Merging Lenormand/tarot

[Sylvie Steinbach]

The Lenormand oracle is a fantastic tool as a stand alone in a reading but it can also complement the tarot bringing the experience to a complete new level.

Traditional complaints regarding Tarot have been that the deck can be vague or/and spiritual BUT missing the down to Earth approach. The Lenormand Oracle can compensate within the reading process.

Let's look at a case study together:


Lydia a client, wants to get an overview reading of what is to come for the next few weeks. Now any reader has his/her own way of doing this BUT here is a way to approach the query using a Tarot and merging the Lenormand together...

In my book "The Secrets of the Lenormand Oracle" I mention that concentration is the key to the information you want to know. Since she is only interested in the next few weeks you MUST put limit onto your system in order to not 'see' events that would occur 3 years from now!!!

So here is the sample reading with no real question asked as we are dealing with Lydia...
I advise you set your cards in 'real' while you study this.

7 Swords + 4 Coins + 4 cups + 8 words + Ace wand
22 crossroad + 3 ship + 28 man + 31 sun + 32 moon

Now I let the client choose 5 cards from a Tarot and 5 from a Lenormand (36 cards). Fan position, face down, the client randomly will put 10 cards total from the 2 decks. We flip them over afterward...

I place the cards on the table like above. I prefer Tarots that are not too describtive on the artwork because a design with a specific story can lock you into one feeling or idea. But any Tarot can do. Since the Lenormand is quite specific in its artwork, it will compensate. I like the Crowley Tarot. If you know how it looks like then you will probably understand my preference...

I could tell you what I think of the spread but I would prefer you partipate and give your two cents in it. BUT please be aware that I do not follow the traditional interpretation of the Lenormand and since I wrote my own book on the oracle I follow that system..

The point here is to articulate the natural complementary aspect of Tarot and Lenormand and see how this applies...

[indianstorm]

hello and yey!!!!!!!! I had the same thought on how to merge the two-- and you have yet again done it!!!!

thank you...

Stormy

[LisaW]

7 Swords + 4 Coins + 4 Cups + 8 Wands + Ace Wands
22 crossroad + 3 ship + 28 man + 31 sun + 32 moon

I'll take a stab at it, Sylvie. Firstly, I'm going to guess that you would kind of use the same general method of looking at the tarot, the way you do at the Lenormand.. ie, that the 4 cups was the focus in that line, and the 2 before represent the past, and the 2 after it represent the near future??

So, I might say that she is presently considering rather than taking action on something, and is not ready to be open toward new opportunities..she is in retreat at the moment.
In the near past, or just leaving,the 7swords talks about actions that can sabotage, betrayal,sneaky deceit...(not a nice card) and the 4 coins in it's nicest form, can mean financial security, but can also mean someone who wants to be in control of everything- "My Way"
Possibly since the CUPs is the focus, this is referring to a past relationship that was controlling and manipulative.. and Lydia is now, closed off emotionally, wondering what's next?

The 8 wands shows that in the near future she will have the freedom to move forward..all systems go.. and the possiblility of travel by air for a new enterprise (ace wands) but I think mainly, it's saying that she will be free to follow new ideas and goals.

The Lenormand side is showing a man as the focus. He looks to be from somewhere else, possibly foreign, and is successful, very attractive and open personality. He seems to travel alot (crossroad +ship); with the Crossroad there, it seems to be saying that she has other options for relationships. With the Moon there, there will be an emotional connection to this man in the near future, and they have te potential to be greatly compatible (Sun+Moon).

So I would say to her, don't stay in seclusion/retreat for too long emotionally, or else you might miss a wonderful opportunity that the Universe is going to bring your way, to meet a more suitable man!

Anything in there resonate?
That's kind of cool-

LisaW (SpiritSong)

[indianstorm]

this is a toughie- I will make an attempt so you can correct me,

Tarot:
7 o S- vacillation and comprise
4 o p- power of negotiation and fair jugdgement
4 o C- luxury that has lost its purity
8 o S- interferences and lack of intelectual pursuits
A o W-birth/ beginning of a yet undefined entity

Lenormand:
22 Crossroad- options and decisions- looking for a get out clause- diplomacy-perhaps having to double talk to maintain peace

3 Ship- movement or travel overseas- transition phase- Crossroad + ship-multiple travels/ road trips

28 Man- a man- ship+man- dark skinned, nomadic foreign man, Man+ sun- charismatic, virile- blond/ blue eyed- also maybe egocentric and over protective

31-Sun-successand happiness- Sun + Moon-perfect couple/attraction

32 Moon- emotion and romance.

I hope this is correct way of interpretating:

Tarot layout-

at the moment- there is an undercurrent of indecision and inaction. The current situation requires tact and diplomacy- perhaps a little twofacedness is is adopted to maintain the status quo. The joy that she is experiencing in her relationship/ life feels a little tainted either by gossip or some hurtful remarks. This is possibily interfering with the way she is thinking- and she is dwelling on it without any solid steps/ actions to rectify. However- despite all of what is going on- there is a possibility a chance- of creating a new beginning- the nature of which will depend entirely on how the present situation is handled.

