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Gilded Reverie Lenormand


Expanded Edition

Introduction

The traditional 36-card system imagesLenormand they


have been in use for over 150 years, and it has been
argued, with good reason, that they have functioned
perfectly well during this period in their original form.

Experienced readers using the system can apply their


knowledge and familiarity with each individual letter and
also in your correspondence with other cards within a draw, to achieve broader
interpretations.

The core feature of the systemLenormandit is its objectivity compared to the esoteric nature
of the Tarot. The relative simplicity of the Lenormand images, arranged by symbolism,
allows the cards to suggest unambiguous interpretations.

However, when the full 36-card composition is displayed in the Royal Table format, they
offer a much broader perspective, providing an overview of the situation as well as
varying interpretations.

So, it was very audacious to think about messing with the traditional format, occasionally modifying
some image, let alone introducing additional letters.

However, I felt, rightly or wrongly, that theLenormand, like the Royal Table, were immense in
their combinations and perhaps there were occasions when a reader might not be clear in their
interpretations. I felt that some readings could benefit from some additional perspective or
clarification.

The introduction of additional cards in the deckGilded Reveriewas made, not to modify the
established system, but to allow greater flexibility in the readings. For example, the alternate
cards Man (28) and Woman (29) may provide a more relevant combination of "signifiers"
depending on the genders involved in a particular reading. The Owls card (12), as an
alternative to the Birds (12), recognizes this preference in several European traditions.

The other extra cards added to theGilded Reverie Lenormandwere intended to provide more context
and perspective for the readings.

The Time card (37) adds time details to the events suggested by the cards; for example, for the
“Arrival of the Knight” or the “Voyage of the Ship”.
The Dice (39) can provide an interesting complementary twist to the Clover (2), which
indicates random luck.

Dice, on the other hand, represent luck or result that is deliberately sought through
taking a risk, i.e. Choice (22).

Bridges (38) can suggest a more direct connection between other cards than the pattern based
on their relative positions in the play.

The Mask (40) is a somewhat personal brand and suggests the need for further consideration and
evaluation.

When Tali Goodwin was helping me with the text for the Gilded Reverie, she pointed out
that these same images had been part of previous Goose Games1, who share a common
heritage with thePetit Lenormand.

The Golden Goose Game, created in 1597, includes the Bridge, the Labyrinth, the Prison, Death, the
Tavern and the Well. The Goose Game is the prototype for all board games such as the Hope Game.
The Goose Game also includes Dice.

Thus, there was historical precedent, which made the inclusion of these letters in my special
edition all the more relevant, despite being a happy serendipitous discovery.

With my first self-published original edition ofGilded Reverie Lenormand, I was


comfortable enough to include a few of these, as the low print run and price
category more, I assumed, limited it mostly to collectors and those already
experienced with Lenormand.

I also ensured that the extra cards were numbered so that they could be used beyond
core 36, or so that they were discarded completely, leaving the reader with a fully
functional basic and complete Lenormand deck.

However, when the deck was licensed byUS Games Systems, Inc.., intended to be
published for a wider audience, which presumably included newcomers to the
Lenormand, I felt it prudent to only produce the basic 36 cards.

I was concerned that the extra cards would be confusing for those learning the
Lenormand system for the first time. It should be noted that this was my decision, not
the publishers', and for which I took responsibility, but looking at it today, I'm sorry.

It soon became apparent that my doubts about how these changes would be accepted proved
to be unfounded. The response and feedback from many readers, who got the set

1The Game of Glory or Game of the Goose is a board game in which two or more players move pieces around a
track by rolling a dice. The objective of the game is to reach the last square before any other player, avoiding
obstacles. The game is believed to have originated in the 16th century. The game was mostly used in Europe as
family entertainment. Commercial versions of the game appeared in the 1880s and 1890s, and feature typical
European features such as an old well and children in period costume. This game was the prototype for many
European board games of later centuries.
original edition of the special edition, indicated that these additional cards were actually
being used by both beginners and experienced Lenormand readers.

In fact, they proved quite popular, and even famous readers of Lenormand, such as Rana
George, occasionally incorporated some of them into their own methodology.

