Exploring Cartomancy

The reading of playing cards is perhaps one of the earliest forms of card reading. In exploring this practice I discovered many thoughts, ideas, methods and approaches. In fact so many that really deciding on which to use has been a long complicated journey.  As usual my approach is a combination of several methods. 

First I started examining the Hedgewytch method. This is a three fold method that looks at the colors of the cards, the numbers and the suits. At times I find it interesting and at other times confusing. Red is good, black is bad. Each number represents something: exchanges, paths, beginnings, etc. And each suit represents an area of life. Given these multiple levels there are different ways to read any spread you deal. This can provide an indepth reading if you really sense the one to go with. You can read about this method HERE.  

Then I discovered a listing of some traditional meanings for the cards. I cannot remember the source or I would give you a link to it. But in this method there are some cards with traditional meanings like: The nine of spades is Wish Denied and the nine of hearts is Wish Fulfilled.  This method also assigns attributes to the face cards...such as a fair haired lady etc.  While I like some of the more traditional meanings again I feel like sometimes there are certain cards that don't seem to "fit" the reading.

There are numerous other methods. Another method people are talking about is Regina Russels Cartomancy method. It's not one I'm familar with but I will be checking into it.  My mother used to read with playing cards and used a method encorporating tarot meanings, traditonal meanings and her own developed meanings. A combination method is what I have discovered works best for me but I do not usually use tarot meanings. I use a combination of the Hedgewytch method, traditional meanings, and my own meanings developed over time.

So let's take a look at the reading pictured above. This is a beginner deck that I created, using regular cards and a black sharpie. I wrote cues on the cards as far as meanings but I am no where limited by what is written on them. It just serves to jumpstart the process. In readings for others I find that using plain cards without the cues works best otherwise they become focused on what is written and it can inhibit the intuitive nature of the reading.

Lets read by color:  RED- RED- BLACK: There is a postive exchange that creates a positive gain  BUT the opportunity is lost at the very beginning of the situation.

Lets read by number: 2, 6, A  There is a path that the person is on involving an exchange that is just beginning. 

Lets read by suit:  Hearts, diamonds, clubs: Love and friendship, something valued is beginning.  

As you can see it is often necessary to combine all three to get an indepth reading BUT in combining them it can also get confusing. So beware.

If I was going to read this one I'd say:

There is an exchange between friends that results in a small financial gain however the opportunity is shortlived.

Welcome to the world of cartomancy. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the cards shown above