The lenormand cards-

Crossroad corresponding to 7 o S- confirms the possibilities/ choices which she has difficulties in choosing- not sure which way to go. Act passively which she is now- or to take an aggresive approach-

3 Ship corresponding to 4 o P- advises that she should negotiate diplomatically in order to create positive movement- this should help her move away from the current difficult position and transition to a better one. The tarot advises non aggressive talks to influence the transition process
Perhaps a roadtrip might clear the air..?

28 Man corresponding to 4 o C- so- there is a man involved- from the neighbouring cards- describes him as a nomadic man of foreign descent with charisma- she finds him virile- he may also be egocentric and selfish. The 4 o C expresses the mixed feeling she has about how she is to fit into this man's life possibly due to mixed messages she is getting from him-

31 Sun corresponding to 8 o S- positive card promising long awaited success and victory if acted in courage. The 8 o S in context has interefences which are minor in nature which she is dwelling on-She feels mentally paralysed because of dwelling and needs to be brave in acting by voicing her feelings and perhaps stand her ground to ensure her long term happiness.

32 Moon corresponding to A o W- a relationship based on romance and also spiritual and fulfilling. Corresponding to A o W- this may be the start of a new and better relationship/ birth which is entirely new. This can go either way- sun+moon combo promises the ideal couple situation provided she takes a less passive but a slightly aggresive but ever so tactful approach to voice her needs.

I hope this is remotely the correct way to interpret the merge, Sylvie

Stormy

[LisaW]

Oh oh-

was the "8 of words"

The 8 of wands or the 8 of swords??? LOL

if it's the 8 swords, I would say that she is trapped by her own thoughts, but there's a new opportunity coming her way, IF she can get out of her own way!

[indianstorm]

I assumed Sylvie missed the s in swords due to super speed hand eye coordination-

Stormy-

[Sylvie Steinbach]

My mistake I realize that I wrong typed and got everyone confused....oops!

OK Lisa you actually got it right since I had it set up here at home as a 8 of wands!!!

Sorry for everyone else...Please re adjust with the 8 wands please...


Let's do this one together and you can try this system on your own clients -guinea pigs!

Since this is a blend between Tarot and the Lenormand the process as Lisa mentionned do apply but not with the past and future rules. I explain:

WE do not charge any card with this technique...and we just want to see what comes up. So we actually read the cards as blended but from left to right as if we were reading a book...


7 swords with 22 crossroad.

7 swords give a sense of 'futility', doing things without clear directions. One can feel blinded and going in circles. The crossroad reinforce the idea of going everywhere without focus.

4 coins with 3 ship.

4 coins is the fortress, the foundation and what feels secure. The card can also represent a jail, limitations and fears. The ship shows the idea of running away. Now we know that crossroad is the escape card too! so the fact they are next to each other reinforces the idea of wanted to step away from these feelings...

4 cups with 28 man.

4 cups is luxury and hidden feelings. Secrets and revelations. indulgence and unexpected emotional opportunities. The man is not charged so it is just a stranger!

8 wands with 31 sun.

8 wands is the information highway. News and actions mingle. The sun gives a positive outlook onto what the news may bring.

Ace wand with 32 moon.

The ace is new beginning, an opportunity to travel and sexual energy. The moon is emotions and fast timing -ace of wand (phallus) too by the way...


So we can say:

The client is feeling locked up right now into a sense of futility and she would like to escape the status quo. She should expect meeting someone new who she will feel strong sexual and emotional attraction for. A relationship is very likely. This event should take place with few weeks maybe less than a month.


Any questions?

[Phoenix Rising]

Hi Sylvie,

I didn't see this thread, so basically you read the tarot and lenormand together which are in the same order drawn.

Good to see another case study.

Phoenix

[indianstorm]

thats amazing- it is a very clear correlation..
I will redo the practice case..

Stormy

[Sylvie Steinbach]

Someone new signed up for the Lenormand course. Please let her know this is still an active forum...don't let her be all by herself as a beginner out there on the basic lineup. thanks sylvie

[Sylvie Steinbach]

Again I advise that you take your own decks and position the cards as followed to work on the spread...it helps!

Mark is our client: he wants to see what is coming up for the next 3 months. We are doing the reading mid-April!

Here is the spread:

Tarot: VII Chariot + Knight of sword + Ace of wand + 3 coins + Ace of coin
Lenor: 2- clover + 32- moon + 3- ship + 20- garden+ 14-fox

What is your take on this assemble?

