What Is Cartomancy?
Playing cards have been used to tell fortunes since 14th century Europe. In a way, they were the first form of tarot cards.
You’re wondering how many cards in a deck? Unlike tarot that has a specific deck, cartomancy is fortune telling using a good old-fashioned 52-card deck—the exact same one used to play popular card games like bridge, poker, or go fish.
How Is Cartomancy Different From Tarot?
Besides the deck, the main difference between cartomancy readings and tarot readings is that the cartomancy cards have a more clear cut meaning. Tarot cards like The Devil or The High Priestess can have hidden meanings.
Cartomancy readings are great for giving literal questions to answers. Tarot tends to show potential outcomes. One isn’t better than the other, the choice is just preference in how you like getting answers.
Cartomancy Card Layouts & Interpretations
In cartomancy, each number, suit, and face card have a specific meaning (however, the Joker card is not always used.)
For example, the Ace of Hearts represents a new beginning, such as a new relationship or job opportunity and the 7 of Spades means the loss of a friend or another significant person in your life due to a disagreement or problem.
The most popular method of cartomancy technique is the Wheel of Fortune. The reader randomly removes cards and interprets meaning based on the pick order.
Card Layouts
Many spreads are used in cartomancy, ranging from a single card reading to 21-card spreads. Usually, spreads are multiples of 3 (typically 3, 9, or 21), so three sections can represent past, present, and future. Depending on the size of the layout, cartomancy can provide you with a quick answer or deep life insight.
Card Interpretations
Cartomancy readings depend on the suit and value of the revealed card. The suit depicts the broader meaning or life category of a card. Face cards are people in your life. Number cards are life events in your near future.
Here is a list of what each card in a standard 52-card deck means in a cartomancy reading.
Cartomancy Card Meanings
Hearts
A well recognized symbol of our feelings, the heart’s suit relates to things that are very close to you. These playing cards provide insight into your home, family, and emotions. How many hearts are in a deck of cards? 13.
- Ace of Hearts: A new beginning, such as a new relationship, marriage, or some good news for yourself or someone close
- 2 of Hearts: This union of hearts means it’s time to spend some quality time with your loved ones
- 3 of Hearts: Like a third wheel, this represents indecision or a lack of commitment in a relationship
- 4 of Hearts: A stable, secure, and committed romantic relationship or marriage
- 5 of Hearts: Major change is coming to your home or family, such as a divorce, a loved one moving away, or a new home
- 6 of Hearts: A time of peace and harmony where you can work well with others to achieve your goals and overcome obstacles
- 7 of Hearts: A partner or friend who is undependable and will let you down
- 8 of Hearts: An upcoming social event will provide you with important business or romantic connections with someone that you meet there
- 9 of Hearts: Someone is wishing for more in a relationship, such as having a baby or taking your relationship to the next level
- 10 of Hearts: Good news is coming, probably at a large gathering of people at a wedding or party
- Jack of Hearts: Your lover or best friend—can also signify a couple when it appears with the Queen of Hearts
- Queen of Hearts: A female lover or fantasy, which may mean marriage—also may represent a mother or a pregnant woman
- King of Hearts: Represents an influential man who is romantic and affectionate, but also emotional—could be a father
Diamonds
Diamonds are prized for their monetary value. Likewise, playing cards in this suit relate to your money and finances. How many diamonds are in a deck of cards? 13.
- Ace of Diamonds: An important message is coming that will relate to your love or business
- 2 of Diamonds: Good news about your finances or investments is coming soon
- 3 of Diamonds: Represents indecisiveness regarding money, which may lead to arguments and legal issues
- 4 of Diamonds: A reminder that financial responsibility is necessary to achieve stability and prosperity
- 5 of Diamonds: A financial change is coming—this may be a positive change (such as getting a new job) or a negative change (like an unexpected expense)
- 6 of Diamonds: There’s a need to take financial responsibility over your budget, investments, or debts
- 7 of Diamonds: A warning to be careful with your investments. Financial troubles are on the horizon
- 8 of Diamonds: An unexpected windfall is coming your way—consider a budget and plan for savings
- 9 of Diamonds: An upcoming expense, such as repairs, bills, or a large purchase
- 10 of Diamonds: This card represents a big financial success is coming
- Jack of Diamonds: The bearer of bad news
- Queen of Diamonds: A sophisticated woman who loves to party and gossip
- King of Diamonds: A powerful and successful businessman
Clubs
The suit of clubs is generally a good sign in a cartomancy reading. Most of the playing cards relate to positive experiences coming your way. How many clubs are in a deck of cards? 13.
- Ace of Clubs: A thirst for knowledge or a special talent that you have
- 2 of Clubs: A reminder of the importance of communication to avoid confrontations and disappointment
- 3 of Clubs: Immense creativity, or the stress of the creative process
- 4 of Clubs: Mental stability that may lead to a great adventure
- 5 of Clubs: An indication that it’s time to make a change and learn something new, such as a new hobby or sport
- 6 of Clubs: Trust your intuition to receive great benefits
- 7 of Clubs: Represents feeling confined or trapped, usually in regards to a romantic relationship
- 8 of Clubs: Indicates a time of confusion that can lead to significant problems in your relationships if things are not resolved
- 9 of Clubs: Represents the completion of a project or phase of your life
- 10 of Clubs: You’ll be traveling soon
- Jack of Clubs: An honest and trustworthy person who may be your friend
- Queen of Clubs: A charismatic woman who is in a position of power
- King of Clubs: A man of integrity who is a generous and loyal friend
Spades
In a cartomancy reading, playing cards with the spades suit reveal upcoming struggles in your life that you will have to deal with.
