A Brief History
On June 25, 1843, Marie Anne Lenormand, France’s most famous fortune teller and cartomancer (card reader), died.
Digging Deeper
Born in 1772 and educated at a convent school in Alençon, she moved to Paris sometime between 1786 and 1790 and set up a type of office for clairvoyance. Early clients included the heads of the French Revolution (Marat, Robespierre and Saint-Just). She is said to have predicted their violent demise. Her imprisonment by the Committee of Public Safety which had been created by the National Convention and which formed the de facto executive government during the Reign of Terror did not hurt her career and only made her more famous. Despite her increasing popularity, she was also arrested in 1803 and 1809 and accused of treason. Then reaching her peak in the Napoleonic Era, she was active for another 40 years. Well-known clients during this time included Empress Josephine of France who made seeing a soothsayer fashionable and Tsar Alexander I of Russia whom she visited at the Congress of Aix-La-Chapelle in 1818, a meeting of the four allied powers of Great Britain, Austria, Prussia and Russia to decide the question of the withdrawal of occupying forces from France, following the defeat of Napoleon.
In 1820, unhappy with the political changes implemented by the new King Louis XVIII, she and many other Frenchmen emigrated to Brussels, Belgium, however, there she was again arrested and accused of espionage this time. Additional charges included the practice of witchcraft. These were, however, dropped, and she was released.
Following the July Revolution of 1830, which saw the overthrow of the French Bourbon monarch, King Charles X, his replacement with his Orleans cousin Louis-Philippe 1st and the creation of a constitutional monarchy, Marie Anne Lenormand officially retired to enjoy the considerable fortune she had amassed. From then on, she only read for her close friends.
Marie Anne Lenormand did not only spend her time fortune-telling but also authoring books, one of them dealing with the historical and secret memories of Empress Josephine.
When she died in 1843 at the age of 71, it was not of natural causes but rather due to medical malpractice. (Observation: Did she not see it coming? Obviously not because in one of her books she predicted that she would live to be more than 100…)
Today Marie Anne Lenormand, known as Madame Lenormand, is primarily remembered for the fortune-telling deck of cards that has been named after her, even though she never used them. The deck, comprised of 36 illustrated cards, is one of the most commonly used cartomancy media in Europe.
In fact, the author of this article, already proficient at reading the traditional Rider-Waite tarot deck, common in the United States, while living in Europe, attended a week-long workshop to learn the art of interpreting the Madame Lenormand cards.
Question for students (and subscribers): Have you ever had someone do a tarot reading for you? Please let us know in the comments section below this article.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Alberts, Heath D. and Ramona McKee. Madame Lenormand and Her Cards (The Bit of Study Series). Ramona McKee, 2013.
Dunn, Patrick. Cartomancy with the Lenormand and the Tarot: Create Meaning & Gain Insight from the Cards. Llewellyn Publications, 2013.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="2718 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=2718">65 Comments
dear Beth, thank you for this opportunity! My name is Marta, I’m a female and the number I say is 24 (which is my birthday :))
Dear Marta, And thank you for participating 🙂 For you, I pulled card no. 12 – the birds. This card stands for communication (talks, calls, etc.). However, it may also mean that you may experience a hectic time now or in the near future, as if things are spinning or flying around your head and you don’t know what to focus on or where to start. But it shall pass 🙂 Just take a break or even lie down so that you clear your thoughts and be better able to communicate in an un-overwhelmed manner. All the best to you 🙂 Kindest regards, Beth
thank you! 🙂 this sounds very accurate to describe my present days! 🙂
Hello Beth. Long time floxie here. Amy, female, 32. Thank you.
Dear Amy, For you I pulled card no. 11 – the rods. This card stands for fights, unpleasant discussions and other annoying things. Should you find yourself in such a situation now or in the near future, do not hesitate to seek the advice and assistance of an expert or higher institutional body. This could have legal implications. At any rate,
good luck and all the best! You’re already ahead. -Beth
Thanks Beth. I am going through some difficult times surrounding my half-time job. I have worked at this place for 18 years, last few since floxing have been half-time. Spoke with the union just today. Hoping for a better opportunity to arise and that my health supports me to go full-time soon.
