What is Cartomancy?
Cartomancy is a divination system much like tarot cards and Lenormand that uses a poker deck to decipher one’s future. In astrology, each card means something on the astrological chart. Known as a popular game played in the royal courts, cartomancy goes back to the 1300s. It was not until the 18th and 19th centuries during the Spiritualism boom that made a massive comeback. Unlike tarot, cartomancy readings are straightforward. The poker deck used in cartomancy is not as intuitive or rooted in magic or the subconscious as the tarot is.
The questions you would ask the cards would be more direct and not as deep as you would ask in the tarot. Each suit pertains to something and each card has a separate meaning. Spades represent the future and challenges. Hearts represent feelings, the home, and relationships. Clubs are all about good fortune. Diamonds always deal with finances. Each card laid out in a certain way will form a sentence with another card.
Type of Cartomancy Readings
Single Card
This is a simple yes or no type of reading. Very short and direct answers are advised for this. Think of this also as a way to ask how your day will go.
Triple Card Spread
This is a past / present / future spread, although it deals with more in depth divination you will most likely just get hints and facts, nothing more. You might get one small detail or piece of advice from this.
Celtic Cross Spread
This spread will give a very detailed view of the past and will provide you with more descriptive markers to look out for. The cards go in the same order as they would in a tarot Celtic cross spread. In a reading like this, you will most likely get physical descriptions and timing so make sure to take lots of notes!
Of course, there is always a chance that your reader will pick up on more. In that case, these cards can be a gateway to something deeper and more in-depth that needs translation from an advisor.
Dive into our Cartomancy Guide here! Learn more about the different suits in the playing card deck.
Suit of Clubs
The suit of clubs is known as the suit of the common man. Clubs come out when you are working hard at a goal and achieving it. They also represent society. Your peers, the common man, and humanity as a whole, represents this suit. Clubs are associated with Summertime. They also bring news in the form of wealth, a change of luck, and maturity. This could mean you may have some growing up to do if the clubs come out for you.
Number 1 in Cartomancy
Number 1 is also known as the ace. This card will always speak to you. This number talks about the self, the first person, and the priority. You may very well be that priority the 1 is referring to but it depends on the surrounding cards. Perhaps the full reading is telling you that you need a change in order to move forward or that it is time to start something new.
What does the Ace of Clubs mean?
The Ace of Clubs talks about contracts involving you. This is always an indicator of starting a new partnership or perhaps a marriage. Other contracts can come into play when this card shows up. Are you going to refinance your debt? Perhaps it is time to sign a new lease or sell your home. Depending on the surrounding cards, know this card is all about binding yourself to someone or something.
Ace of Clubs Reversed
We have discussed in other articles how reverses do not really exist in some of these older systems. Many readers believe that a reversal is a shadow aspect of that card. Something you might be in denial of or are avoiding. Of course, there are always some readers who will look into this more closely and it always depends on what cards are surrounding it.
Wrapping up the Ace of Clubs
Today we learned a little bit about Cartomancy. We talked about its history, usage, and overall system. Furthermore, we saw that unlike tarot, it is more of a literal oracle and not too deep at first glance. We learned that the number 1 is always about the self. We learned that the suit of clubs relates to society and your peers. Together we learned that the Ace of Clubs means you will be bound to some sort of contract like a marriage or debt refinancing. As always make sure you look at the surrounding cards and don’t be afraid to consult a professional who can guide you through your questions.
