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3
Intoducton
The Gilded Reverie Lenormand is a continuation of
a card-reading tradition dating back to the late 18th
and into the 19th century. The design of this deck
is intended to respect the tradition whilst provid-
ing a new vision for the future. The tradition itself
has been rooted in borrowing and whim since
its inception, with an ongoing history of change.
Despite the individual style and variations in this
Gilded Reverie, it is still a deck that I hope Lenor-
mand readers, whether they be experienced or
beginners, should be able to use with comfort.
It is hoped that this Gilded Reverie deck provides
you a wonderful tool of fortune telling, divina-
tion and discovery; giving you access to an antique
tradition in a contemporary presentation. As the
Lenormand tradition is revived, these cards will
come to speak more fully, and you are now part of
that oracular voice, returning from the ages. Allow
the cards to tell you their story and in doing so, dis-
cover your own.
Tali Goodwin
4
k
In the Reverie, we explain each card in its most
generic manner, allowing some play of meaning for
you as a reader, based on experience of a number
of traditions and actual practice. On the follow-
ing pages, Gilded Reverie card meanings are pro-
vided by Rana George, with additional descriptions
provided by Tali Goodwin. In some cases I edited
the text to better reect a personal take on the
image. Some of the meanings given here reference
the German Game of Hope fortune-telling game
designed by J.K. Hechtels around 1800, which was
likely the prototype for the Petit Lenormand deck.
Nevertheless these descriptions are intended as
generalizations. Variations on these meanings will
be inuenced by cultural traditions and symbolic
associations along with the particular circum-
stances of the querent and question of the read-
ing. Intuition and consideration based on adjacent
position and related cards will add further nuances.
The combined variables from all these factors will,
in the hands of the reader, result in innite possible
meanings for each card.
Ciro Marchetti
5
Card Meanings
1. Te Rider
I am always bringing news, look around me to see
what it includes. I might be coming to visit or bring-
ing you some changes. I am fast and always on the
move. If you see a negative card close by, you will
probably not enjoy the reply.
The Rider of the Lenormand brings news. It is the
rst card and announces new things. In the Gilded
Reverie deck, we behold a dreamy female Rider who
sits astride a carousel horse; the horse who in fairy-
tale stories is the conveyer of messages. She may
even be Iris, the Greek messenger of the Gods.
The fastened messenger bag across her shoulder
may be suggestive of additional messages for dif-
ferent destinations along her nights voyage. In her
hands she grasps a white envelope, a letter that is
out of the bag and ready to be delivered for the cur-
rent reading. The carousel is the ideal metaphor,
as this card is a new cycle being initiated and an
ending of the old state. The ups and downs of the
carousel also symbolize the magical ight that pow-
6
ers this messenger to its destination. Freed from the
ever revolving merry-go-round of life, whose cir-
cular motion is also dened by the laws of physics
as acceleration, our rider symbolically reects the
pace and speed of information by which our lives
are increasingly affected.
2. Clover
I bring you luck, and happiness. I make things better,
and as long as there isnt a negative card after me, I
will turn difculties to opportunities. I am the nice
surprise and the happy sighs.
This card depicts an explosive reverie of clover.
Three- and four-leaf clover bearing white owers
are set against the backdrop of an idyllic day. All
is vibrant green, fertile, and promising growth and
luck. The white of the ower symbolizes the purity
of luck. Where this card is placed, all is well. When
taken in the context of ower language, the white of
the ower is known to be a symbol too of remem-
brance; the card can mean think of me from
someone afar. The three-leaf clover is commonly
known by the Irish as a shamrock and is associated
with luck. Since the four-leaf clover is less preva-
7
lent, the act of nding one naturally in the wild is
considered very lucky. The clover is also known to
have associations with love, passion, and abandon-
ment. Medieval poetry was full of passionate trysts
between young lovers in elds of clover. So here we
also have the state of being lucky in love. However,
if the Clover card lies next to the Scythe (10) card,
expect the luck of love to be short-lived!
3. Ship
I take you on a vacation or a business trip. You will
need a suitcase for where we are going. Distance is
what I am known for, and I am constantly in motion.
Look at the cards next to me for the clues and cues to
the changes I bring in your lifes journey.
A journey is to be embarked upon. There are new
horizons to be explored and preparation is required
to ensure smooth passage. In the original Game of
Hope where we have the rst publication of the
symbols of the Lenormand, this is indicated to be
a favorable journey, as the traveler will be happily
taken by this Ship to the Land of the Birds. This
augers well!
In the Gilded Reverie, we see this card as a fantasti-
8
cal ying ship, an elaborate brigantine, taking us to
new vistas and landscapes. While the original card
image may have been a ship, later decks have modi-
ed it to whatever the latest mode of long-distance
transportation may be, such as a train or airplane.
It generally signies distant travel, in any manner.
The nature of the journey will usually be pleasant
and well favored, such as a holiday, depending as
ever upon the cards that surround it.
4. House
I am your family and your base, your ground, and
your home. I give you stability and comfort. I am your
living arrangement and environment. I am what sur-
rounds you and your estate. The cards around me will
give you signs on my present state, or what the future
will dictate.