Dear Beth, thank you. I am Lisal, female, and my number is 12.
Dear Lisal, for you I got card no. 26 – the book, however, while I was shuffling card no. 4 – the house, fell out of the deck. The book signifies secrets or something unknown. Since, in your reading, the book is in conjunction with the house/home, I would say you’ll soon find something out about your living arrangements, or perhaps you recently have. Just a thought of mine, you wouldn’t happen to have a son who might be studying or away at school and/or has recently left the home or moved back in? I feel it may have something to do with a male child.
Hello Beth, i am floxed 1 year now in April. Theresa. Female. 51. Thank you kindly. 🙂
Sorry, my number is 13.
Dear Teri, For you I pulled card no. 23 – the mice. This card generally signifies a loss of some sort. It is possible that something may either be taken from you or that you lose or misplace something. It could also mean that you are able to get out of a commitment or contract. You may also be relieved of a burden. Keep your eyes open and lots of luck to you! – Beth
Thx. Actually today got out of a contract. :). Thx thumbs up!
Hi Beth …female 23. Thank you!
Dear Valerie, For you I pulled card no. 33 – the key. This card signifies safety, security and reliability. It also indicates that something will for sure happen. While I was shuffling the cards, another card fell out: card no. 23 – the mice, which if you read another of my messages to a fellow floxie (Teri), usually means loss of some kind. I will interpret your mini spread this way: “What you considered lost or had been taken from you or what you yourself might actually have given up, is in fact still with you or you will find, retrieve or attain it again :-). The key is a very positive card. I’m happy for you. All the best! -Beth
Thank you Beth. I have recently experienced loss and have given up plenty over the last 3 months because of a separation. I am slowly gaining my happiness back, so your interpretation is pretty darn good.
Valerie, The key stands for safety and security and is telling you that all will be well 🙂
Hi Beth my name is Bec and Im a female and my number is 4. Thanks so much from fellow floxie!
Dear Bec (aka Sun post), For you I pulled card no. 36 – the cross. This card can either represent karma or fate or the burden that one carries (cross on one’s back). While shuffling the cards, card no. 27 – the letter jumped out at me. This card represents news of all kinds, delivered either by text message, telephone, email or even snail mail. Whatever the cross means to you, you will be receiving notification shortly. It might even have something to do with your past. In the meantime, “You’ve got mail”. 😉 It will definitely be meaningful. All the best! -Beth
Female floxie, #18
Dear Edie, For you I pulled card no. 23 – the mice. You can read my comments for Teri and Valerie as to what that card means. In general it stands for loss. In your case, I feel you have lost your childlike qualities of innocence, trust, easy excitement, positivity and happiness. Please ensure that you do not become too depressed. Look for little sources of joy in your life. This is very important. Look after your inner child. Keep it happy despite everything that may be going on. Go out and play. All the best to you! -Beth
Hi Beth! You did a reading on my mom earlier, and it was crazy how accurate it was.
Ashley, female, 30.
Dear Ashley, For you I selected card no. 22 – the paths/crossroads. This card represents decisions. You are going to come to a fork in the road, and you are going to have to decide which direction you take. While shuffling, card no. 32 – the moon, fell out. This card stands for emotions, feelings, the night or evening or the soul. It is a very feminine card as women’s cycles and emotions are often thought to be influenced by the phases of the moon. Whatever decision you do make, use your female intuition and sleep on it first. All the best to you! -Beth
Thank you for including my youtube video in your article 😉 (IntuitivePersepctives)…lovely visual and musical snipet I put on the great Sybil. Jack here and my age is 28. Love a card to be picked. xx
Dear Jack, I will forward your comment to my colleague who is responsible for selecting videos. He will be happy to hear that you are happy 😉 Since you are very familiar with the Madame Lenormand cards and since I am just practicing, I hope I can interpret them to your satisfaction. For you, I pulled card no. 22 – the paths/crossroads. As I wrote for Ashley and as you probably know, this card represents decisions. You are going to come to a fork in the road, and you are going to have to decide which direction you take. However, while I was shuffling, card no. 20 – the park fell out. This card stands for society, public meetings and public places. It can also signify a party or other social event. Basically I interpret both cards together as either of the following: 1) you have to decide if you will accept an invitation – maybe you’ve got more than one; or 2) you have to decide if you want to be more in the public eye (out in the open) rather than secluded and/or keeping to yourself. I will leave it to you to know which of the interpretations is correct. All the best to you! -Beth
Hi Beth, Female, 36. Thanks!
