Lenormand is a way of fortune-telling with a glorious history. This article helps you understand its differences from Tarot, the meanings of the Lenormand deck cards, and the card combinations.
Named after Madame Marie Anne Lenormand, Lenormand is a cartomancy system that reveals insights about your everyday life. While Tarot answers your “why” questions, Lenormand is focused on answering the “hows” i.e., a fortune teller uses Lenormand decks when you wish to focus more on practical aspects than psychological feelings.
However, people often remain confused between Tarot and Lenormand and wonder what exactly is the Lenormand system of cartomancy. Hence, this article clears the air about the Lenormand fortune telling, beginning with its history.
History of Lenormand
Lenormand has a glorious history dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. In those years lived Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand, a fortune teller who left a mark on the lives of many notable figures with her influential readings.
It is believed that she predicted historical events, such as the French Revolution. However, she is not the creator of the Lenormand deck. It is a former student of hers who developed the deck based on her teachings.
Marie Anne’s student created a 54-card Lenormand deck. However, the deck we use today is a 36-card deck, evolved from Das Spiel der Hoffnung (The Game of Hope), a German card game that was published in 1799.
Each card in the deck has a distinct meaning. However, so does Tarot. Then, how do these systems differ? These systems are a lot different from one another. Let us see how.
Lenormand Vs. Tarot
Both Tarot and Lenormand are cartomancy forms, i.e., fortune telling based on a deck of cards. However, the Tarot deck has 78 cards, making it more challenging to memorize the Tarot than the Lenormand deck, which only has 36 cards.
Moreover, the Tarot cards are further divided into Major and Minor Arcana, making the system more complicated to understand without an online chat with Tarot card readers. Whereas, Lenormand has no such classifications, making it relatively easy to understand.
Additionally, Lenormand card meanings vary depending on their placement and card combinations, which may not be true for Tarot cards. If you wish to get into the depths of Tarot, you can go for a free Tarot card reading. However, if you want to understand what Lenormand is, be with us as we uncover the combinations of cards in the Lenormand deck and their meanings. First, let us look at the cards individually and their general meaning.
Lenormand Cards
Below are the cards in a Lenormand deck and their general meanings.
Card Number |
Card Name |
Key Meanings |
1 |
Rider Lenormand Card |
News, Messages, Speed, Arrival, Visitor, Change, Activity |
2 |
Clover Lenormand Card |
Luck, Opportunity, Small Gains, Surprise, Lightheartedness |
3 |
Ship Lenormand Card |
Travel, Farewell, Movement, Commerce, Adventure, Long-Distance |
4 |
House Lenormand Card |
Home, Family, Stability, Security, Comfort, Tradition, Privacy |
5 |
Tree Lenormand Card |
Health, Growth, Life, Longevity, Vitality, Roots, Spirituality |
6 |
Clouds Lenormand Card |
Confusion, Uncertainty, Problems, Secrets, Disturbance, Lack of Clarity |
7 |
Snake Lenormand Card |
Deception, Desire, Betrayal, Complications, Seduction, Cunning |
8 |
Coffin Lenormand Card |
Endings, Losses, Grief, Closure, Rebirth, Transformation |
9 |
Bouquet Lenormand Card |
Happiness, Social life, Beauty, Appreciation, Harmony, Celebration |
10 |
Scythe Lenormand Card |
Hasty Changes, Decisions, Speed, Danger, Cut-Off, Endings, Surgery |
11 |
Whip Lenormand Card |
Conflict, Debate, Discipline, Repetition, Tension, Punishment |
12 |
Birds Lenormand Card |
Communication, Anxiety, Conversations, Gossip, Discussions, Social |
13 |
Child Lenormand Card |
New Beginnings, Innocence, Playfulness, Immaturity, Simplicity, Youth |
14 |
Fox Lenormand Card |
Cunning, Deceit, Work, Caution, Craftiness, Self-Interest, Trickery |
15 |
Bear Lenormand Card |
Strength, Power, Short temper, Protection, Influence, Leadership |
16 |
Stars Lenormand Card |
