A new spin on Lenormand!
Lately, I have been getting lost in the comforts of repeated patterns and familiar systems. Sacred geometry is always the palate cleanser I need after a big project. The interwoven lines seem to speak to my mind on a molecular level.
This new version of Lenormand came to be after looking through some old notes from a class I presented for Kiala Givehand’s Pull Pen Paint a couple years ago titled “The Deconstructed Lenormand”. Where I provided blank cards with the keywords along the outer edges to inspire students to create their own Lenormand deck. (I learn through creating). Realizing I never filled the space with my own version, I set forth to think about what it might look like. The mandalas came to mind… then I tossed out the rectangular shape and decided to spiral out from the main number of the card. I must admit I had originally wanted the keywords as a circular border, but that idea got tossed as the mandalas took shape.
For you see, anyone can make a lenormand deck by writing 1 through 36 on pieces of paper. The numbers are what’s most important, the imagery is secondary. In lieu of a title for the cards I decided to illustrate it using the mandala method. These images have the central number spiraling out, followed by the playing card association, ending with the actual subject of the card.
After drawing all 36 mandalas and having the linework created, I wanted to make an engraved version (see Mandala Lenormand tokens). They stack perfectly and sound like poker chips when clicking in your hands, it’s oddly satisfying. Yet upon playing with them, laying them out in spreads, I noticed that they didn’t fit together quite how I wanted.
Enter ther Hexagon shape.
Hexagons naturally occur all around in nature from the hives of bees and wasps to the molecular makeup of chemical compounds. When applied to the the mandalas it gave me the room to include the circular images but the shape to make them click together. Adding color to the images and templating— a new world of Lenormand started to take shape for me.
When I set out to make a Grand Tableau to match, the linear layout no longer seemed to apply. To truly honor the pattern and formation of a hive I had to pay homage to the fact that bees and wasps start from a centralized chamber then build upon it radiating outward. Cell by cell.
Life is not linear, so why should this layout be? Here’s a look at a Hive Tableau I cast recently, the Lilies #30 is the first tile (in the house of the rider) and then spirals out going from the tile directly below and to the left. (30, 1, 5, 15, 3, 31, 18,8,33… so forth and so on ending with 35)
The Hive may seem like a lot to tackle at first so I would suggest beginning with the smaller stacks first.
What’s a stack?
The smaller chains of Lenormand (3 card, 5 card) have transformed into stacks of hexagons, and the 7 card chain forming a beautifully perfect honeycomb, while others continue to grow from there.
I have still only scratched the surface as to how these tiles wish to share their messages. And let me tell you, they have a lot to say!
Each Hexagonal Lenormand Tile set comes with a small folded .pdf of suggestions on how to use them. However, I can not express enough that I want you to come up with your own methods, build your own custom hive and readings! I can only show you the tools, how you truly implement them is up to you.
I did also make a print on demand version of the Hexagonal Lenormand available it can be found in my MPC print on demand shop: BUY THE DECK HERE
I also wanted to make available the PDF bifold that comes with the tiles in case you decide to welcome the card version into your collection. (It’s literally just the cards… no box or instructions) DOWNLOAD THE PDF GUIDE HERE
A peek at the card version:
Mixing the card version with full sized Tarot Cards:
Mixing the tile version with full sized cards and tarot tiles for a Daily Tarot Spread:
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