A sanctuary is to be found in the House, showing
us family and home; the sanctuary that offers us
shelter from the world. In the Gilded Reverie we
have the House depicted in such a way as to entice
us home again to the nostalgic place of childhood
fairytales. The House is built of gnarled roots, sug-
gesting a place of permanent xture and security.
9
The open garden gate speaks of an opening being
made available.
The House can be one of the most interesting ways
to date a Lenormand deck, as each deck tends to
either hark back to the past or chose a contempo-
rary building to be depicted. Some decks have very
utilitarian buildings on them, others show a more
aspirational mansion house. However it is depicted,
it represents what we think of as our home, our
dwelling, our security.
5. Tree
I am here to stay and grow. I am the health of your
body, mind, and soul. Look for the cards next to me
to nd out more about me. When negative cards are
close, pack some tissues for your nose.
A sign of health and longevity, and the imperative
to put down ones roots to ensure a secure future.
The cards presence could indicate a health con-
dition that is inherited. Combine this card with
the previous card of the House (4) and we have a
Tree House that speaks of security, but great fam-
ily responsibility, and possible ill health through
stress.
10
The Tree here also depicts the Tree of Life, a spiri-
tual symbol that has its roots in the most ancient
civilizations. Whether it be Babylonian, Egyptian,
or Jewish images of the Tree, it speaks here of antiq-
uity and ancient roots.
The cards meaning can also be seen in the rainbow,
perhaps suggesting that true health is to be found
in aligning ourselves between that which is above
and that which is below. The harmony of the colors
reecting through the Tree symbolizes the holistic
nature of healing and life itself.
6. Clouds
I am dark on one side and light on the other. Conicts
and doubts I am sure to bring. You will not be able to
see clearly, I will block your perception and let confu-
sion reign. One thing I promise for sure is that I will
pass, because the sun always shines after the storm has
passed.
A card symbolizing foreboding and change, the
negative or positive inuence is expressed by the
direction the dark aspect of the cloud faces. The
ascending birds on the right-hand side of the card
and the glorious breakthrough of the sun prom-
11
ise liberation from uncertainty. This card can also
warn of the obscuring of a truth; there is a lack of
clarity with regards to a situation, something needs
to be revealed. A revelation may be in the ofng.
The darker aspects of the card are to be found in
the lower left where we see the lightning striking the
Tree of the previous card. This image reects uncer-
tainty and confusion. In some systems of Lenor-
mand reading, the bright and dark edges of this
card are used to tell us if the confusion is before us
or behind us. In the Reverie, we are also able to tell
if it is above or below us. This is particularly useful
in a Grand Tableau reading where we are looking
at diagonalsa more advanced means of reading.
7. Snake
Watch out for me because I am always hiding, you can
never trust or believe me. I am cheating, deceiving,
and will betray you in a heartbeat. Be careful where
you are treading, my fangs will surely have you dread-
ing.
The Game of Hope makes it clear to stay safe from
the bite of this dangerous Snake. Be afraid, very
afraid, as betrayal may very well be in the cards
12
where this card lies! Watch out for a supercial per-
son, one that is prone to be malicious, particularly
when combined with the Dog card, quite literally,
a bitchy best friend meaning you harm. Lets just
say here that duplicitous behavior, and a two-faced
person could be a problem. The card warns you to
be wary and watch where you tread.
Our Snake here in the apple tree also alludes to the
Garden of Eden, the original breakup of the happy
relationship we saw in earlier cards, such as the
House. The Lenormand cards are rmly rooted in
Christian traditionsuch as the Cross (36), and
even the Garden (20) is seen in the original game
as a biblical place. So be wary and look to the cards
around the Snake to see what is the nature of the
evil in your situation.
8. Cofin
I am the painful change and transition. You will feel
me through your body, your mind, and certainly your
wallet. Depression, loss, and bankruptcy are my spe-
cialties. I am sickness and bed rest. I am all endings
and sometimes death.
The Cofn of the Reverie deck harks back to the
13
Ancient Egyptian period. Although traditionally
seen as an ending, or nality, this is also symbolic
of an initiation that brings a nal reckoning of
our life purpose. It is often when we are faced with
life-changing events or illness that we evaluate the
important aspects of our life.
Here in the Reverie world we see the cofn in the
form of a sarcophagus, anked by the imposing
gure of Anubis, the God of embalming and pro-
tector of the dead. One of his roles is to assist with
weighing the heart to ascertain the worthiness of
the person to enter the afterlife. The signicance of
this card can be the actual ending of something as
we know it.
9. Flowers
Beauty and a happy face is what I bring. I am the gift
that warms your heart. I am your recovery and your
well-being. No matter what card is before me, I will
always change it positively.
What is it like when someone gives you a gift? This
card is the fragrant smell of joy and happiness, a
show of appreciation that could be on its way. The
image here of a bouquet of pink tulips speaks the
14
Language of Flowers. In the Victorian era, owers
were used as a medium of communication. They
became the code of lovers; a perfect way to covertly
express love, passion, and appreciation.