Guidance, Hope, Dreams, Inspiration, Spirituality, Aspirations, Vision |
17 |
Stork Lenormand Card |
Change, Movement, Transitions, Upgrades, Renewal, New Beginnings |
18 |
Dog Lenormand Card |
Loyalty, Friendship, Support, Faithfulness, Companionship, Trust |
19 |
Tower Lenormand Card |
Authority, Isolation, Ego, Structure, Ambition, Longevity |
20 |
Garden Lenormand Card |
Public affairs, Social Events, Culture, Gatherings, Networking |
21 |
Mountain Lenormand Card |
Challenges, Delays, Obstacles, Hardship, Resistance, Blockage |
22 |
Crossroads Lenormand Card |
Choices, Decisions, Alternatives, Divergence, Travel, Paths, Hesitation |
23 |
Mice Lenormand Card |
Loss, Decay, Disease, Worry, Deficiency, Deterioration, Theft |
24 |
Heart Lenormand Card |
Love, Emotions, Relationships, Forgiveness, Compassion, Softness |
25 |
Ring Lenormand Card |
Commitment, Contracts, Cycles, Agreements, Bonds, Marriage |
26 |
Book Lenormand Card |
Secrets, Knowledge, Education, Mystery, Hidden Information, Learning |
27 |
Letter Lenormand Card |
Communication, Documents, Messages, Correspondence, Written Word, News |
28 |
Man Lenormand Card |
Male in Querent’s life, Masculinity, Significant Man, Action, Decisions |
29 |
Woman Lenormand Card |
Female Querent, Femininity, Significant Woman, Partner, Intuition, Relationships |
30 |
Lily Lenormand Card |
Purity, Ethics, Sensuality, Maturity, Wisdom, Peace, Serenity |
31 |
Sun Lenormand Card |
Success, Positivity, Energy, Vitality, Clarity, Achievement |
32 |
Moon Lenormand Card |
Emotions, Intuition, Fears, Fame, Dreams, Recognition, Cycles |
33 |
Key Lenormand Card |
Solutions, Revelation, Achievement, Unlocking, Discovery, Significance |
34 |
Fish Lenormand Card |
Money, Abundance, Resources, Flow, Wealth, Commerce |
35 |
Anchor Lenormand Card |
Stability, Security, Endurance, Laying foundation, Resilience, Long-Term Goals |
36 |
Cross Lenormand Card |
Burdens, Suffering, Principles, Faith, Trials, Responsibility, Spirituality |
Now that you have an idea about the cards, the next section discusses their combinations to help you understand their meaning in your reading.
Know About: 5 Card Tarot Reading
Lenormand Card Combinations
Since the Lenormand card meanings differ according to the combination of cards you get in your reading, let us understand the combinations list to learn their meanings.
Rider combinations
Also called Cavalier or The Horseman, the Rider card symbolizes a messenger. This card appears in your reading when the universe wants to deliver a piece of news to you. You can receive this card in combination with a Clover, Ship, House, or Tree. Here is what each of these combinations denotes.
Rider and Clover
A lucky opportunity or some good news
Rider and Ship
Beginning of a journey or a travel news
Rider and House
The arrival of a visitor at your home or some news related to the home
Rider and Tree
Vitality improvements or health-related news
Clover combinations
Congratulations if you got a Clover in your reading. This is the card of luck, and fortune is smiling at you. Here is what this card denotes in combination with other cards.
Clover and Ship
An unexpected travel is on the horizon, or you are set to embark on a fortunate journey
Clover and House
Luck will be on your side in a real estate deal, or good luck will find its way to your home
Clover and Tree
You can expect your health to improve if these cards appear together in your reading
Clover and Clouds
Though Clover is generally positive, if it appears with Clouds, you may experience an unclear opportunity
Ship combinations
Ship or Boat in the Lenormand deck is the card of travel. Here is what it represents when combined with various other cards.
Ship and House
You may go on a family vacation/journey or move home
Ship and Tree
Spiritual quests or health-related journeys may happen in the near future
Ship and Tower
You may expect business trips or some long-distance work
Ship and Anchor
If a Ship appears with an Anchor, be ready for a stable move or a long-lasting journey
House combinations
The Home or House Lenormand card meanings indicate a situation related to where you live. Here is what House card combinations represent.