Dear Melissa, For you I selected card no. 20 – the park. As I stated for Jack, this card stands for society, public meetings and public places. It can also signify a party or other social event. I am getting the feeling that it could also be some sort of stage. Perhaps you are a singer or an actress or other type of performer or you will give a speech. At any rate, you will be out and about in the public eye and/or socializing. All the best to you! – Beth
It is interesting how they view fortune telling as a crime back then. At least her predictions made her a famous women.
Female, number 23 🙂
Dear Ariel, For you I selected card no. 23 – the mice. Your message is that you’ve been carrying around an emotional burden or some excess weight (literally or in terms of a “package”), and it’s time to part with it. Just like mice are known to gnaw, something is gnawing on you. So, figure out what is weighing you down and get some Spring cleaning done this Fall. All the best to you! You’ll feel a lot lighter as a result 🙂 -Beth
She is lucky. For all the times she was arrested and even accused of both treason and witchcraft, and to survive those… only to die of malpractice. ha!
This woman was really famous on what she did and she lived a long life compared to other people
I don’t really believe in psychics or the like, but it was interesting to read about one from so long ago. She was very famous for the work she did and attracted the attention of many well-known people of the time.
Awkward that she predicted she would live to be over 100…
First I want to say that I think that this woman would be a fascinating person to research. To hear of the experiences she had with her different clients would be extremely entertaining! And, since I am here, I am a male and my number is 12.
Dear NS, You selected card no. 12 – the birds. This card usually stands for verbal communication such as talks or calls. It could, however, also stand for gossip. Whatever it means for you, you might soon be engaged in some hectic or agitated discussion. Try not to lose your calm or temper. All the best to you!
This is an example of women in history making their mark in a different way and in a manner that was unique. Women like this I believe paved the way for women.
Very interesting article. Psychics have always been a wonder to me. Male, 22
Dear Ben, You selected card no. 22 – the paths/crossroads. You have come to a spot in your journey where you have to make a decision that will influence the direction your life will take. There is no wrong decision here; each road will take you somewhere. All the best to you! -Beth
One of my good friend’s mother is a card reader. She lives in New York though so I have not gotten the chance to get mine read. I would love to one day. Male, 23.
Dear Gino,
You selected card no. 23 – the mice. This card usually signifies either a loss of some kind or that something is eating away at you. Picture it almost like a mouse gnawing away at a cracker. I selected another card to help clarify the message of your selection, and no. 18 – the dog, the card of friendship came up. You might be experiencing some troubling issues with a friend and possibly the loss of a friendship. Perhaps a friend betrayed your trust? Whatever, this means for you, I wish you all the best. Remember, life is about experience and growth, and we are given many opportunities to achieve these along the way. -Beth
24. Male. Also, I am not buying fortune telling. Good guesses perhaps….
-Alex Guthrie
Dear Alex, In this case, it isn’t so much guessing but rather a question of whether I interpret the meaning of the card you selected correctly. In your case, you selected card no. 24 – the heart. This card could mean one of two things – either it pertains to the physical heart itself, as in health, or it pertains to the heart as the seat of the emotion of love. Judging by your age, I would guess (yes, I guessed!) the latter. It is up to you, however, to decide which meaning is more relevant. Regarding love, you might be very happily in love at the moment and/or enjoying a very nice and warm relationship in which you feel contentment. The love you are feeling can just about move away all of the gray clouds that are currently hovering above us. At any rate, you picked a very nice card 😉 All the best to you, Beth
Hello Beth. Heather, female 36
Dear Heather, You selected card no. 36 – the cross. This card might represent a cross you are carrying. It’s to be taken figuratively, of course. It’s almost like you carry a burden with you and it’s weighing you down. No worries, though; the weight will lift bit by bit, and it will get lighter. Or, whatever is going on in your life right now, it is very fateful. You have support. There is light. All the best to you! -Beth
Hello Beth. Hannah, female, 14. Thank you!!
