Comparing various similar French fortune telling decks
I'm familiar with several of these decks, so I will give you my brief opinion and overview of what I know of them. All of these decks are very similar, but presented in various ways, which is why there's more than version to choose from
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From the list below my favorites are
Le Livre du Destin (The Book of Destiny) and
Le Petit Cartomancien. Both are visually pleasing, which aides in using the decks intuitively.
Le Livre du Destin (The Book of Destiny) - 33 cards: one blank, 32 descriptive scenes with playing cards inset (Ace, Court, 7 - 10) with meanings on the cards. I like this Tarot sized deck and the artwork is nice. I’ve used this a few times in the past and like it when used intuitively, so I bought a new set to add to my collection. Currently I’m more into Tarot and Oracles, so other than making sure the set was complete, I haven’t used the deck I purchased.
Le Petit Cartomancien - 36 descriptive scenes with playing cards inset (Ace, Court, 6 -10) with meanings on the cards. It’s similar to the Petit Etteilla (32 cards) deck, but the Le Petit Cartomancien is presented in an easier, nicer style. It’s a shame that this deck is typically found in French only. You may be able to find a French deck with English instructions, but it’s very hard to find the cards themselves translated into English too. I’ve used this a few times in the past and like it when used intuitively, so when I came across a previously owned deck (instructions and cards) in English I quickly bought it to add to my collection. The deck I have doesn’t look like it was ever used before. Currently I’m more into Tarot and Oracles, so other than making sure the set was complete, I haven’t used the deck I purchased.
Le Petit Lenormand - 36 card version of the Astro Mythological Lenormand which has 54 cards. Disregarding the made-up Lenormand connection, I didn't think either were good decks. Borrowing from my friend’s collection, I couldn’t connect with either of these decks and overall the decks’ system wasn’t presented very well, which is why I never owned either. I'm sure there are those that like these decks, but it left me cold.
Le Jeu du Destin Antique - 32 scenes with playing cards inset (Ace, Court, 7 - 10). I bought this new and other than making sure the set was complete, I’ve never used it.
Petit Etteilla - 32 playing cards (Ace, Court, 7 - 10) with meanings on the cards. I don't know French, so I didn't get the deck. It’s similar to the Le Petit Cartomancien (36 cards) deck, which is presented in an easier, nicer style.
tatsi