House and Tree
It relates to your ancestral roots or family health
House and Anchor
This combination signifies a secure and stable home
House and Bear
You have a protective family, or you may expect financial security in your home
House and Key
It represents an important matter at your home, a significant happening in the family
Tree combinations
This card may represent family or health, depending on your current situation. Let us understand its combinations to get more clarity.
Tree and Clouds
Health problems or no clarity on the health conditions
Tree and Stars
Wellness-related dreams or spiritual health
Tree and Cross
Chronic health problems or a spiritual burden
Tree and Stork
Vitality changes or health improvements
Clouds combinations
Clouds are a sign of uncertainty and confusion. Below are the Clouds Lenormand uses when combined with other cards.
Clouds and Snake
A confusion-inducing deceit or complicated situation
Clouds and Sun
Overcoming doubts or moving past a confusing situation
Clouds and Cross
Current struggles or a heavy burden
Clouds and Key
Emerging clarity or solution to a confusing situation
Snake combinations
Snakes are the cards of enemies and false friends. Below is what Snake combinations represent in the Lenormand deck.
Snake and Scythe
An unexpected betrayal or danger of deceit
Snake and Heart
Passion combined with deceit, a complicated love, or a problematic affair
Snake and Ring
Complications in a commitment or deceptive partnership
Snake and Tower
An authority figure having hidden motives or long-standing deceit
Coffin combinations
Coffins signify endings. Below is what they denote in the Lenormand combinations list.
Coffin and Bouquet
Ending happiness or a period of mourning
Coffin and Scythe
Abrupt closings or sudden endings
Coffin and Ring
Broken contracts or end of a commitment
Coffin and Child
A child being ill or ending a new thing
Bouquet combinations
Flowers or Bouquet symbolize gifts, and below is what this card signifies with other cards.
Bouquet and Heart
Congratulations on a happy relationship or joyful love if you receive a Bouquet and Heart together
Bouquet and Ring
It is a beautiful combination that represents a joyful partnership or happy commitment
Bouquet and Sun
The Sun and Bouquet cards of the Lenormand deck are the bearers of happiness, success, and radiant joy
Bouquet and Moon
You may expect joyful recognition or emotional happiness if the Bouquet and Moon appear together in your reading
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Scythe combinations
Similar to the Coffin, Scythe represents the endings. However, these endings are relatively unexpected and swift. Moreover, below are different Scythe combinations.
Scythe and Letter
The arrival of an unexpected message or a sudden news
Scythe and Tower
Abrupt decisions or breaking relations with authority
Scythe and Fish
Quick money-related decisions or unexpected financial changes
Scythe and Cross
Painful endings or difficult decisions
Whip combinations
Whip Lenormand card meanings show repeated events. Below are their combinations so you understand them more clearly.
Whip and Birds
Verbal disagreements or heated arguments
Whip and Fox
Workplace deceit or stress related to work
Whip and Lily
Moral conflicts or sexual tension
Whip and Book
Stressful learning or knowledge-related arguments
Birds combinations
Perhaps the favorite card of the new-age generation, Birds represent social networking and communication. And, below is what various Bird combinations signify.
Birds and Child
Communication happening with someone younger than you or a light-hearted conversation
Birds and Ring
Commitment-related communication or discussions regarding partnership
Birds and Crossroads
Conversation-based choices or decision-making after discussions
Birds and Garden
Social interaction or a public discussion
Child combinations
Children or Child cards of the Lenormand deck denote youngsters, child-like nature, or small things. Moreover, below is the card’s meaning in combination with other cards.
Child and Dog
A new beginning of a friend or a loyal child
Child and Stork
New beginnings or a child-related change
Child and Sun
The child’s success or happiness related to new endeavors
Child and Book
A child’s education
Fox combinations
Fox represents trickery and cunningness. Below are its Lenormand uses based on the card combinations.