Dear Hannah, You selected card no. 14 – the fox. This card is warning you to be on the lookout for deceit or fraud. Maybe someone is lying to you. It could also mean that there are people around you who are envious and resentful of you.
Hello Beth. Gregory Male, 6. Thank you!!
I have had my cards read before and I find it very interesting. The women who did my nailed my life, she was very good.
Dear Gregory, You selected card no. 6 – the clouds. This is generally a dreary card that could signify things such as being under the weather in terms of health (perhaps a cold or flu?), or it might mean that you are moody at the moment as things might be uncertain, unclear, unstable or even difficult. Whatever it is, there is something you are not happy about and is “raining on your parade,” so to say. Perhaps someone is giving you a hard time. It’s for you to decide which of these applies best to your situation. But remember, dark clouds pass 🙂 All the best! -Beth
Dear Beth, thank you for your time regarding this… Male – 33. — DAVID WARDLE
Dear David, You selected card no. 33 – the key. This card stands for security and safety. Something is coming your way, and it might even fall into you lap 😉 This is generally a positive card. If you are waiting for something to happen, it almost certainly will. You can rely on it. All the best to you! -Beth
Dear Beth, Samantha, female, 7
Dear Samantha, You selected card no. 7 – the snake. The snake usually signifies an older female. I often associate it with “mother figure.” Oftentimes the relationship is difficult. It could also mean that you are in a very entangled situation. Whichever meaning applies to you, I wish you all the best! -Beth
Alexis. Female. 17
Dear Alexis, You selected card no. 17 – the stork. This card signifies transition. You can expect to experience a great change, such as a situation suddenly taking a direction different from what you expected or you finding yourself entering a new phase in life. Whatever is the case, I wish you all the best! -Beth
Hi, Beth. Alec, Male, 3. Thank you!
Dear Alec, You selected card no. 3 – the boat. This card usually signifies distance of some kind, perhaps a trip out of state or to a foreign country. It can also stand for longing, as if you are waiting for and hoping that something will come to you. Whatever applies in your case, I wish you all the best! -Beth
Male 25
Dear JB, You selected card no. 25 – the ring. This card symbolizes commitments of some kind. For some it could mean an engagement; for others, a type of contract. Be careful in the next period in case you don’t want to get into any long term commitments. My personal feeling is that it could be some sort of deal where you have monthly payments of some sort or another. All the best to you! -Beth
Thank you for this opportunity . My name is Elena and my number is 31.
Dear Elena, Sorry for the delay in the reply. No. 31 is the the sun. The sun can represent summer or the daytime. It is also a symbol of great vitality. Most importantly it’s a card of great success and luck. Right now is a powerful and positive time for you 🙂 All the best to you! -Beth
Hello Beth. I play Lenormand cards since my teenage years and it passed to me by my mother who received the card reader gift from her gradmother and so on. I am in the process of teaching my youngest daughter who has a gift also and I appreciate any literature that you can recommend to us. I am not very good at it but I am very intuitive. I am Cristina, 47 and my number is 8. Thank you
Dear Christina, I have notified Beth about your post and she replied that she will contact you privately to give you your short intuitive reading. Thank you for your comment! Sincerely, Matthew
I hope I didn’t scare you guys with my pick of cards. When I saw it I said, oh no what else can happen. Could be the end of something and beginning of another we will see. Thank you, Matthew.
Dear Beth 🙂 I bumped across the article while doing research for a workshop and loved it, thanks for putting the information out there 🙂