Freshly launched on Kickstarter, the Ghastly Lenormand From the Grave, is a darkly delightful deck of 52 coffin-shaped cards that celebrates the ancient tradition of Lenormand with hauntingly beautiful illustrations and a touch of dark humor. Inspired by the Victorian fascination with the mysteries of the great beyond and the Penny Dreadfuls, this deck reflects the artist’s lifelong captivation with the macabre, tales from Lovecraft and Poe, and their mother’s spooky seances.
The 36 classic Lenormand cards are accompanied by 16 additional cards inspired by different fortune-telling traditions, enriching the profound mystique of this deck.
For those who aren’t familiar, Lenormand cards (named after the famous 19th-century French fortune-teller Marie Anne Lenormand) offer a distinctive approach to divination that sets them apart from the more commonly known tarot cards. While tarot decks typically contain 78 cards divided into Major and Minor Arcanas, Lenormand decks are more streamlined, usually consisting of 36 cards. Each Lenormand card features a straightforward symbol and is often interpreted quite literally, compared to the more archetypal and nuanced imagery found in tarot cards.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Lenormand is the method of reading the cards. Lenormand readings typically involve laying out multiple cards in a spread, such as the Grand Tableau, which uses all 36 cards to give a comprehensive overview of the querent’s life. This spread reveals patterns and connections between different areas of life, providing a holistic view that is both detailed and interconnected. In contrast, tarot readings often involve smaller spreads, focusing more deeply on specific issues with a greater emphasis on the symbolic and intuitive interpretations.
Some might prefer Lenormand’s simplicity and directness as an accessible and effective divination tool for those seeking straightforward answers and practical guidance. Its unique approach provides a refreshing alternative to the more abstract and interpretive nature of tarot, allowing readers to gain clarity and insight into their everyday lives with remarkable precision.
The Ghastly Lenormand From the Grave comes with 400gsm with rounded corner and matte lamination card stock, perfect for shuffling and prevent cuts from the sharp edges. The deck also comes with a hardcover 84-page guidebook that guides you on a journey into the rich meaning of each card.
The Ghastly Lenormand From the Grave is available now on Kickstarter starting from £38 (US$48) for a standard deck with guidebook. What I love most and considering to get is the Madame’s Spectral Spectre pledge at £90 (US$114) that comes with this stunning Madame Lenormand portrait. At the time of writing, this campaign is already at 202% funded so it’s definitely a go! Check out the campaign page for more details about their very interesting add-ons.
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