Long before the Victorian period, the highly valued
tulip was considered so desirable, it induced a phe-
nomenon known as Tulipmania. Thus, the pres-
ence of this card signies a valuable gift that is to
be given or received. That the label here contains
the name of the deck is a nod to earlier decks that
often had the publishers stamp embossed on one of
the cards. Several early Lenormand decks contained
the ag of the city of the publisher on the Ship (3)
card, for example.
When combined with a card such as the Rider (1)
or the Letter (27), the Flowers card may serve as a
beautiful invitation. If also combined with the Park
(20), it would be an invitation to a party. If it were
the Tower (19), it might mean a more unwelcome
invitation to a hospital appointment. At least you
will get owers in your room.
15
10. Scythe
To everything there is a season, and a time to every
purpose under the Sun.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Be carefulI am swift and sharp. I cut through with
precision with a sharp and clear vision. I am an acci-
dent, a deep cut, a break, or sometimes a difcult
decision that needs to be made. I can bring good har-
vest or danger. Look at what I am cutting nearby, it
just might be your wage.
This item is a simple agricultural tool used to clear
away grass and gather the wheat at harvest time. In
the world of the Lenormand it symbolizes a sudden
trauma or shock that will take you by surprise. A
swift clear cut will be made!
It is dangerous too, as it is sharp. We must be care-
ful where this card points, particularly in a Grand
Tableau. The cards next to the blade-tip moderate
its inuence, making it more or less extreme in its
impact. For example, the Scythe next to Clover (2)
would make the shock less severe. It is almost as if
cutting through Clover (luck) blunts the blade.
This symbol can represent a call to action, par-
16
ticularly when combined with cards such as the
Rider (1).
11. Birch/Broom
Be warned of high temper, I bring conict and strife.
You will nd me in competitions because I work with
repetition. Arguments and quarrels are my patent,
but I am not always a villain. I can be found in the
gym or in a lusty bed on a whim.
The Birch/Broom is one of the troublesome cards
in the Lenormand. Unlike Tarot, there are denitely
favorable and unfavorable cards in this system.
Where the Birch comes, frenzy will be whipped
up, creating discord and a person will be quick to
anger. The card is trouble, strife, disharmony, con-
ict, argument, and all things stressful, particularly
when seen with the Birds (12).
A crack of the whip will be exerted either by you or
against you. The Reverie depicts the curling whip
and the Birch, a bundle of branches tightly bound,
which was used to reprimand and castigate. Birch-
ing was used in France during the French Revolu-
tion, and during the time of Lenormand herself.
In its most positive sense, we have here a card call-
17
ing us to bring our forces and attention together,
to get focused, and to get all our ducks in a row.
12. Birds
A phone call, a text, or a date; that is how I commu-
nicate. I am in meetings, or interviews, and I like to
negotiate. I can be your sibling, lover, or mate. Cou-
ples is what I indicate.
This card may be symbolic of jabber, gossip or the
passing of information of a positive kind, as ever
dependent on the cards in which company it is
found. Many voices together are louder than one;
it is also the modern view of crowd-sourcing or
mass communication. It can be as simple as an
announcement that travels quickly or is distributed
widely, especially when with the Rider (1) card.
This too is the ever-growing world of Facebook,
and Twitter communication. The card may mean
literal Tweeting. There may however be miscom-
munication with the Chinese-Whispers Effect. In
fairytales, characters are sometimes given the abil-
ity to understand the Language of the Birds and it
could be that the card signies a misunderstanding,
particularly when combined with the Birch (11).
18
13. Cid
I am young, I am new, I am playful and immature. I
am a baby, a kid, or a teenager. Small, short, or tiny
are other ways to describe me.
The Child is one of the literal people cards in the
Lenormand system, indicating a young person. To
be honest, we also take this as a symbol of a childlike
nature or someone who is young at heart. No one
wants to do a business reading and be advised to
choose a young child as a corporate partnerper-
haps we should think a little less literal in some cases.
The child inhabits a place of wonderment, inno-
cence, hope, and the ability to play at something,
just for the fun of it. It is another time and place
where imagination is unchained and reality is taken
at face value. It is the early stages of development
where changes can be made and a positive future
formed. The Reverie depicts this wonderment with
an open book of fairytales start of Once upon a
time, the remaining are blank pages yet to be popu-
lated. A fairytale castle can be seen with hope in the
form of a rainbowan image that occurs through-
out the deck, alluding to the original Game of Hope
from which all Lenormand decks derive.
19
14. Fox
When I am not your job, I am your red ag for some
deviousness going on. Look around your circle in your
hall, I might be planning your fall. I am master of
manipulation and I am going to fool you all. Crafti-
ness is my fame, and sneaky sneaky is my game.
In the original Game of Hope, it is written that the
cunning Fox leads the player astray. This is the
trickster card of the deck and its presence brings
cunning and plotting, for good or ill dependent on
its position.
The Fox here looks back upon his preyperhaps
the cockerel thinks he is the only one awake so early.