Over the years since the standard version was released, both I andUS Games Systems we
received numerous requests for these extra cards to be made available in some form.

In considering the possibility, the publisher and I discussed possible different scenarios,
including producing a small supplementary pack containing just the extra cards, and making
them available as an optional separate purchase.

Initially, this seemed like an attractive solution, but unfortunately, due to the double-
cutting process required for gold-edged cards, the printers could not guarantee an exact
match trimmed size. Although the discrepancy was minimal, theUS Games Systemswas
uncomfortable releasing any item that could be considered imperfect or that would
negatively affect the reader's experience, and I respect their position.

However, customer feedback still suggested strong demand, so the decision was made to
produce this new edition.Gilded Reverie Expanded Edition.

With experience and reference to how well received the extra cards were, I decided that this
time I would include not only the seven extra cards from my self-published first edition, but
also the other four cards that I had originally designed but had not previously published. ,
including the Pit (41), which was also historically used in previous games of chance.

Its depth meaning or as a symbolic power source once again can provide even more
nuance to other cards in the run.

I am very pleased that theUS Games Systemsallowed to correct my initial decision and now
these extra cards have been produced and made available.

I hope you enjoy using them and that they enhance your reading experience with theGilded
Reverie Lenormand Expanded Edition.

Thanks to the following contributors for their helpful input and expertise in writing the
descriptions for the additional letters: Rana George, Tali Goodwin, Donnaleigh de LaRose, and
Lee Bursten.

Ciro Marchetti
12. Owls

The Owls card also indicates communication, but usually of a less


frivolous nature.

The Owls could be sharing their wisdom or urging you to listen to


what elders or learned friends might have to say.

The Owls could also be telling you to look for important


signs around you.

28. Man II

I could be you, the reader, or the important male subject of your reading or
a partner.

This second optional card in thereverieit can be used to provide a


specific reference in reading, cater for a same-sex relationship, or
provide a choice that might better represent the male subject's
personality.

In this second version, a strong-looking man wears a red cape, his bare chest showing the
male Mars symbol on a pendant. He looks to the right and looks determined and passionate.
The card is illuminated with a gold background that communicates essential power.

29. Lady II

I could be you, the reader, or the female subject of your reading, or a


partner.

As with the second Man, the deckReverie Expanded includes an


additional Woman card.
This version shows a powerful and elegant woman looking through a window to
the right of the card. She has a draped red robe, and between her breasts she
clasps the feminine symbol of Venus.
Light shines through the window, emphasizing its strong features. She is the personification of
female power.
37. Time

My appearance brings “time” to the forefront. I could be


approaching or passing by, so watch out. Use me wisely to get the
big picture. Look around me to better understand my involvement.
Certain cards can slow me down, but sometimes a quick action will
bring you to power.

The watches onGilded Reverieare time measurement symbols. The clock


it is passing, and life is transient in nature, so we should savor every moment and live life
to the fullest. This letter is a reminder of our immortality. The hands of the clock are
moving forward and we must continue regardless.

It's the time management card; and the Owl reminds us to use time wisely.

The issue of time in a reading can usually be seen through playing cards, numerology or
other methods. However, this card can add focus, as it highlights the importance of
time in the interpretation itself.

It can increase perspectives, from the need to act immediately, to the benefits of a
patient approach – “wait and see”. It may also suggest that you need to set aside more
time for yourself.

This card can indicate too much time if it is near "slow" cards like Anchor (35), Tree (5),
Lilies (30) or Mountain (21).

It can mean little time if you are close to "fast" cards like Scythe (10), Scourge (11) or
Child (13).

OGilded Reverieincorporates the various ways of recognizing time: a cuckoo clock, a


sundial, an hourglass, a rooster, a candle and many other dials and gadgets. The
clock casts shadows in the background, alluding to the notion that "time waits for no
man".
It may be useful compared to the Sun (31) and Moon (32) natural timers.

38. Bridges

Close or far, wide or narrow, steep or straight, these are some of my


characteristics. But whatever form I take, I am your connection, with places,
people or points in time. I can cross the spaces that separate you. I can
shorten the distance that can unite you.