- Ace of Spades: A time of significant change—one thing will come to an end to make room for something new
- 2 of Spades: A difficult situation or decision may cause division between you and a loved one or friend
- 3 of Spades: The three spades represent tears from a stressful situation involving bad news, indecision, fear, or your job
- 4 of Spades: Stability will soon return to your workplace or health—the troubling times are almost over
- 5 of Spades: You will soon be moving on and leaving behind what you currently know, such as a new job, a relocation, or the end of your relationship
- 6 of Spades: A warning that fate will soon strike and impact you, your work, or your finances
- 7 of Spades: Represents the loss of a friend or another significant person in your life due to a disagreement or problem
- 8 of Spades: Indicates that obstacles at work may soon put you at a crossroads where you will need to make an important decision
- 9 of Spades: A sign that there will soon be a loss or ending in your life, possibly the death of someone close to you
- 10 of Spades: Worry and grief that may be the result of health problems, fear, or bad news
- Jack of Spades:A negative person in your life may betray you or hold you back
- Queen of Spades: Represents a cruel woman who is extremely manipulative and malicious
- King of Spades: Represents an authoritative man who may create trouble in a relationship
Tips for Practicing Cartomancy
Do you want to learn how to read tarot with playing cards? Keep these top tips in mind.
Set the Tone
As with any reading, it’s important to set up a clutter-free positive space. Objects can absorb energy, so only keep spiritual items, like crystals, around during a reading.
Make an Intention
Set an intention or say a prayer or blessing before your cartomancy reading to ensure that you’re not projecting any of your personal emotions into the reading.
Get in Sync With the Lunar Cycle
Understand the difference between new moon and full moon energies. For example, if someone comes to you looking for a reading involving new beginnings (a relationship, job, move, etc.), the new moon is in your favor. The full moon, however, is better for resolving old issues in order to move forward.
Get Started With a Cartomancy Reading Today
Like Tarot readings, cartomancy readings are only successful if they are conducted by an experienced reader who knows how to see patterns within the spread and relate them to the recipient’s life. Curious about cartomancy? Book a reading with one of our advisors today.Keen offers online cartomancy readings performed by skilled cartomancers. In the reading, you will discover answers about yourself and your destiny. Since 1999, Keen has been a reputable source for online card readings. Need proof? The first three minutes are on us, so a free cartomancy reading is in your future.
Playing Card Meanings In Cartomancy: Discover The Best Spreads
Best Spreads to try at home, from simple to complex
Let’s start with a couple of simple spreads that you can try right at home, perfect for experimenting and gaining confidence in interpreting the cards. These introductory spreads offer valuable insights into your life’s themes and dynamics, providing a gentle introduction to the magic of cartomancy.
As we progress, we’ll explore more intricate and nuanced card spreads that provide a deeper understanding of your inquiries. These complex layouts demand the expertise of seasoned cartomancers and advisors to navigate effectively. If you seek profound insights and guidance, elevate your journey with a tarot reading from Purple Garden’s seasoned and skilled professionals. They possess the expertise to interpret these intricate spreads and offer valuable guidance tailored to your unique situation.
Three-Card Spread: Past, Present, Future
- This classic spread offers a snapshot of your life’s timeline. Draw three cards—one for the past, one for the present, and one for the future. Reflect on how each card resonates with your journey
- and what insights it brings.
- For Example: You draw the following cards:
- Past: Eight of Cups
- Present: The Lovers
- Future: Ace of Pentacles
- Interpretation: The Eight of Cups suggests leaving behind emotional baggage from the past. The Lovers indicate a current relationship or significant choice. The Ace of Pentacles signals a new opportunity or financial stability on the horizon.
Nine-Card Spread: Problem-Solving Adventure
- Lay out nine cards in a 3×3 grid. Each row represents different aspects—past, present, future; mind, body, spirit; or situation, action, outcome. Dive into each section to uncover solutions and guidance.
- For Example: Lay out cards in a 3×3 grid.
- Row 1 (Past): Five of Cups, Knight of Swords, King of Pentacles
- Row 2 (Present): The High Priestess, Ace of Wands, Seven of Cups
- Row 3 (Future): The Star, Ten of Swords, Queen of Cups
- Interpretation: Each row offers insights:
- Past: Regrets and swift actions leading to stability.
- Present: Intuition, new beginnings, and choices to be made.
- Future: Hope, overcoming challenges, emotional fulfillment.
Celtic Cross Spread: Deep Dive into Destiny
- Embrace the complexity of the Celtic Cross, with ten cards arranged in a cross-like formation. Each position delves into different aspects of your life—challenges, desires, fears, and outcomes. Perfect for deep introspection!
Wheel of Fortune Spread: Popular And Detailed
Inspired by the cycles of life and destiny, the Wheel of Fortune spread features a circular layout resembling spokes on a wheel, including a designated position for Lady Faith herself. Each position in the spread represents a different aspect of life—such as beginnings, challenges, growth, and culmination—offering a holistic view of your life’s journey.
Unlock the magic of tarot with Purple Garden and embark on your path to self-discovery and enlightenment today!
