Lenormand Made Simple: The Sassy Little Deck That Tells It Like It Is

If Tarot is a complex cocktail — layered, nuanced, and sometimes a little hard to work out the different flavours — then Lenormand is a shot. Clear, direct, often cheeky — and always grounded in the here and now.

This simple-yet-sophisticated 36-card system (sometimes more) has a distinct way of cutting through confusion to deliver guidance you can actually use. And it does it not through lofty archetypes or symbolic introspection, but by speaking in iconic images read in combinations — like words forming sentences.

So why don’t we hear about Lenormand as often as we hear about Tarot?

The answer lies in its history. While Tarot stepped into the spotlight in the English-speaking world through the Golden Dawn and the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, Lenormand remained quietly within the kitchens and parlours of continental Europe. As with many forms of cartomancy, it was passed down through families, mostly by women. It wasn't adorned with spiritual theory or mythic layers — it was practical, everyday magic. And because it stayed tucked away, it also didn’t ride the wave of online spiritual revival in the early 2000s like Tarot and Oracle decks did.

But now, Lenormand is having a well-deserved renaissance. You’ll find modern books, creative and diverse decks, and workshops (like ours!) blossoming like the Clover Card in spring.

And you? You’re part of that revival as a client of Stars and Signs — part of the community that’s giving voice back to a system that was never really silent, just waiting to be translated.

What is Lenormand used for?

Lenormand is used for getting clear, practical answers to real-life questions. Where Tarot often dives into themes and self-reflection, Lenormand goes straight to the point. It’s brilliant for the everyday stuff — love, work, money, timing, decisions — because the cards combine like words in a sentence to tell you what’s really going on. Think of it as your no-nonsense friend: it won’t sugarcoat, but it will give you the clarity you need to make choices and spot patterns in your life.

How does Lenormand differ from Tarot?

At first glance, a Lenormand deck might seem like just another set of divination Cards. But unlike Tarot — which leans heavily on archetype, introspection, and layered symbolism — Lenormand doesn’t ask for interpretation in that way. It asks you to say what you see, not muse reflectively over the many symbols in a single Card.

Each Card shows one simple image: a Ship, a Tree, a Letter, a Heart. There are no suits, no Major Arcana, no reversals, and no royal court.

What matters is the order they appear in and how they speak to each other. Think of each Card as a word. On its own, it gives a single idea. But paired with another? Now it’s a phrase. Add a third, and it becomes a sentence. The meaning unfolds across the Spread like dialogue.

For example, imagine pulling Clover followed by Ship. That could suggest a lucky trip or opportunity involving travel. Reverse the order — Ship + Clover — and the emphasis shifts slightly, perhaps luck coming from abroad. Then there’s Rider + Letter, which often means “news is coming,” or Snake + House, which could suggest trouble at home or a hidden agenda within a family situation.

The sequence, the tone, and the question asked — all shape the meaning. That’s what makes Lenormand so captivating. It’s not about diving deep into a single Card. It’s about listening to how the Cards talk to one another.

Is Lenormand harder than Tarot?

No, Lenormand isn’t harder than Tarot — just different.

Tarot asks you to dive deep into symbols, archetypes, and layered meanings, while Lenormand is all about saying what you see and linking simple images together. In many ways, Lenormand can feel easier because the cards speak in everyday language — Ship, Heart, Letter, Tree — nothing too abstract. The real challenge is getting used to reading them in combinations, like words in a sentence. Once that clicks, Lenormand flows naturally and often feels more straightforward than Tarot.

Learning the Lenormand language

Learning Lenormand is a bit like learning a second language — one that uses image instead of grammar, and context instead of strict rules. And, interestingly, it’s a language that you knew before you could properly read - remember your old picture books!

You begin by getting to know each Card’s core idea. Take the Fox, often associated with work, cunning, or strategy. The Ring brings themes of commitment, contracts, and cycles. The Heart is — of course — love, but also passion and emotional connection. And the Fish might speak of money, flow, or abundance.

The magic begins when these Cards start appearing together. Say you pull Fox + Fish + Cross — this could describe a job that pays well but carries stress or becomes a burden. Or Man + Heart + Ring — a romantic commitment, a deepening connection, possibly even a proposal.

Because Lenormand uses a defined set of 36+ Cards, Readers become fluent over time. There’s less overwhelm than Tarot as long as you don’t try to read them in the same way — no long symbolic histories or astrological and numerical references — just clear images, speaking clearly. And once you know their voice, they’ll speak to you anywhere.

A living, breathing system

One of the things I love most about Lenormand is its adaptability. While many Readers prefer the traditional meanings — passed down through generations — others blend them with modern interpretation and personal intuition. And honestly? Both are valid. Lenormand is a living system, not a rigid one. As long as you remain consistent with your definitions and listen for what the Cards are actually saying, you’ll find your own rhythm.

Spreads can be as simple or intricate as you need. A 3-Card layout gives you a quick pulse on a situation — perfect for daily draws. A 5- or 7-Card Spread adds nuance. And then there are the larger formats: the Portrait Spread, a 3x3 grid that offers a well-rounded snapshot, or the Grand Tableau, which uses all 36 Cards for a full landscape view of a person’s life or season.

There’s something immensely satisfying about seeing the story come together — not just as insight but as actual, tangible answers. That’s what makes Lenormand so refreshing. It doesn’t beat around the bush. It tells you what you need to know. It’s a straight-talking friend who doesn’t sugarcoat but always has your back.

Why we work with Lenormand

At Stars & Signs, we adore the depth of Tarot and the fluidity of Oracle cards — but Lenormand brings a certain truthfulness that’s hard to ignore. It’s the deck we turn to when a client says, “I just want to know what’s going on.” It’s the system we use when life feels messy and we need clarity, not contemplation.

It’s honest. It’s grounded. And yes — sometimes it’s spicy.

But more than that, it’s empowering. It gives our clients the ability to see situations clearly, to spot patterns, and to shift course when needed. And it grows with them — becoming more fluent, more personal, more attuned the more it’s used.

Want to learn Lenormand?

If you’re curious to explore Lenormand more deeply, we can help. Whether you’re brand new or looking to expand your existing practice, we’ll guide you through the Cards, the Combinations, the Spreads, and the storytelling techniques that bring Lenormand to life.

And if you’re wondering where to begin, we’ve got a few favourites to help you fall in love with the system.

The Rana George Lenormand is our go-to — vibrant, luxurious, and rich with traditional symbolism. For something a little more playful, Pixie’s Astounding Lenormand brings a touch of charm and a nod to Tarot history. We also absolutely love The Lenormand of Enchantment by Yasmeen Westwood — a stunningly illustrated deck that blends clarity with magic, making it ideal for intuitive readers who still want structure.

As for books, The Essential Lenormand by Rana George is a must-have on the shelf — thorough, insightful, and full of real-world examples — while Lenormand Thirty Six Cards by Andy Boroveshengra is a visual treat and a brilliant teaching companion.

You don’t need to be psychic to use these Cards. You just need a willingness to observe, to practise, and to trust what you see. Lenormand is a practical tool, rooted in everyday life. And once you speak its language, you’ll never look at a Ship or a Fox the same way again.