The Fox has prepared his ruse though, and is sure
to get his bird. At the time of the conception of
the Lenormand deck, a popular tale was of Rey-
nard the Fox. These collections of tales depicted
Reynard as a false prophet, and many traditional
interpretations of the Fox card still carry this sense
of false gospel. So beware of trickery and decep-
tion. The Fox in the Lenormand symbolizes these
traits and more, beware of the charmer who makes
you smile, all is not as it seems. The Fox next to the
Flowers (9) could warn of deception and attery, be
20
even more wary if the Heart (24) and Scythe (10)
cards come into the equation. In our Lenormand,
the literal way of reading this is deception and at-
tery leads to a cut-up heart. You have been warned!
15. Bear
I am power and strength, health and protection. Your
nance is my eld, your food is my concern. My bad
side comes out when you see negative cards around.
The polar bear is a tting symbol of the indomitable
dignity signied by this card, whether it be read as
an authority gure, a protective mother, or purely
as strength. The polar bear is the most powerful of
all the species. Furthermore its color is symbolic of
the pure spirit it embodies.
The Bear can relate to a person who is in a position
of power in the business world. The Bear can also
be matriarchal. In China, the polar bear is known
to represent Russia. The Bear may also be a symbol
of ofcialdom and brute force. This card could be
telling us to push something through sheer force.
An interesting combination would be the Bear and
the Flowers (9), an Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove, for
example.

21
16. Stars
Shiny sparkles, guidance, and healing is what I prom-
ise through a gentle feeling. I am reassurance, inspira-
tion and a new path for your exploration. Wish upon
a star, for I bring hope and light from afar.
In the Game of Hope, we make progress along a
snakes-and-ladders type map of life, at this stage
arriving at the Star of good prospects. Here we
see the Stars mapped out on the Zodiacal Compass,
indicative of this very journey though life.
The Stars in the Lenormand can be interpreted as
a xed course, something that is preordained. The
Star indicates the need for vision and the desire for
wish fulllment. We have all heard the saying about
someone who has stars in their eyes, and that
we should follow our own star. Therefore, it is a
card of optimism and ambition. The Star card is a
card that portends success and much promise, and
thanking ones lucky stars.
17. Stork
With movements, upgrades and improvements, I
bring spring and the change of seasons. Sometimes
my symbol stands for a new family addition or simply
22
a new state of evolution. I can be your move, or your
next promotion.
The Stork is a predictable creature, even though
it is fabled to bring change, for example, with the
delivery of a child. In reality, it returns home like
clockwork to the same nest every year. The Stork
is a very favored creature and is looked upon with
affection. Its return to the nest at springtime is the
reason for the association with birth and delivery,
which is very much its meaning in the Lenormand
system. The Stork and the Rider (1) will bring news
for sure, particularly combined with the Letter (27).
The image conjured by the Reverie here depicts a
pair of storks at home in their nests with the blaz-
ing sun breaking through the clouds. They are look-
ing up towards the life-giving sun, one of the other
cards in the Lenormand deck.
The process of birth and life, and then death brings
inevitable change. Depending on the cards around
the Stork, it is a lifestyle change, for example com-
bined with the House (4) might mean a change of
dwelling.

23
18. Dog
Loyalty and friendship is what I stand for. I am pro-
tection and trust, support and reliance. When nega-
tive cards are around, make sure to take a closer look.
I could be your counselor, your pet, or your best friend.
Depicted here is the Dog, a reliable, faithful friend
who can be trusted and who loves you uncondi-
tionally. The Dog is self-contained, it is more than
content with its role, and holds the lead, with a ball
in the background, as if to say, you know what to
do. It is a symbol of companionship.
This card in close proximity to the Man (28) or
Lady (29) is quite reassuring as to their intention.
The Ring (25) card to the right signies a romantic
relationship.
The Dog can signify a close friend in a reading,
one who is trustworthy. It brings this sense of loy-
alty and faith to the cards around it, for example
if it were combined with the Letter (27) it would
be a communication you could trust. The Dog and
Tower (19) might signify a company or authority
that is looking after your concerns.

24
19. Tower
Corporations, organizations, institutions and govern-
ments come under my inuence. I am boundaries and
restrictions, so be mindful of isolation. I describe your
ambitions as well as your expectations, and lets not
forget your higher education.
Unlike the Tower in the Tarot, the Lenormand Tower
is symbolic of a structure that offers protection and
security. In the Game of Hope it is a watchtower built
on high ground for surveillance over the countryside
beyond. In current times it may relate to border con-
trol, or control of passage to a city. As such they have
multiple meanings, ranging from authority to edu-
cation, to places of power and legal dealings.
The Tower then is a seat of power, and often bureau-
cracy. When combined with the Letter (27) it is a
dreaded form to be completed, even worse when
accompanied by the Snake (7). Read the small print
of that insurance policy!
In some books, it can be symbolic of a place of iso-
lation, such as a hermitage. It then carries occult
meanings and the remote Tower of the Reverie also
has this connotation. It is sometimes within oneself
that the watch needs turning.

25
20. Park
When you are going to a party, a concert, or a busi-
ness meeting, I am sure to show up in your reading.
