What Is Cartomancy?
Playing cards have been used to tell fortunes since 14th century Europe. In a way, they were the first form of tarot cards.
You’re wondering how many cards in a deck? Unlike tarot that has a specific deck, cartomancy is fortune telling using a good old-fashioned 52-card deck—the exact same one used to play popular card games like bridge, poker, or go fish.
Want your own cartomancy reading? Get a reading from one of our advisors. The first three minutes are free.
How Is Cartomancy Different From Tarot?
Besides the deck, the main difference between cartomancy readings and tarot readings is that the cartomancy cards have a more clear cut meaning. Tarot cards like The Devil or The High Priestess can have hidden meanings.
Cartomancy readings are great for giving literal questions to answers. Tarot tends to show potential outcomes. One isn’t better than the other, the choice is just preference in how you like getting answers.
Cartomancy Card Layouts & Interpretations
In cartomancy, each number, suit, and face card have a specific meaning (however, the Joker card is not always used.)
For example, the Ace of Hearts represents a new beginning, such as a new relationship or job opportunity and the 7 of Spades means the loss of a friend or another significant person in your life due to a disagreement or problem.
The most popular method of cartomancy technique is the Wheel of Fortune. The reader randomly removes cards and interprets meaning based on the pick order.
Card Layouts
Many spreads are used in cartomancy, ranging from a single card reading to 21-card spreads. Usually, spreads are multiples of 3 (typically 3, 9, or 21), so three sections can represent past, present, and future. Depending on the size of the layout, cartomancy can provide you with a quick answer or deep life insight.
Card Interpretations
Cartomancy readings depend on the suit and value of the revealed card. The suit depicts the broader meaning or life category of a card. Face cards are people in your life. Number cards are life events in your near future.
Here is a list of what each card in a standard 52-card deck means in a cartomancy reading.
Cartomancy Card Meanings
Hearts
A well recognized symbol of our feelings, the heart’s suit relates to things that are very close to you. These playing cards provide insight into your home, family, and emotions. How many hearts are in a deck of cards? 13.
- Ace of Hearts: A new beginning, such as a new relationship, marriage, or some good news for yourself or someone close
- 2 of Hearts: This union of hearts means it’s time to spend some quality time with your loved ones
- 3 of Hearts: Like a third wheel, this represents indecision or a lack of commitment in a relationship
- 4 of Hearts: A stable, secure, and committed romantic relationship or marriage
- 5 of Hearts: Major change is coming to your home or family, such as a divorce, a loved one moving away, or a new home
- 6 of Hearts: A time of peace and harmony where you can work well with others to achieve your goals and overcome obstacles
- 7 of Hearts: A partner or friend who is undependable and will let you down
- 8 of Hearts: An upcoming social event will provide you with important business or romantic connections with someone that you meet there
- 9 of Hearts: Someone is wishing for more in a relationship, such as having a baby or taking your relationship to the next level
- 10 of Hearts: Good news is coming, probably at a large gathering of people at a wedding or party
- Jack of Hearts: Your lover or best friend—can also signify a couple when it appears with the Queen of Hearts
- Queen of Hearts: A female lover or fantasy, which may mean marriage—also may represent a mother or a pregnant woman
- King of Hearts: Represents an influential man who is romantic and affectionate, but also emotional—could be a father
Diamonds
Diamonds are prized for their monetary value. Likewise, playing cards in this suit relate to your money and finances. How many diamonds are in a deck of cards? 13.
- Ace of Diamonds: An important message is coming that will relate to your love or business
- 2 of Diamonds: Good news about your finances or investments is coming soon
- 3 of Diamonds: Represents indecisiveness regarding money, which may lead to arguments and legal issues
- 4 of Diamonds: A reminder that financial responsibility is necessary to achieve stability and prosperity
- 5 of Diamonds: A financial change is coming—this may be a positive change (such as getting a new job) or a negative change (like an unexpected expense)
- 6 of Diamonds: There’s a need to take financial responsibility over your budget, investments, or debts
- 7 of Diamonds: A warning to be careful with your investments. Financial troubles are on the horizon
- 8 of Diamonds: An unexpected windfall is coming your way—consider a budget and plan for savings
- 9 of Diamonds: An upcoming expense, such as repairs, bills, or a large purchase
- 10 of Diamonds: This card represents a big financial success is coming
- Jack of Diamonds: The bearer of bad news
- Queen of Diamonds: A sophisticated woman who loves to party and gossip
- King of Diamonds: A powerful and successful businessman
Clubs
The suit of clubs is generally a good sign in a cartomancy reading. Most of the playing cards relate to positive experiences coming your way. How many clubs are in a deck of cards? 13.