Fox and Bear
Finance-related deceit or a cunning figure of authority
Fox and Stars
Misdirecting dreams or misleading guidance
Fox and Cross
The burden of deception or normal dilemma
Fox and Fish
Cunning business moves or deceiving financial dealings
Bear combinations
The Bear Lenormand card meanings can depict an authority figure, your finances, or physical fitness. Let us look at its combinations to understand better.
Bear and Moon
Powerful feelings or emotional strength
Bear and Anchor
Steady protection or persisting power
Bear and Crossroads
A strong choice or a decision involving power
Bear and Mice
Reducing power or a financial loss
Stars combinations
A favorable card in the Lenormand deck, Stars symbolize hope. Let us look at star card combinations to understand their specific meaning.
Stars and Key
A significant dream or destiny
Stars and Fish
Guidance leading to wealth or financial success
Stars and Mountain
Obstacles in the vision or blocked dreams
Stars and Cross
Destined struggle or spiritual guidance
Stork combinations
Stork indicates pregnancy and babies. Below are various combinations of this card you may receive in your Lenormand reading.
Stork and Ring
Renewed vows or commitment changes
Stork and Garden
Social circle changes or public movement
Stork and Cross
Difficult transitions or changes resulting in a burden
Stork and House
Family changes or moving house
Dog combinations
Another positive card, the Dog, represents friends and loyalty. Below is the Lenormand Dog card combination.
Dog and Sun
Loyalty leading to happiness or successful/loyal friend
Dog and Mountain
A distant friend or obstacles putting loyalty to the test
Dog and Ring
Faithful partnership or loyalty in a commitment
Dog and Key
A significant ally or an important friendship
Tower combinations
Generally, the Tower card in the Lenormand deck denotes the government or an organization you may be a part of. Below are its combinations to help you understand its specific meaning.
Tower and Mice
Losing power or authority erosion
Tower and Sun
Success in your field or authority
Tower and Ring
Long-term contract or a lasting commitment
Tower and Crossroads
High-place decisions or multiple authority parts
Garden combinations
Garden is the card of your social circle, acquaintances, and peers. Below is what its combinations represent.
Garden and Lily
A harmonious community or a peaceful gathering
Garden and Moon
Respect in the community or an emotional public event
Garden and Sun
Successful public events or excellent social life
Garden and Book
Community learning or knowledge
Mountain combinations
The mountain represents long-term problems, something that weighs heavily on your mind and heart or takes a lot of waiting to happen. Below is the Mountain Lenormand combinations list.
Mountain and Road
Blockages in the path or tough choices
Mountain and Bear
Enduring difficulties or powerful blockages
Mountain and Fox
Strategic obstacles or tactfully moving past an obstacle
Mountain and Cross
Enduring suffering or spiritual trial
Crossroads combinations
Crossroads denotes decisions you need to make or the choices you may have. Below are its combinations.
Crossroads and Sun
Successful decisions or excellent choices
Crossroads and Moon
Intuition-based choice or emotional decisions
Crossroads and Mice
Anxiety related to choices or stressful decisions
Crossroads and Ship
The journey that starts after making a choice or travel decisions
Mice combinations
Mice are the indicators of stress. Moreover, below are various Mice card combination indications.
Mice and Fish
Diminishing resources or financial loss
Mice and Sun
Recovery from a loss or success despite difficulties
Mice and Book
Hidden theft or knowledge loss
Mice and Heart
Stressful love or anxiety in a relationship
Heart combinations
Heart indicates love, affection, and relationships. And, below are the Heart combinations you may get in your Lenormand reading.
Heart and Book
Secret relationships or hidden love
Heart and Key
A significant relationship or destined love
Heart and Tree
A healthy relationship or growing in love
Heart and Anchor
A secure partnership or stability in love
Ring combinations
The ring is the card of commitments, personal or professional. Below is the meaning of Ring card combinations.
Ring and Cross
A challenging partnership or burdened commitment
Ring and Child
A new beginning in a relationship or a fresh commitment
Ring and Stars
A fated partnership or being committed to dreams
Ring and Letter
A written contract or commitment-related communication
Book combinations
The book card indicates knowledge, education, learning, and the discovery of secrets. The following are various combinations of this card.