You will nd me in a reunion or a retreat, a riot or a
picnic. I like crowds and public events, so naturally I
am good with all your networking intents.
In the time of Mlle. Lenormand, the park or garden
was a social venue, a meeting place. It was a space
for getting out and about, sharing and networking,
a place where relationships were forged. As in the
Reverie, the card is often depicted as a cultured gar-
den with a fountain, perhaps an echo of Nuremberg
from where the Game of Hope rst sprang.
The card means public; and while it may seem
strange that there are no people in the image, it is
because the public space is what is being depicted.
When this card is read, it adds the meaning public
to the cards in its vicinity; the Park and the Tower
(19) would signify a public organization, the Park
and the Book (26) would show public education.
It is best to stick with the literal Lenormand. This
card can suggest the importance of being social,
and maybe it is saying you need to promote your-
self more, particularly if combined with the Moon
26
(32). A contemporary meaning of this card with the
Heart (24) might be online dating. If we had the
Park, the Heart (24) and a Letter (27), in the 21st
century this could be that email youve been wait-
ing for.

21. Mountain
I come to bring you challenges and obstacles with block-
ages and resistance. I will make you late for your date,
and my coldness will take emotions off the plate. Pay
attention and beware I can be the enemy in your lair.
The Mountain is symbolic of obstacles in our way.
Whilst it may be there to be conquered, as we see
from the animal looking upon the mountain, it is
certainly in our way. In the Reverie, the mountain
appears to us as an almost impossible obstacle,
according with its origins as a card of detour; slow-
ing us down. In fact, when combined with other
cards, it shows that we might abandon our planned
route and take another path.
Consider the Mountain with the Tower (19); a delay
from a government-related body, or the Mountain
with the Cross (36), a completely uphill struggle.
Other cards of a similar nature include the Choice
27
(22), offering choices rather than detour and delay;
or the Stars (16) card, which offers good prospects
and clearer navigation.
22. Coice
Decisions and choices are what I offer. Alternate direc-
tions are what I augur. I speak in multiple and dou-
ble, and when Im in a relationship I might be trouble.
There comes a time when one needs to make the
choice of going one way or the other; neither way
is right or wrong, but only one way can be taken.
Here in the Reverie we have steps that take us
upwards and onwards toward this point of delib-
eration. Stairs and steps are symbolic of ascending
to a higher place, a much better place, where once
you are through the doors at the top that lead to the
stars, then the possibilities are innite.
23. Mice
You dont want me in your house, you dont want me
in your blouse. I bring loss, I bring theft with destruc-
tion and decay. I am your stress and anxiety, I am the
worry in society. I am your nuisance, I am your pest, I
bring sickness in your nest.
28
These mice are completely happy with their
work; the gradual destruction of possessions and
resources. They are busy nibbling at cloth and fruit,
and at bread. They appear to have no regard for
ownership, and are rapidly gnawing away while no
one is looking.
These mice are symbolic of loss, either a gradual
whittling away of ones savings, combined with the
Fish (34), or an actual theft. Their presence brings
into the reading a bite-sized effect, something
happening in little chunks. That is not to say it is
not a powerful cardthose mice may be delight-
ful, but not when found in your own kitchen. They
are the niggling aspect of life, where there is an
issue, something that has become a pest in your life,
and will just not go away and leave you alone! It
leaves your mind troubled. This card also advises
you to take care of your possessions; the Mice of
the Lenormand are terrible hoarders and are most
likely to represent theft.

24. Heart
The form of happiness and love is simply drawn in
my shape. I am your feelings and emotions. I am your
passions and devotions. Just make sure no bad cards
29
are around to spoil this fondness and affection.
In antique Lenormand decks, the design of the
Heart varies from an almost biological, physi-
cal heart to a kitsch romantic heart embroidered
with owers and other adornments. The Heart is
of course symbolic of love and relationship. Here,
we see the heart formed by two Swans, a bird itself
symbolic of courtly relationship, monogamy and
enduring love.
The Heart is always a card signifying benecial
emotions in the Lenormand. To receive the com-
bination of Heart with Clover (2) and Ring (25)
promises love, luck, commitment and marriage.
The Heart and the Birch (11) or Scythe (10) may
not be such a happy combination.
25. Ring
A precious item is what I am to bind in marriage and
commitment. I bring harmony in unions as long as
negative cards are afar. I am the contract and the
promise in partnerships and ventures. I am the sym-
bol for completion and the form of eternal devotion.
The Game of Hope tells us that nding this ring
will bring a reward. Here we see a ruby ring sym-
30
bolizing commitment. In crystal lore, the ruby is a
guarantee of economic stabilityin some cultures
it was buried in the foundations of buildings to
assure good fortune.
The Ring is a symbol of commitment, and can
speak of a contract being drawn up between two
people or business partners. The ring is an object of
value to those who wear it.

26. Book
The book of knowledge, the book of secrets, what I
house is educational and private. I may be your proj-
ect or your research, and sometimes your studies and
journals. Watch out for the cards around me, because
with the Sun you will see right through me. I am
hidden, I am unknown, but occasional knowledge I
might learn.