A symbol of transition and overcoming obstacles in your path, the Bridges


card acts as a way to cross a divide and thus open yourself up to new
opportunities. It's something that helps you reach a destination.
This card is a significant addition to the deck.Lenormandbecause it offers a solution
to a problem, helping to "fill in a gap".

For example, in the combination of the Cross (36) + Bridges (38) = suffering overcome.

However, if the Bridges card is hidden in other combinations, it is warning you not to "break
bridges", because there will be no return on the decision.

The Bridges ofGilded Reveriecross impossible mountains. It can mitigate the Mountain card
(21) and can provide a new passage, indicated by the cards around it. The card can also mean
reconciliation, connections or building bridges between people.

In another sense, the bridge is a place of reference, brief breaks and encounters.

If combined with Time (37), a short meeting is indicated, and with Letter (27) and Ring (25), it
suggests the speedy resolution of a contractual matter.

39. Data

I'm the risk, the bet you lay. I am the uncertain, and the leap of faith. I
offer the promise of future changes. Possibly, negative cards to my
right will predict an unfavorable fate, but positive cards will bring a
happy condition. Are you feeling lucky...well are you?

The two dice provide chance, opportunity, possibility, and a new


element to introduce into the situation.

They signify randomness and a risk one chooses to take, while the Trefoil (2) signifies luck
revealed at random.

The random result of the Dice can both punish and reward, and influence the surrounding cards.

The trusty Dog (18) is soon distracted from his duties by the nearby movement of the Dice. This
would actually indicate "friend for all hours".

Alternatively, the Dice card can indicate play as well as fun and games. It could also
suggest risky behavior such as gambling.

Since the image of this card appeared in primordial games, similar to the prototype of
Lenormand, it also references the history of the deck, which was originally a game played
with dice and cards.

Dice are now incorporated into the deck in the same way that card meanings were
determined, rather than being looked up in a book of fate as was originally the case.
40. Mask
Look deep into your soul, is it fun to make a game for who? I balance
contradictions and embrace opposites. I project my emotions or I
hide them. When I land on your right, I bring joy to the light, but if my
presence is on your left, melancholy is in sight. I can be the face that
suits any occasion. All the plays I can play, truth or pretend... I'm your
creation.

The Masquerade card is about role-playing. It may indicate the need to take
on a different role. It is a symbol of concealment and deception.

It is different from the Fox (14) or Serpent (7) because its appearance indicates that it is something it is not.

The card can be a warning not to believe "with your eyes closed" in something or someone.

In combination with Knight (1), it is misleading news. If found near the Female (29) or
Male (28), the person could be a fake - someone presenting one face but hiding another.

This card shows itself more publicly than the Snake or the Fox and can apply to
any situation or card in the deck, depending on proximity.

In online communications, "masked" is a term used for a security risk where


someone steals an online identity to defraud.

If found together with the Rats (23) and Letter (27), it will mean identity theft.

41. Well

I have many symbolic meanings: wishes, resources, creativity and


healing. If you look closely into the depths of my darkness, you can
see your true thoughts reflected and your secret desires revealed.
But your wishes will only be granted if you dig deep and work hard.

The Pit card is about digging deeper into an issue. You may think you know all the
facts, but there could be more to the story that you're not seeing.

The image suggests hidden depths. The rope going into the well represents the importance of
keeping the center.

On a deeper level, the Pit card could be a sign that you have reached the lowest point,
and now the only way is up. If other nearby cards indicate you're struggling, now is the
time to heal.

The Pit card is also about wishes, but it comes with a warning, be careful what you
wish for. Be prepared to work hard for what you want.
This card also refers to a goal that is achievable but still requires more effort or the
commitment of additional resources.

Unlike the Clover card (2), which brings unexpected luck, this card reminds you to
plan and work hard for your rewards.

While the card may encourage you to tap into untapped resources, it also warns against
depleting all of your resources at once.

If the Pit appears near the Fish (34) or the Ship (3), the message may be not to overexert yourself
in the pursuit of an investment or business venture.