Book and Cross
Secret struggles or a hidden burden
Book and Moon
Hidden matter-related intuition or emotional secrets
Book and Fish
Hidden wealth or finance-related secrets
Book and Tree
Ancestral wisdom or health-related knowledge
Letter combinations
The letter card signifies packages, letters, certificates (or other forms of paper), and communication via private/direct messages or emails. Below are a few Letter card combinations.
Letter and Ship
News from a far place or travel documentation
Letter and Heart
Love-related letters or emotional communication
Letter and Fox
Cunning message or deceiving communication
Letter and Sun
A piece of favorable news or successful correspondence
Man/Woman Combinations
You are the man in the Man card (if you are a male). If you are a female, the man in the Man card is a significant male in your life. It indicates how you or the man in the card feels about you and the situation. Whereas, the Woman card represents you (if you are a female) or an important woman in your life if you are a male. The Woman card indicates the feelings of the woman in the question. Below are the Man/Woman card combinations.
Man/Woman and Heart
An emotional relationship or a loving man or woman
Man/Woman and Ring
Commitment in a relationship or a committed man or woman
Man/Woman and Bear
A protective or strong man/woman
Man/Woman and Cross
A spiritual partner or burdened woman or man
Lily combinations
Lily in Lenormand is the card of calmness, peace, purity, virginity, and sexuality. Below is what it means when received together with other cards.
Lily and Stars
Peaceful and harmonious guidance or dreams
Lily and Anchor
Peace endurance or long-term harmony
Lily and Sun
Radiant peace or calmness
Lily and Scythe
Sudden/unexpected peace or calmness
Sun combinations
A positive omen, the Sun is the bearer of success and achievements. Moreover, below are the Sun card combinations.
Sun and Fish
Abundant wealth or financial success
Sun and Key
A significant achievement or successful result
Sun and Tower
Power or authority
Sun and Coffin
Closure of a chapter or end of success
Moon combinations
The Moon Lenormand card meanings reflect emotions, feelings, and reputation. Below are the meanings of the Moon combinations.
Moon and Stars
Intuitive guidance or an emotional dream
Moon and Ring
Intuitive partnership or an emotional commitment
Moon and Key
Substantial recognition or a significant emotion
Moon and Garden
Emotional events or recognition in the public
Key combinations
The key symbolizes important matters that need your attention and secrets. Moreover, below are the Key Lenormand combinations.
Key and Anchor
A permanent answer or secure solution
Key and Bear
A significant authority or a strong solution
Key and Cross
A destined responsibility or burden
Key and Book
A secret is no longer hidden or uncovered knowledge
Fish combinations
Next in the Lenormand combinations list the Fish combinations reflect financial resources. Let us take a look at them.
Fish and Cross
Financial responsibility or wealth burden
Fish and House
Finance-related security or home wealth
Fish and Ship
Travel resulting in wealth or financial journey
Fish and Anchor
Stability in finances and income security
Anchor combinations
Anchor suggests security and stability. Below is what this card’s combinations suggest.
Anchor and Garden
A protected community and an excellent social life
Anchor and Heart
A stable and secure love or relationship
Anchor and Tree
Continuing energy or long-term health
Anchor and Mountain
Stable difficulties or regular obstacles
Cross combinations
The Cross signifies struggles, suffering, and sacrifices. Moreover, below are the combinations of this card in the Lenormand deck.
Cross and Mice
Suffering and stress or a heavy burden
Cross and Tree
Exuberance-related burden or spiritual health
Cross and Dog
Loyal struggle or devoted burden
Cross and House
Family-related burdens or household responsibilities
Summing Up
The history of Lenormand is deep-rooted in French fortune-telling. Though people often confuse it with Tarot, a careful Lenormand vs. tarot analysis reveals that both are strikingly different. After reading this article, we hope you understand what Lenormand is, its uses, card meanings, and card combinations in the Lenormand deck. However, if you have any questions or concerns, you can always contact learned fortune-tellers for guidance.
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