The Book draws attention to the power of knowl-
edge and the importance of possessing it. This card
may suggest there is something somebody needs to
know, however this will only become apparent with
the presence of the cards around it.
The Book is a vehicle for the very imagination itself.
The Book of the Reverie promises tales of great
31
mystery within its pages. It has a mechanical dial on
its front, showing the intricacies of learning.
The Book opens to the right of the card, which
indicates in readings the direction of the learning
literally, what is being opened by the learning. As
an example, if the Dog (18) was to the right of the
Book it would be learning something about a close
friend. The next card to the right may indicate what
was going to be learned, such as the Ring (25) or
the Stork (17). It may be a surprise to them to say
Congratulations on your engagement or Wow! A
Baby! before they have told you.
27. Letter
I am a document, I am a message, I am information,
I am a package. Sometimes I can be an invoice, a cer-
ticate, or a test result. You can nd me as your mail,
a newsletter, or an award. Look around me to nd out
more of what I am leaning toward.
A letter depicted here with actual correspondence
written by Mlle. Lenormand connects her name
and spirit to this deck. Whilst she did not use
the cards which have come to bear her name, no
doubt she would be astonished and delighted to be
32
recognized with their continued use today. It is a
connection which the letter bringsan intimate
communication, a familiarity.
The Letter indicates a communication that may not
yet be with us, a slower form of transmission, requir-
ing patience to make a connection. It is the Letter
without the Rider (1) hastening it to us, and unlike
the Book (26), may not bring knowledge or news (as
the Rider) but rather, a simple acknowledgement.
The feather on the Letter is the quill, which since
time immemorial has signied truth and commu-
nicationlet us always write straight.
28. Man
I could be you the reader, or the male subject of your
reading, or the male parter of the Signicator.
Signicator for the male sitter, or the Signicant
Other of a female sitter, or of same gender relation-
ship.
An elegant looking man sits upon a chair holding
a red rose. He appears to be awaiting his compan-
ion. In the background, a window lights the scene,
which is otherwise unadorned. It speaks of waiting,
of patience, of a quiet endurance. There is a sensi-
33
tivity to the scene that communicates the nature of
romance. He looks to the left of the card.
29. Lady
I could be you the reader, or the female subject of your
reading, or a female partner of the Signicator.
Signicator for the female sitter, or the Signicant
Other of a male sitter.
A woman looks up from her book, her thoughts
wandering. There is commonality of ambience and
mood that connects this woman and this card to its
male counterpart. The red rose provides an addi-
tional point of connection that binds them. It is a
token, a gift, something given and received. Some-
thing shared.
30. Liies
Calm, peace, and serenity is what I preach. Your par-
ents and elders show up under my symbol. I bring
wisdom and experience. I signify a long-term rela-
tionship, or ancestry. Contentment and satisfaction
is my angle.
The Lily from a pagan view is symbolic of sexuality
34
and passion, but also of purity. It can also symbolize
motherhood. As a result, these calm-looking ow-
ers, with their glass engraved background, reect a
range of interpretations. That they are both grow-
ing and yet eternally captured in smooth glass,
without any of their essence, shows the two sides
of this card.
We might suggest that they are a range of excite-
ment; sexual, nurturing or the absence of that
excitement in chastity.
As a card, these Lilies make the cards about them
pure, simple, or excite their nature. A combination
such as Lilies + Bear (15) might certainly indicate
the power of a mother or a maternal gure in a situ-
ation, depending on the question.
31. Sun
I am success, hear me roar! I control your ego and
charisma, I boost your condence and courage. I bring
victory and glory, but be careful not to get too cocky or
you will be burned by arrogance, like Icarus.
The solar face, as the Moon that follows, carries the
essential nature of this card as a blessingsuccess
and big luck. In this card we also see a scroll of
35
time. As the Sun marks the passing of the hours, the
shadow falls upon the number 6, a solar number.
The sun shines and everything under its light
grows. The cards around this card in a reading will
be well aspected, and it bodes well at the end of a
line of cards too.
The light that shines from this Sun card is energiz-
ing and revitalizing in nature. It can also signify the
condence to step out into the light by engaging
with a project or taking a new direction.
32. Moon
Love and romance, intuition and psychic abilities,
imagination and creativity are but a few of the ideas
I stand for. I reach across the sky and inuence the
waters, I am admired all around, I bring fame, I bring
honors.
The Moon card in the Reverie is depicted as a cres-
cent, holding in her horns the various cycles of her
nature, from the new moon to the full. Below her
is a clockwork orrery indicating that her nature is
affected by the mechanics of the universe.
The Moon card does not quite live up to the bril-
liance of the Sun, she is more watery in nature and
36
she really wants to be a Star to have recognition.
Think of the emotional sirens of the silver screen,
acting by intuition, by method, living the emotions
of a part they are playing in order to act. This pro-
duces great creativity but it can also create casual-
ties, such as Marilyn Monroe. The Moon brings
emotional illumination. The Moon, however, really
ourishes in close proximity to the Sun (31); it
needs the forceful energy the Sun emits to shine in
the world to its full capacity.