42. Compass

I'm here to help you find your path, whether there's a journey to be
taken or a choice to be made. I can provide directions and a path so
you don't get lost.

The Compass card is an indicator of the direction you intend to go. It can represent
someone or something that provides guidance and helps direct you towards a
goal.

This card asks you to examine the point or focus of your undertaking. Look where the needle is
pointed. Nearby cards can provide information about your direction and your destination.

If you are facing the Mountain (21) or Path (22), you need to stop to get your bearings,
course to follow and make a plan.

This card advises you not to proceed blindly without direction. knowto whereis going
but alsowhyis going andwhatyou expect to find.

The Compass card represents the many things that can guide you on your path. This card is a
reminder to watch and pay attention to the signs and symbols you may see along the way.

Pay special attention to cards that relate to travel and movement, such as Knight
(1), Ship (3) and Stork (17).

Compass may also indicate comments that other people have given you. Listen to your intuition
to determine who might be your "true north" and those who might be eager to give you advice
and try to control yourself.

You can listen to others' suggestions, but you don't always have to follow them. Look to the
Key (33) and Stars (16) for clarity and guidance.
43. Labyrinth

Just when you think you've done all you can, you hit a wall and have
to start over. I am the maze that keeps you moving, through trial and
error to the end. There are no shortcuts to success my friend.

This card is about making your way through a confusing stream of


events, often through trial and error.

You may have goals and destinations you want to reach, but getting there might be harder than
you expected. Your road is not straight, it has twists and turns. No matter how much you plan
and strategize, at some point you will inevitably face mistakes. Be prepared for some false routes
and dead ends.

The Labyrinth card directs you to retrace your steps if necessary and take a
different route. Sometimes there just isn't a straight path.

Replanning and starting over are not failures, it's part of the process. Even when you feel like you
are returning to the first square of the game, you can start over with new information and a greater
understanding of the landscape.

The Labyrinth card can mean an enigma or problem that requires rational deduction to solve. There
are no easy answers or shortcuts. A narrow viewpoint will prevent you from seeing the bigger
picture.

Note that this card shows more than one person. It's a message that you're not alone on
this road. Others face the same challenges and can help you find a solution.

This card could also illustrate your frustrating efforts to connect with others. Something keeps
you separate from people or goals.

Now is not the time to turn your back on others. As you calculate your next step, don't
just think about how you can move forward individually, but how you can contribute to
group solutions.

44. Magnifying glass

I am the card that suggests you take a closer look. If you didn't get clarity
from a previous vision, I can provide more focus and a new perspective.

This card suggests that you need to take a closer look at a current
situation. Now is the time to focus, investigate and analyze.

You may have your eye on something that is not apparent or even visible. The smallest details
can be of vital importance.
Use Magnifier to help you investigate and discover more information that can lead to
greater clarity.

In a reading, the left card is what it looks like before looking closer. The card on the
right suggests what will be brought to light after a closer look.

The Magnifying Glass can also be a warning that nothing is what it seems at first glance. Read
the “small print” carefully.

If this card appears with the Letter (27), Book (26) or Ring (25), it may mean that you should
take a closer look at a document, contract, information or commitment.

The Clouds card (6) nearby reinforces the idea that things are still dark.

This letter may also suggest a financial audit or legal investigation.

In terms of emotional issues, Magnifying Glass suggests a concern. You may be too focused
on something. Your obsessive thinking may be what clouds your clarity.

How to Use the Extra Cards


by Lee Bursten

At theGilded Reverie Lenormand Expanded EditionIn addition to the traditional 36 cards, 11 additional
cards are included.

There is an extra card for Man and one for Woman, an extra Owls card and 8 cards
with entirely original design features and concepts.

These 11 cards can be used in many ways. The extra Man and Woman cards can, if you
prefer, replace the originals, can be used for readings with same-sex clients, or can be
added to the 36 cards for a reading involving more people.

The Owls card can replace, if desired, the original Birds card, or it can be added to the
deck with its own meanings to distinguish it from the Birds.

The 8 new cards are:

• 37. Time • 41. Well


• 38. Bridges • 42. Compass
• 39. Data • 43. Labyrinth
• 40. Mask • 44. Magnifying glass

The simplest way to use these cards is to simply add them to the deck, increasing the
number of cards from 36 to 44.
When reading in rows (with 2, 3, 4 or 5 cards) or using the 9 Card Draw (3x3 box), you
can shuffle the entire expanded deck and draw cards as usual.

To theroyal table, which uses all the cards in the deck, using the expanded deck requires an adjustment:

For Real Table 8x4+4, you can add two rows of more than four cards each to the end of the
draw, or an extra row of eight above the last row of four.

For Mesa Real 9x4, two extra rows of four cards can be centered at the bottom of the draw.
These cards will not line up with the lines above them, so instead they could be considered a
sort of tirade that comments on, but doesn't directly interact with, the cards above.

Below I describe a method of presenting a Real Table (8x4 + 4 or 9x4), using the 8 new
cards as a separate set to comment on the traditional 36 cards. This method gives you the
opportunity to explore the new cards without losing focus on the 36-card original.

For this method, you need to keep the extra 8 cards in your own pile.

STEP 1: Shuffle and place a Royal Table (8x4 + 4 or 9x4, as shown below) with the 36
traditional cards and interpret them as usual.

STEP 2:Choose between 1 and 8 cards in the draw that you would like to know more about. Leaving
the chosen cards where they are, remove the other cards from the tableau. (You may want to take a
photo of your shot first, so you can reference the entire frame later in the process.)
STEP 3:Shuffle the 8 new cards (numbers 37 to 44) and place a new card in the corner of
each of the drawn cards.

STEP 4: Interpret each of the cards dealt in light of the new information provided by the
new clarification cards.
The same method can be used for single rows of cards. Simply place a new card
above any card in the row you'd like to explore further.

Sample Reading with Clarifying Letters


by Donnaleigh de LaRose

FIRST PAIR:
Card 1 is the Stork (17), indicating delivery, movement, promotion, or birth.

The clarification card is the Magnifier (44), which means looking closer, focusing on something or
investigating.

This pair of cards suggests taking a closer look, concentrating or investigating details about attitude,
moves, promotions or pregnancy.

SECOND PAIR:

Card 1 is the Moon (32), related to reputation or romance.

Card 2, the clarification card, is the Pit (41). This card indicates making a wish, being careful what you
wish for, or considering the depths of something.

This could mean someone is setting an intention or desire to be known


(reputation), or setting an intention or desire in romance.
THIRD PAIR:

Card 1 is Clouds (6), which can mean feelings of confusion, insecurity or uncertainty. It could indicate
misunderstandings.

Card 2, the clarification card, is the Compass (42), which means navigating, finding your
way, determining which way to go, or looking for a new direction.

This combination suggests that there is something that is unclear or unclear about the direction to
take. This could also indicate that there is confusion or unsettling feelings that create a new
direction. Or that something that caused significant confusion suddenly has direction on where to
start or how to navigate through it.
It reminds me of a saying that suggests just when things look the worst, something new is
ready to open up and you are being pushed out of the old to make way for the new.

Or, if you just can't understand a situation or solve a problem and you feel completely
confused, you suddenly realize that there is a way to get help or direction towards the
answer.

FOURTH PAIR:

Card 1 is Heart (24), which suggests love, passion for someone or something, or a love relationship.

Card 2 is Labyrinth (43), suggesting that there may be mistakes and detours to find your way to the
end.

This pair of cards is reminiscent of the phrase "you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you
meet your prince". This reading suggests the need to work your way to the finish line, but
knowing that there will be many tries and wrong turns along the road as you learn your
way through the maze.

Whether it's a passion for something you're trying to fulfill, or whether it's about
finding a soul partner, it suggests understanding that mistakes along the way are
part of the process of finding your way to the finish line.

One mistake doesn't mean it's over, it means you have to find your way back and keep
moving. Movement is still progress, even when it sometimes feels like going
backwards.

NOTE:

Card 18. The Dog has been redrawn in the Expanded Edition

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