- Ace of Clubs: A thirst for knowledge or a special talent that you have
- 2 of Clubs: A reminder of the importance of communication to avoid confrontations and disappointment
- 3 of Clubs: Immense creativity, or the stress of the creative process
- 4 of Clubs: Mental stability that may lead to a great adventure
- 5 of Clubs: An indication that it’s time to make a change and learn something new, such as a new hobby or sport
- 6 of Clubs: Trust your intuition to receive great benefits
- 7 of Clubs: Represents feeling confined or trapped, usually in regards to a romantic relationship
- 8 of Clubs: Indicates a time of confusion that can lead to significant problems in your relationships if things are not resolved
- 9 of Clubs: Represents the completion of a project or phase of your life
- 10 of Clubs: You’ll be traveling soon
- Jack of Clubs: An honest and trustworthy person who may be your friend
- Queen of Clubs: A charismatic woman who is in a position of power
- King of Clubs: A man of integrity who is a generous and loyal friend
Spades
In a cartomancy reading, playing cards with the spades suit reveal upcoming struggles in your life that you will have to deal with.
- Ace of Spades: A time of significant change—one thing will come to an end to make room for something new
- 2 of Spades: A difficult situation or decision may cause division between you and a loved one or friend
- 3 of Spades: The three spades represent tears from a stressful situation involving bad news, indecision, fear, or your job
- 4 of Spades: Stability will soon return to your workplace or health—the troubling times are almost over
- 5 of Spades: You will soon be moving on and leaving behind what you currently know, such as a new job, a relocation, or the end of your relationship
- 6 of Spades: A warning that fate will soon strike and impact you, your work, or your finances
- 7 of Spades: Represents the loss of a friend or another significant person in your life due to a disagreement or problem
- 8 of Spades: Indicates that obstacles at work may soon put you at a crossroads where you will need to make an important decision
- 9 of Spades: A sign that there will soon be a loss or ending in your life, possibly the death of someone close to you
- 10 of Spades: Worry and grief that may be the result of health problems, fear, or bad news
- Jack of Spades:A negative person in your life may betray you or hold you back
- Queen of Spades: Represents a cruel woman who is extremely manipulative and malicious
- King of Spades: Represents an authoritative man who may create trouble in a relationship
Tips for Practicing Cartomancy
Do you want to learn how to read tarot with playing cards? Keep these top tips in mind.
Set the Tone
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.
Make an Intention
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.
Get in Sync With the Lunar Cycle
Understand the difference between new moon and full moon energies. 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.
Get Started With a Cartomancy Reading Today
Like Tarot readings, cartomancy readings are only successful if they are conducted by an experienced reader who knows how to see patterns within the spread and relate them to the recipient’s life. Curious about cartomancy? Book a reading with one of our advisors today.Keen offers online cartomancy readings performed by skilled cartomancers. In the reading, you will discover answers about yourself and your destiny. Since 1999, Keen has been a reputable source for online card readings. Need proof? The first three minutes are on us, so a free cartomancy reading is in your future.
FAQs
What each playing card represents? ›
Some historians have suggested that suits in a deck were meant to represent the four classes of Medieval society. Cups and chalices (modern hearts) might have stood for the clergy; swords (spades) for the nobility or the military; coins (diamonds) for the merchants; and batons (clubs) for peasants.
What is the meaning of cartomancy in playing cards? ›Cartomancy is fortune-telling or divination using a deck of cards. Forms of cartomancy appeared soon after playing cards were first introduced into Europe in the 14th century. Practitioners of cartomancy are generally known as cartomancers, card readers, or simply readers.