In Lenormand traditions, the Moon is recognition
by others, reecting on oneself. It is thus fame and
notoriety. It illuminates only what others project
onto it, so when it turns up in a reading, careful
reection is required.
33. Key
Discoveries and solutions are my forte. You will nd
me in synchronicities, signs and fate. When I land
close to you, know that you have the means, and the
answers to what is troubling you. Look to my right, I
point to what is highly important or what needs to
be solved.
The solution to the problem can be found by being
37
in possession of the Key card, it both unlocks and
secures, depending on which way it is turned. The
answer is within your reach, this is a card of lib-
eration, although it can also be a tool of captivity.
The gilded bird cage of the Reverie, speaks of a Bird
Palace which can become a prison. Inside is a rose,
symbolizing mysterya mystery that unfolds as
the key unlocks it. It is also, of course, a symbol of
love, the most common of all mysteries.
This card can inuence many things, next to the
Heart (24), it can unlock feelings and be the key
to your heart. Next to the Book (26) it can unlock
knowledge, and so on. It is a card that offers many
opportunities and new beginnings.

34. Fish
I bring plenty and abundance. I deal in commerce
and sales. I advocate independence and promote self-
reliance and trade. Water, expansion and ow is my
department. Be careful not to tip the scales between
tipsy and loaded, you dont want to end up dizzy and
bloated.
The Fish of the Lenormand symbolize resources
and money. The three sh here in the blue depths
38
show that we can dive deep to gather in food and
abundance. In some traditions the card also sym-
bolizes wealth.
Where this card appears teaches us to make the
most of the resources that we possess. In modern
parlance its speculate to accumulate or making a
little go a long way as ever dependent on the cards
around it.

35. Anchor
With stability and security, I bring peace of mind. I
push you to persevere and help you reach your goal.
Watch out for negative cards, they might shackle and
pull you down a hole.
In the original game instructions for the cards
which became the Lenormand pattern, this is the
most important sheet of the whole game, inso-
far as the one, who comes to stay on this picture of
Hope, has won the game and draws the whole cash-
box or deposit. The Anchor is the traditional sym-
bol of hope (or faith) and comes before deaththe
Cross (36).
The Anchor offers stability and security; being con-
dent that your hard work will pay off in the long
39
term. The Anchor of the Reverie is adorned with
two sh symbolizing abundance and wealth in the
Lenormand; this is a card of assurance. You are pro-
tected in times of need.
36. Cross
I am the bringer of grief, sadness, burdens, and
ordeals. Pain, suffering, and guilt is the area of my
expertise. I claim weeping, tears and lamentations,
and ask for prayers and supplications. When happy
cards come at my right, then you shouldnt experience
too much fright.
The Cross in the Lenormand is a symbol of the
state of suffering, universal and unavoidable. It
is the state of carrying the burden of others who
are not accountable for their actions, the cross we
have to bear. This card is the calling card of taking
responsibility, despite the cost. On a positive note,
with this, redemption may comedependent on
surrounding cards.
40
Card Spreads
There are numerous ways to do readings with the
Gilded Reverie Lenormand cards. Here we present
three introductory spreads which will help famil-
iarize you with the cards and their related mean-
ings. For additional card spreads, including the
Grand Tableau, visit www.usgamesinc.com.
Simple Nine-Card Spread
By Tali Goodwin
In this traditional cartomantic method, we lay out a
nine-card 3 x 3 square to divine the fortune of any
domestic situation. This is useful for practice as it
provides a smaller reading than the Grand Tableau.
Take your deck and shufe while thinking about the
situation.
Place it facedown when you are ready and cut it
about two-thirds of the way down with your left
hand. Place this larger cut of cards to the left, creat-
ing a second pile on the left of the rst. Then cut it
again in the same way, from the second pile, creat-
ing a third pile on the left.
41
Take the top three cards, still facedown, from the left
stack and place them in a row on your table from
left to right. Then, take the top three cards from the
middle stack and place them in a row beneath the
rst row. Finally, take the top three cards from the
right stack and make a third row below the other
two, creating a 3 x 3 square.
Turn all the cards in the square face up.
The rst row of three cards signies the SITTER.
The second row of three cards shows the HOUSE,
their domestic environment.
The third row shows the FORTUNE of the situa-
tion, its most likely outcome, with any advice.
The cards are read as a sequence creating an oracu-
lar sentence, where each card to the right modies
the preceding cards, like a story being developed
to the end. Imagine they are the storyboard of a
movie in three frames; what would you say about
the movie when you left the cinema?
SAMPLE READING
The Sitter asks about a visit from their son, whether
it will be fortunate and if there is anything they
should do to ensure its success for the family.
42
The Sitter:
Choice (22) + Park (20) + Cross (36)
The House:
Birch/Broom (11) + Tree (5) + Scythe (10)
The Fortune:
Stork (17) + Tower (19) + Lady (29)
Here, we see that the Sitter faces choices (Choice)
about introducing their son to others (Park) and
socializing, leading to a burden (Cross). It may well
be that they are advised not to go partying with
their offspring as it will lead to some complication
or trouble for the Sitter.
