Using cards to seek answers is nothing new. From tarot to oracle decks, card-based divination has been around for centuries. But here’s the secret: you don’t need a fancy, mystical deck to tap into deeper meaning. A plain old deck of playing cards works just fine. This practice is called cartomancy, and anyone can give it a try.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: where cartomancy came from, what each card means, how to do a reading, and how to start trusting your intuition.
What Is Cartomancy?
Cartomancy is a form of divination that uses a standard 52-card playing deck to gain insight into the past, present, or future. Its origins trace back to 14th-century Europe, where playing cards were among the earliest tools used for fortune telling—predating the structured symbolism of tarot.
Unlike tarot, which uses a specialized 78-card deck, cartomancy works with the same deck used for games like poker or bridge.
How Cartomancy and Tarot Are Different
The key distinction lies in the cards and their interpretations. While tarot often relies on archetypes and layered meanings, cartomancy tends to offer more direct and literal answers. Tarot is typically more symbolic and open to interpretation, whereas cartomancy readings are known for their clarity and straightforwardness.
Card Layouts and Reading Techniques
Cartomancy spreads range from a single card draw to elaborate 21-card layouts. Most spreads use multiples of three—often symbolizing past, present, and future. One common method is the “Wheel of Fortune” technique, where cards are drawn randomly, and their order influences the interpretation.
Each card’s meaning is derived from its suit, number, or face value:
- Suits point to major areas of life.
- Number cards suggest events or energies.
- Face cards often represent people.
Card Meanings by Suit
Hearts
Symbolizing emotions, family, love, and home life.
- Ace: New emotional beginnings, love, or joyful news
- 2: Togetherness, partnerships
- 3: Emotional indecision or third-party involvement
- 4: Stability in relationships
- 5: Emotional or domestic change
- 6: Harmony and cooperation
- 7: Disappointment or unreliability in relationships
- 8: Social opportunities with emotional potential
- 9: Desire for deeper connection or family expansion
- 10: Joyful gatherings or celebrations
- Jack: A romantic partner or close friend
- Queen: A nurturing figure, romantic or maternal
- King: An affectionate, influential man
Diamonds
Associated with material concerns, money, and communication.
- Ace: Important message, often about finances or love
- 2: Positive financial news
- 3: Financial indecision, possible legal conflicts
- 4: Need for responsible spending
- 5: Financial shift—gain or loss
- 6: Financial responsibility and planning
- 7: Financial warning—be cautious
- 8: Unexpected gain or windfall
- 9: Necessary expenses or large purchase
- 10: Financial success
- Jack: Bringer of unwelcome news
- Queen: A lively, social woman
- King: A powerful businessman or authority figure
Clubs
Relates to work, ambition, learning, and creativity.
- Ace: A gift, talent, or thirst for knowledge
- 2: The importance of communication
- 3: Creativity or the pressure that comes with it
- 4: Mental clarity and focus
- 5: A time for learning or change
- 6: Trust your intuition
- 7: Feeling confined in a relationship
- 8: Confusion in communication or connection
- 9: Completion of a project or phase
- 10: Travel or movement
- Jack: A loyal and honest friend
- Queen: A dynamic, influential woman
- King: A trustworthy and wise man
Spades
Often signify challenges, transformation, and endings.
- Ace: Major shift or ending to create new beginnings
- 2: A difficult decision or conflict
- 3: Sadness, bad news, or work-related stress
- 4: Stability returning after hardship
- 5: Letting go or leaving something behind
- 6: A turn of fate affecting life or finances
- 7: Loss due to conflict or separation
- 8: Work-related obstacles requiring decisive action
- 9: An approaching loss or conclusion
- 10: Fear, anxiety, or sorrow
- Jack: A disruptive or deceitful person
- Queen: A manipulative or harsh woman
- King: An authoritarian man causing tension
Tips for Practicing Cartomancy
- Create a clear space: Remove distractions and clutter. Some prefer to keep meaningful spiritual items nearby.
- Set an intention: Center yourself before reading to maintain objectivity.
- Observe the moon: New moons are ideal for beginnings; full moons suit closure and reflection.
- Keep a journal: Document spreads and interpretations to build familiarity with patterns and deepen your intuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you read cartomancy?
By interpreting the meaning of the cards based on their suit, number, and position in a spread. Some spreads answer specific questions, while others explore broader themes.
What deck is used for cartomancy?
A standard 52-card deck is used—no Jokers required.
Can I pay someone to read my cartomancy cards?
Yes! Many professional readers offer cartomancy sessions. On Keen, you can connect with experienced cartomancers who read with depth, clarity, and care.
What Can You Ask in a Cartomancy Reading?
Questions about love, career, decisions, or timelines are especially well-suited to cartomancy’s direct nature.
How Do You Shuffle the Cards in Cartomancy?
There’s no one right way—shuffle until the cards feel ready. Many readers repeat the shuffle three to five times while focusing on the question or intention.
Want personalized insights from a trusted cartomancer? Try a reading now with 5 minutes for just $1 on Keen.
