Cartomancy facts for kids
Cartomancy is a way of trying to understand the future or get advice using a deck of cards. People have been using cards for fortune-telling since playing cards first arrived in Europe in the 1300s. Those who practice cartomancy are often called cartomancers or card readers.
Cartomancy is one of the oldest and most common types of fortune-telling. It is similar to tarot card reading. Both methods use different ways of laying out cards, called "spreads." These can be as simple as picking one card or more complex patterns like the "Destiny Square" or a three-card spread. Tarot cards can also be used for cartomancy.
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What is Cartomancy?
Cartomancy is a type of divination. This means it's a practice where people try to gain insights into a question or situation. They might seek guidance about the future, relationships, or important decisions. The cards are believed to offer symbolic messages that the reader then interprets.
How Does it Work?
A cartomancer usually shuffles a deck of cards. Then, they lay them out in a specific pattern or "spread." Each card's position in the spread, along with its suit and number, can have a special meaning. The reader combines these meanings to tell a story or answer a question.
Types of Cards Used
For a long time, standard playing cards were the most popular choice for cartomancy. This was especially true in the 1700s, 1800s, and 1900s.
Standard Playing Cards
In many English-speaking countries, people often use a standard 52-card deck. This is the same kind of deck used for games like bridge or poker. Sometimes, extra cards like jokers or even blank cards are added to the deck.
French Playing Cards
In France, a 32-card deck called a piquet deck was, and still is, very common for cartomancy. A piquet deck is like a regular 52-card deck but without the cards from 2 through 6. This means it only has the 7s, 8s, 9s, 10s, face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings), and Aces. The regular 52-card deck is also used in France for card readings.
