most people find them to be valid and beneficial. People who have never received a reading are often shocked by what a reader is able to tell them. Talented readers do not even need to ask why a subject is seeking a reading, but can simply report what the cards say about conditions in the seeker’s life. In so doing, they are able to provide accurate information, clarification and solutions based solely upon what the cards have disclosed.

HOW IT WORKS

In divination, the seeker is often aware of a problem and knows what to do, but simply needs confirmation, validation and encouragement. In other cases, the subject subconsciously knows exactly what is going on, why, and what to do about it, but is afraid, unwilling or unable to face things. A cartomancy reading, by “laying the cards on the table,” so to speak, helps the seeker to break through his or her own resistance and/or denial and see the situation clearly and honestly. Sometimes the reader will mention things in passing and then, later, the subject will have the “ah ha” experience of knowing exactly what the reader meant. The subject can then come to terms with the problem and make the best possible decision(s) about it.

In other cases, a subject may choose to reject the reading and remain in denial but, on some level, he or she will gain an increased understanding of the problem, which may lead to a desire for change. People who do not want to change generally do not seek readings - except perhaps to prove the reader wrong! Most people who seek cartomancy readings sincerely wish to see, accept and deal effectively with whatever is holding them back.

NOTHING TO FEAR

Some people are afraid to get a reading because they fear bad news and would rather not know. But if bad news is coming, isn’t it better to be prepared or, if bad news has already arrived, to have some idea of what to do? What we call bad news is really just an opportunity to recognise and overcome a challenge, and to grow. Cartomancy readings can help us to make the most of these situations.

We would all prefer to receive happy readings about blessings and joyous events to come, and some readings provide exactly that. But just as often, there are changes or improvements we could make in ourselves and in our situations to enhance the quality of our lives. A cartomancy reading will quickly identify any problems, including how we may be making matters worse. When we have that information, we can make better choices, transform our circumstances, and live happier lives.

For example, red cards are “good” whereas black cards are “bad.” Spades are the worst, indicating problems, trouble and tears. But spades are also about the mind, about our thoughts, and their appearance a reading shows a negative, worrying mind. If, as many believe, our thoughts create our reality, then the troubles shown by the appearance of spades are caused by the seeker’s pessimistic, negative mindset which, with effort, can be changed. If our thoughts change, our conditions will change as well.

Changing our thoughts requires work, however, and many of us would rather blame outside influences for our problems rather than take responsibility for our thinking. But if it will make our lives better, why not be willing to try? A cartomancy reading will at least show the presence of negative thinking and allow the subject the option of thinking differently.

Spades also have to do with “power without responsibility.” Because this is an inherently evil practice, it will always fail and produce negative results. But it does involve a choice, and so it can be changed. Finally, spades signify antagonism and resentment, which will generate negative conditions in almost everything, especially in relationships with others. But these are attitudes, and attitudes can always be changed.

In another example, the 8 of clubs involves work, effort, business, success, wealth and profitable relationships. It reveals the presence of great energy to “make things happen.” It also shows how we use that energy. Positively speaking, the 8 of clubs indicates the energy and drive necessary to overcome all obstacles, with the potential for great achievement. It is not intrinsically bad, but warns us that the manner in which we use our energy can create problems and difficulties. This is why the 8 of clubs can mean “opposition, danger, recklessness, trouble in business and personal relationships, jealousy, greed, frustration and impatience.” Our tendency will be to go straight for what we want, regardless of who or what is in the way - and grab it! While this can sometimes work out well, the 8 of clubs cautions that a thoughtful and circumspect approach will work better, especially when others are involved.

The trick is to avoid problems by applying the energy judiciously instead of recklessly. Patient and prudent behaviour will be difficult, but is the only way to achieve success. It is also important to practice moderation, knowing when (and when not) to take risks, and to avoid “spinning your wheels. If impetuous, ill-considered, overbearing and inconsiderate behaviour are avoided, “good business, raises, promotions,” an alternate meaning for this card, will be realised instead. Clubs energy is a little like nuclear power. Carefully directed, it can be used with great benefit and to move swiftly forward. Carelessly applied, it is very likely to produce the negative outcomes noted above.

I recently received a cartomancy reading and continue to be amazed by how accurate it was. The cards presented a very clear picture of the current challenges in my life, leaving no stone unturned. The reading confirmed what I already knew and provided very helpful information about what was going on. Additionally, I received guidance and suggestions about how to best achieve my goals. I was surprised by some of the information, not because I was unaware of it, but perhaps because I was ignoring it and, by so doing, depriving myself of valuable resources and support which would be helpful to me.

To learn more about Cartomancy Readings and receive a FREE gift, just simply subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter