I‘ll share what my research and number-crunching tells us about these curious icons that many take for granted. The most successful and universally recognized deck of cards is that based on a complement of 52, divided into four suits, each containing 13 ranks, so that each card is uniquely identifiable by suit and rank. Despite advances in printing and manufacture and the never-diminishing popularity of games, playing-card manufacture remains a highly specialized and competitive market. In the 20th century many traditional suppliers went out of business or were absorbed into larger companies. 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.
Potentially inspired by tarot cards, European card makers began using Swords, Clubs, Cups and Coins as the suit symbols on their playing cards in the 14th century. Known as “Latin Suits”, this imagery can still be found on some Italian and Spanish playing cards to this day. Additionally, as “sword” translates to “spada” in Italian, and “espada” in Spanish, these symbols may have laid the groundwork for the modern suits we know today. Most people don’t realize the amazing amount of history and engineering behind a simple deck of cards. Over the last 1,000+ years, playing cards have undergone a significant evolution as various countries have adapted them to feature colors, designs and symbols that best reflect their own unique cultures.
Thousands of decks of Belgian made playing cards were exported to countries throughout Europe, including England. In view of this, it is no surprise that English card players have virtually always been using the French designs. The 52-card deck is the most popular deck and includes 13 ranks of each suit with reversible “court” or face cards. Each suit includes an ace, depicting a single symbol of its suit, a king, queen, and jack, each depicted with a symbol of their suit; and ranks two through ten, with each card depicting that number of pips of its suit. As well as these 52 cards, commercial packs often include between one and six jokers, most often two. While playing cards have calendar correspondences, playing cards do not always have direct tarot correspondences.
The suits of hearts, spades, clubs, and diamonds became cups, swords, wands, and pentangles respectively. While suits might have changed throughout the centuries, “face cards” (those with pictures on them) have remained relatively unchanged. For example, the four king cards in British and French decks have for a long time represented Charles, David, Caesar, and Alexander the Great. Most people have encountered playing cards at one point or another in their lives, from children playing snap to people joining bridge teams and workers whiling away their commutes with a game of patience. While the cards serve as tools, it’s the reader’s intuition that truly brings a reading to life.
Diamonds, also known as “tiles” or “stones,” represented the merchant class. The sharp edges of a diamond shape symbolized wealth and the accumulation of riches. 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.
Setting aside decks printed for specific games, such as Uno, there are tons of these. We also have to set aside tarot decks, which are kind of their own thing. Knowing the exact origin of playing cards for historians has been a real problem.
Printing blocks began to wear out from the constant strain meta mtg and card makers would just copy the blocks or cards instead of making new blocks. Any errors would then get amplified each time, eventually leading to the edge of the King of Heart’s sword disappearing completely. This can make them a good option for anyone just dipping their toes into divinatory readings and looking for more direct guidance.
Jacks – Beneath kings and queens, jacks are wild cards and ambassadors for change. 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.
What is the Historical Background of Cartomancy?
As a metaphysician, Krystal focuses on psychic readings, astrology, and crystal therapy to help individuals connect with their inner spirituality and unlock potential. Think Alice‘s Queen of Hearts or Bond‘s “Casino Royale.” The characters and conflicts Derive from cards‘ potent symbolism. Spades ♠️ – Spades evolved from images of medieval swords and blades. 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. 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.
Such playing cards came to Europe from Italy in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Many playing cards in Il giuco dei Tarocchi were cards familiar to modern divination users such as the Fool, the Empress, the Wheel of Fortune, and the Star. In cartomancy, including fortune telling with playing cards, the suit of hearts is interpreted as representing emotions, relationships, connections, empathy, and affinity. When many hearts appear in a reading, it often signifies strong feelings, close bonds, romance, and affection in one’s life.
Origin and spread
Cartomancy is a great option for anyone looking to try a new form of divination. “If someone wants a no-nonsense, black-and-white approach to doing a reading, [cartomancy] is very direct,” Nova says. So, think of the questions you’d like answered and try your hand—literally.
The Card Maker Who Brought the Joker Into the World
Each card and its position within the spread hold specific meanings, providing insights into the seeker’s situation. The French suits and court card style spread like wildfire across Europe. German cards promoted the lower knave (jack) to the top with the king below. Spanish suits used swords instead of spades and batons instead of clubs. But the essential organization of the French deck prevailed across nations. By the 1500s, the familiar 52-card deck we know today was standardized across most of Europe.