In the domestic environment, in this case the fam-
ily, (the second line could refer to a group, work-
place, or whatever environment is being read), we
see that there is a lot of troublesome talk, even
arguments (Birch/Broom), which have been going
on a long time (Tree) about the family. These go
back to the past. These may be cut away at this time
if the family faces the future (Scythe). It is indeed
an opportunity to break away from the past and
start afresh. Sometimes a rotten branch needs cut-
ting away as it is only being used as a birch to break
someones back.
43
The fortune or outcome here shows a new delivery
(Stork), leading to work or placement at a larger
company (Tower) and the meeting of a new woman
(Lady) in his life. This is an encouraging line in the
reading, and the Sitter is advised to suggest to her
son that he seek new horizons.
Te Fortne-Telling Day Spread
By Tali Goodwin
This method allows you to practice the accuracy of
your fortune telling by reading pairs of cards for
nine aspects of your day. If you perform this read-
ing in the morning, you can compare it with your
day to see how accurate you are at fortune telling
with your cards.
Take your deck and shufe it. Place it face down on
the table.
Lay out the top nine cards in a row facedown from
left to right.
Lay out the next nine cards one at a time on top
of each of the laid out cards, making nine piles of
two cards.
44
Starting from the left, each pair is then read together
as a divination for the following aspects:
1. Someone you will meet, what comes out of that
meeting.
2. Someone you care about, what they will do.
3. Someone who annoys you, what they will do.
4. Something that will happen to console you.
5. Something that awaits you.
6. Something that will help you.
7. Something that will happen, which is a surprise
to you.
8. Something that you desire, whether it will hap-
pen or not.
9. Something nice.
In this practice method, which can be uncannily
accurate, it is important to keep a journal and to
read the cards as pairs, merging their meanings
together, with each card having equal weight. As
you experience the day, you may see that one card
in the pair carries the event and the other card car-
ries the manner of the event. This will teach you
the cards in your own experience and which way of
reading them is best for you personally.
45
SAMPLE READING
Just looking at the rst three pairs for a sample day,
we might have the Child (13) and Tower (19) for
the rst pair, suggesting that we will meet a child
who gives us new insight, or perhaps we will meet
them in a building such as a school. The next pair
of the Clover (2) and Anchor (35) shows something
very favorable, that a caring friend will offer oppor-
tunity, luck and securitya wonderful combina-
tion. The third pair warns that someone we dislike
will try to outfox us and hurt us emotionally with
the Fox (14) and the Heart (24).
This was a real reading and proved very accurate for
the day, even the other pairs were quite literal. The
cards should always be read as literally as possible;
the consolation pair in this reading was Book (26)
and House (4). At the time, the Sitter was writing a
book in her house.
Te Cocolate Bar Spread
By Rana George
This simple spread gives a quick overview of what is
coming in certain areas of ones life.
46
Concentrate on the client while shufing your
cards thoroughly. Pull three cards for each choco-
late square.
SAMPLE READING
This reading is for Stephan, it is time framed for the
upcoming three months.
Prediction for Career: Stephans creation/creativ-
ity (Moon) will be noticed by his boss or top man-
agement (Tower), and he will land the account or
will reach his goal (Anchor). Stephan will get credit
or recognition (Moon) from an establishment or
his superiors (Tower). There is some sort of stabil-
ity and security (Anchor).
Prediction for Knowledge: Multiple paths (Choice)
will bring Stephan good tidings (Flowers) with
good news (Letter). He will be entertaining mul-
tiple (Choice) good (Flowers) offers (Letter).
Prediction for Wealth: There is a maturation (Lil-
ies) period through a vast outlet/industry or net-
work (Park) and money (Fish) will ow soon after.
Prediction for Family: A major transformation,
and change (Cofn) will disrupt and put a lot of
stress and anxiety (Mice) on the household/home
and/or family (House). Since the House card
47
landed in the Family slot, it warns Stephan to draw
his attention to the home/family area.
Prediction for Health: The Key indicates that the
prediction is about spirituality, because the Key
under a health context is connected to the crown
chakra, and this is the connection with higher guid-
ance. The Key spotlights the importance of this slot
(the Health slot). Stephan will experience a block/
ebb (Mountain) and ow (Ship) on his spiritual
level, or his inspiration level. On his physical level,
he may need to watch out for vertigo. Mountain is
about the head, and the Ship is the motion and uid
(motion sickness).
Prediction for Relationship: There will be an
improvement (Stork) to a stronger and a deeper
(Tree) connection with your partner (Dog). An
evolving (Stork) karmic relation (Tree) with a per-
son on a soul level (Tree + Dog), getting the Tree
under a relationship context denotes a strong con-
nection.
k

Once you have become comfortable and condent
with the Gilded Reverie Lenormand deck, you may
want to try more advanced readings using more
cards. For guided instructions by Donnaleigh de
LaRose please visit:
www.donnaleigh.com/lenormandlessons.htm
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