Make sure you put the Tarot above the Lenormand in the way it is presented..

[indianstorm]

Again I advise that you take your own decks and position the cards as followed to work on the spread...it helps!

Mark is our client: he wants to see what is coming up for the next 3 months. We are doing the reading mid-April!

Here is the spread:

Tarot: VII Chariot + Knight of sword + Ace of wand + 3 coins + Ace of coin
Lenor: 2- clover + 32- moon + 3- ship + 20- garden+ 14-fox

What is your take on this assemble?

Make sure you put the Tarot above the Lenormand in the way it is presented..

I do love looking at the tarot and lenormand- quite breathtaking isn't it Sylvie-
my view is with the Thoth and the mystical- very pictorial.

so- next 3 months For Mark- reading in April-

1. Chariot + clover = movement in a positive direction, and Mark appears enthusiastic and optimistic. triumphant and catching a lucky break soon maybe at work.

2. Knight of Swords + Moon = Air and Water- neutral pair- Fiery person with drive, with moon indicates romantic attraction in June/July- chemistry and romantic potential

3. Ace of wands + Ship= sexual energy with ship indicating a romantic travel/getaway around 3d/3w/3m's -

4. 3 disks + 20 Garden-work function or get together- possibly a celebration for a breakthrough at work-

5. ace of disks + 14 Fox- practical issues regarding his 9-5 job- improvement on his job prospects- prehaps increase of pay or a promo--

things are looking good for Mark in the next 3 months---

Stormy

[LisaW]

Mark is our client: he wants to see what is coming up for the next 3 months. We are doing the reading mid-April!

Here is the spread:

Tarot: VII Chariot + Knight of sword + Ace of wand + 3 coins + Ace of coin
Lenor: 2- clover + 32- moon + 3- ship + 20- garden+ 14-fox

What is your take on this assemble?

1) Chariot and Clover :
The Chariot's theme suggests overcoming and mastering difficulties. Combined with the Clover card, it looks like Mark is going to have an unexpected answer to some difficulty, or a twist of fate that helps him overcome something he's been dealing with.

2)Knight of Swords and the Moon:
The Knight of Swords heralds an unexpected occurrence...someone or something is being catapulted into your life! and with the Moon combined with this Knight, I would tell Mark that it looks like it's of an emotional nature...
another way to look at this, is that there is a sudden situation that brings some sort of recognition to Mark - he gets noted.

3)Ace of Wands and the Ship:
The Ace of Wands represents the beginning of an idea, enterprise, ambition or goal. Combined with the Ship, and in about 6 weeks time, there might be a new idea that he's enthusiastic about, possibly that he decides that he'd like to move away from where he presently lives; or an opportunity is being presented to him from a fair distance away.

4) 3 of Pentacles and the Garden:
The 3 of Pentacles shows growth concerning jobs, talents, money matters. It indicates achieving competence in one's field, or recognition, or a promotion.
Combined with the Garden, it says to me that his skills are going to be used in a bigger network of people; or that he is going to be recognised by a group of people for his work...

5)Ace of Pentacles and the Fox:
And, by 3 month's time, Mark will be offered a new job with more money!
A situation will manifest with real results :)


That's about as close as I can come to it :)
This is definitely an interesting exercise........and well worth, praciticing more.
Hope you'll do a few more in the future, Sylvie ~

Thanks,
LisaW

[Sylvie Steinbach]

Tarot: VII Chariot + Knight of sword + Ace of wand + 3 coins + Ace of coin
Lenor: 2- clover + 32- moon + 3- ship + 20- garden+ 14-fox


Chariot and clover:

The chariot arcana is about taking a journey to victory while overcoming challenges. The clover is about opportunities and positive vibrations.

Knight of sword and moon:

The knight can represent communication and air travel by the way. But also an individual. Depending on the age of your client that may be him or not...
The moon is about feelings, recognition and romance.

Ace of wand and ship:

The ace of wand can be sexuality, new creative project or a trip.
The ship is a movement, a transition or sometimes a man who is dark physically.

3 of coins and garden:

3 of coins is the mastery card, the completion of a work, a skilled worker.
The garden is your network, the public, nature or the crowd.

Ace of coins and fox:

The ace of coins is a new opportunity to make money. It promises rewards and material outcomes.
The fox is work, a job or a regular gig but also a warning to be on your guard for deceit and cunning individuals.


Since Mark just wanted to know the trends for the next 3 months as we are in April we know there is no key card that we charge or anything like this.
So we can read the spread as we were reading a book...

