At the start of my little foray into cartomancy, I had some assumptions about divination. I though it would be prudent to share these ideas and see whether or not they would change over time. I hope I don’t sound too flippant or dismissive or in any way negative. Just my initial thoughts.

  1. Cartomancy is bullshit. I mean this quite literally. I don’t think that cartomancers are outright lying to people when they are doing their readings, nor do I think that the meanings and interpretations of the cards are fabrications set out to deceive people. In my mind truth, absolute truth, doesn’t enter into it much. Cartomancy seems to me to be about selling your particular interpretation, to make the cards adequately reflect the life of the enquirer or a reasonable answer to a question. If it makes sense, it’s because the meaning of the cards, especially in relation to each other, are so ambiguous that at least some of it is going to ring as ‘true’ to the one looking for answers. There is no magic involved, only a clever system that lets you read into it whatever you will. Again, by bullshit I do not mean something that lies or deceives, but seeks to convince someone of a certain state of affairs.
  2. Cartomancy should be realistic. Many of the books I’ve read on this art seem a bit too positive and optimistic. No challenge is insurmountable, and nothing negative is necessarily unavoidable. Sometimes this is due to a specific interpretation of the cards, other times it is a conscious decision not to use reversed interpretations. But as anyone can tell you, life is hard and unfair, and I think the cards should reflect this. Also, if a deck comes with jokers, you should use them. Since the joker is a wild card that is completely random and unpredictable, some cartomancers don’t use it, and when they do they only use one. Despite the fact that my deck came with two identical jokers, I intend to use both. I don’t think that all this necessarily follows if one is to practice this kind of divination, it is just a matter of taste.
  3. Cartomancy should be a good show. This may be difficult for those using Tarot cards, as they are often larger and more cumbersome than normal playing card decks. But when doing a reading with a deck of playing cards, one might as well make it look good. Too often I keep seeing the same tired stereotype of the wizened, old, bejeweled, speckled, diviner puzzling over worn cards on a dusty mat. If you are going to tell people that those cards can give them glimpses into their past, present, and future, make them at least seem magical. One should use flourishes and tricks to make the cards seem alive. If you are going through all this trouble to sell something, you might as well be a good salesman.

It’s odd how convincing the cards can be, even to one like myself who is quite skeptical of their use and meaning.  I often find myself looking forward to what they tell me is to come, and glossing over the cards that don’t make any sense or seem out of place.  I suppose that is the strength of cartomancy.  We are so impressed by the few times the cards get it right (or should I say the reader?) that we don’t notice how often they get it wrong.

All in all, it’s a lot of fun.