How many cards do you pull in a yes or no reading? ›One of the most common ways to use tarot to obtain yes or no answers is to use a simple three-card draw. This uses simple reversals for yes or no answers and also allows you to gain some insight into why the answer was yes or no.
Is cartomancy the same as tarot? ›Unlike tarot, cartomancy usually uses 52 (or 54 if you use the 2 The Joker cards, which is optional) playing cards as opposed to the 78 tarot cards. It doesn't consist of the major arcana or all of the royal cards. It's a great way to read your fate or karma on the go if you don't have access to tarot cards.
What does the queen of spades mean in cartomancy? ›In cartomancy, the queen of spades is considered to be a sign of intelligence. It is representative of judgment that is practical, logical, and intellectual. It represents a woman who is creative and makes her plans ahead of time.
What are the highest symbols in playing cards? ›In the English-speaking world, all decks of ordinary playing cards comprise fifty-two cards in four suits—Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, and Clubs, ranked in that order—with Kings, Queens, and Jacks as face cards and number (or "pip") cards from 10 through 2. Instead of a 1, there is an Ace, which has the highest value.
What does Joker represent in card games? ›What does a joker card symbolize? The joker card is often used as a wild card in games that can either be quite beneficial or extremely harmful. The card is represented as a clown or court jester and symbolizes a wild card.
What do the Joker cards represent? ›The Joker card is often depicted as a court jester, clown, or harlequin, representing chaos, unpredictability, wit, and intelligence. In popular culture, the Joker card has been associated with characters like the Joker in the Batman universe, further cementing its image as a symbol of chaos and cunning.
How many tarots should I pull? ›You can pull one or three cards at a time. I prefer to pull three to tell a whole story. Being that we all have different relationships with each card, the connection you feel with it will best explain the information being shown to you. Think of yourself as a painter, using your knowledge as the brushstrokes.
Is the yes no tarot accurate? ›Yes, the Yes or No card reading online is accurate. However, it also depends on the surroundings and focus. Also, your energy and clarity of question matters the same.
How many cards should you draw in a tarot reading? ›
For beginner readers, Howe recommends two basic spreads, a three-card pull and the Celtic Cross. The former is where three cards are drawn from the deck to represent the past, present, and future or mind, body, and spirit of the person being read.
What does 5 diamonds mean? ›Without a doubt, five stone rings are the perfect five year anniversary gift, since you could say that each of the diamonds represents one of the first five years of marital bliss.
What is the ace of cups in cartomancy? ›This card often means that love is the essence of the situation, the heart of the matter. It may or may not be romantic love, and can depend on other cards around it. The inquirer may be guided to look for ways to connect with others at this level: is there someone to forgive, or is forgiveness even needed?
What does the Jack of Hearts symbolize? ›The card often appeared in romantic poetry and literature, symbolizing youthful love and passion. Today, the Jack of Hearts remains one of the most recognizable and beloved playing cards, often used in popular culture to represent love, passion, and adventure.
What are the 4 types of cards in card game? ›The normal pack has 52 cards in it. These are split into four types, known as suits, called hearts, clubs, diamonds and spades. There are numbers on the cards, and there is one card of each number in each suit.
What does the ace of hearts symbolize? ›The Ace of Hearts is often called the "ace of love" and is associated with emotional stability, unconditional love, and new beginnings. In a reading, the Ace of Hearts can represent a birth or new beginning, a rekindling of old flames, or a deep spiritual connection.
What does the Jack of hearts represent? ›The card often appeared in romantic poetry and literature, symbolizing youthful love and passion. Today, the Jack of Hearts remains one of the most recognizable and beloved playing cards, often used in popular culture to represent love, passion, and adventure.
What is the meaning of the ace card? ›It originally meant the side of a die with only one pip, before it was a term for a playing card. Since this was the lowest roll of the die, it traditionally meant 'bad luck' in Middle English, but as the ace is often the highest playing card, its meaning has since changed to mean 'high-quality, excellence'.