We can assure that Mark will take a trip -it s being confirmed by multiple cards- that will be financially beneficial as it may be motivated by some kind of work/business. Mark will have to take a plane so we know that it is not short distance! The timing is soon -moon and ace of wand- and we can safely said it should be within a month...
A romantic escapade is possible as there are many sexual cards leading to that. It is possible Mark meets this individual while on that trip or during the time of that trip.
Now there is a timeline that indicates June/July -cancer sign- that could be significant in the completion of the nature of its business trip. Probably by then he will be reaping the rewards of his efforts. But it could also be that the person he meets is Cancer -if himself is not.
His success seems to be directly linked with his expertise in his career maybe in services as customers/people are indicated in his spread.
Since I do not know the sexuality of Mark, based on this spread I would be wondering if he is gay as that knight may point to a younger lover -male- with dark hair -maybe foreign descent-.

These are questions that I would be addressing tactfully with Mark by double checking my first impressions in breaking down the reading while asking Mark if he has any questions...

[Sylvie Steinbach]

Let me know if you are interested in this thread since the participation is sparse. If you have been working in Tarot before and got over the side of Lenormand this is a good exercise to incorporate the two. But it is only good thread if people participate.

Contrary to my workshop where I was acting as the teacher and therefore correcting methodology and techniques, in this thread my purpose is different. My goal is to show how I usually use the process professionally and let you play while checking my inputs...I will not correct your inputs. So if you are shy rest assure you won't have to worry about my feedback :)

So tell me if you want this thread to grow...

[indianstorm]

thats an amazing breakdown- i did wonder on Marks sexuality as you tactfully pointed out with the knight- the romantic opportunity is obvious :)

i'd love more of these exercises Sylvie- it is making me think outside the box more.. tying in the tarot and lenormand is a breakthrough-

Still loving the solo Lenormand spreads-- gets me to the core of the matter.

i'd love it too if the those who just joined added their input to gain a variety of interps..

Stormy

[Sylvie Steinbach]

I agree with you that this is as crispy stuff as what is in the book in my opinion. A lot of people who are familiar with the Lenormand do not know HOW to combine the Tarot with the deck to further their insights. Here is the opportunity! And I am a bit surprised by the low participation since Tarot is everyone's cup of tea ;)

Maybe some advertising around is necessary?! will see...

Blessings

[Phine]

Dear Sylvie :)


I tried to read the cards on my own as a lurker since I remembered only signed up members who already studied your book were *allowed* to participate in these threads ;) .


But I am really interested in this subject (especially as my favorite tarot deck is the Thoth too and The Blue Owl as lenormand deck as well *lol*).

I was asking myself how you would handle a specific question - and still hesitated to post it.
Now I´m feeling quite invited - and yes, please: I´d like to learn more about merging these two kind of cards!


Best wishes
Phine

[LisaW]

I know I'm one of the few posters on this thread....but I'm sure that the examples are interesting to alot of people who aren't participating.
I'd enjoy playing around some more with this concept...it definitely helps expand our understanding!
It's funny, but alot of tarot enthusiasts are strictly that... tarot enthusiasts, and I must admit, that until this past year, I was like that....but now that I've had my eyes and understanding awakened to the power of the Lenormand, it's become my #1 tool!! Thank you Sylvie, for showing me a completely different world! I have had so many hits with the Lenormand that it's still blowing me away....do you ever get used to that????!!! LOL

Still, loving tarot for all these years, it's nice to have a way to combine them :) I hope you will continue sharing your expertise in any way you want!

Best Wishes,
LisaW

[Sylvie Steinbach]

It helps if you got my Lenormand book for the meanings since they do not all complied to the traditional ones BUT since this is not about teaching, more about sharing You can post...

The idea is to see how both interact as if they were having a relationship. A Lenormand card can give insights onto what a major arcana is trying to say...while a Tarot card can give an indication on what is the right meaning to choose on a lenormand card.

It is particularly interesting in timing for example. Tarot is known to give Astrological indicators and as the Lenormand students learned the small 36 cards can be quite specific in timeline too!

Descriptions can be reinforced which is useful as it is difficult sometimes with the Lenormand to know if it is referring to an individual or another meaning.

The precision and accuracy of the Lenormand is amazing if you know how to use it. BUT tarot can be a challenge sometimes when you are looking for details. Combining the two can be a real solution!

:)

[Pam O]

This is very interesting. I just learned about this thread from Le Fanu in the Lenormand deck he just found & a question from Great Dane about: why Lenormands. I just received my 1st Lenormand in a trade and I am looking forward to using it. This thread has been very enlightening. Thank you.
A student learning.... :)

[Aulruna]

Dear all, the Sylvie Steinbach threads relate to the Sylvie Steinbach method. You are welcome to discuss your work with this method, but discussing the merit of her method within the study group is considered meta discussion or off topic for the study group.

Some posts have been removed because of being meta, off topic or personal remarks directed at other members.

Please stay on topic.