Review: Dreaming Way Lenormand

R E V I E W

Dreaming Way Lenormand

Author: Lynn Araujo

Artist: Kwon Shina

_U.S. Games Systems, Inc._

ISBN 978-1-57281-758-6

36 cards, 2.5” x 3.5” 

Box, 2.875” x 3.875”

_About My Reviews_

TOP LINE (formerly Bottom Line)

Who can resist the blend of Lenormand cards, Kwon Shina’s art (which I knew and loved from the Dreaming Way Tarot published by U.S. Games), and commentary by the accomplished Lynn Araujo? Yes, I was “predisposed” to like (love) this deck – but I think maybe you are, too!

Anyway, for those of you convinced that there were a limited number of ways the Lenormand cards could be presented and they’d all been done, Kwon Shina didn’t get the memo. Her Bear (card 15) is a person covering his or her face with a bear mask; her Fish (on card 34) seem to be flying rather than swimming, protected from the elements by a large umbrella; her Book (card 26) has an open door carved out of one side. The Fox (card 14) is draped over the shoulder of a woman as if it is her pet or part of her apparel. Exploring each card is a delight and a challenge.

Araujo’s Little White Book is written in a clear, concise style that imparts a lot of information without droning on and on. The Introduction brings us into the process and elements involved in the creation of the deck. I really like the idea of using quotations from famous people to represent each card and the quotations that were chosen.

Here is a “Daily Draw” I did for today: two cards for advice/insight into the day ahead.

I love the overall “green” vibe in this pair of cards. With the House we get a sense of “security, stability, comfort, structure, welcome” (LWB). The Tree offers “health, vitality, well-being, stewardship, ecology, fertility.” I work from my home, which is surrounded by trees. I was just getting ready to go outside and sit on our deck with my breakfast and a book.

These two cards together convey serenity and well-being, a sense of stability along with an opportunity to thrive and grow – and encouragement to help everything around me thrive and grow. So perhaps not an “eventful” day, as such, but one that allows for contemplation and a renewed commitment to stewardship.

I can certainly see myself using this deck on a regular basis, and I will be sure to share some of those readings on Tarot Notes!

THE PUBLISHER'S PRODUCT SUMMARY

"This charming 36-card Petit Lenormand deck offers fresh, new perspectives for this traditional system of fortune telling. Contemporary Korean artist Kwon Shina’s imaginative style of artwork provides the reader with clever visual cues that capture the mood, nuances, and inner meanings of the cards. When you look at the Dog card, you will know in an instant this card portrays loyal friendship, not a threat. If you are learning Lenormand for the first time, this is a delightful deck to learn the core meanings. If you are already familiar with the Lenormand system, Kwon’s dreamy images will inspire you to look at Lenormand in a whole new way. The 92-page booklet offers keywords, quotations and interpretations that help the reader understand the lively narrative interplay between the 36 cards. Dreaming Way Lenormand will allow you to do insightful readings that bring clarity to any situation, whether you are working with pairs of cards, the Grand Tableau or one of the starter spreads suggested in the instructions."

BASIC INFORMATION

The 36 cards in this deck follow the traditional names, numbers, and playing card associations linked with Lenormand cards. Images are printed on glossy, sturdy card stock. The cards are packaged in a beautiful, sturdy box with a lift-off lid. The “Little White Book” is particularly nice, with a colorful card-stock cover.

The cards measure 2.5” x 3.5”. The card numbers appear top and center in a circle with a white background. The name and playing card associations appear at the bottom, centered in a rectangle with a solid white background. The images extend to all corners (no borders). Card corners are rounded.

Card backs feature a row of houses and a whimsical, jester-type figure in a butterfly mask. The figure is repeated randomly in various sizes and places – in the sky, on the roof, etc. I get the impression that the figures are rising continuously from the ground into the air, pausing occasionally to pose on a rooftop. I suppose they could also be floating downward to land on the ground. Or both at the same time!

The Little White Book includes an information Introduction by author Lynn Araujo, who also provides a two-page spread on each card featuring the card number, title, and playing card association; a quotation; a description/discussion of the card meaning; and a set of keywords. This pattern is broken occasionally. There is no quotation for the Man or the Lady cards, and the Lilies card description features two quotations.

For example, the quotation chosen for 1. Rider – 9 Hearts is from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.” Keywords for this card are: News, change, movement, messages, discovery, visitor, opportunity.

A section in the back of the booklet titled “Reading with Dreaming Way Lenormand” offers examples of a 2-card spread, a line of five cards, and the Spiral Spread, which can be done with any number of cards (ten cards or more seems ideal).

Lynn Araujo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Lynn Araujo is Director of Communications & Editorial at U.S. Games Systems, Inc. As she tells us in the Introduction to the Dreaming Way Lenormand, “I had worked on a number of Lenormand projects (Gilded Reverie, Under the Roses, Celtic Lenormand, Blue Bird Lenormand and Maybe Lenormand) before taking on the assignment of writing this booklet, so I was well versed in the traditional card meanings. I have also studied the methodology for reading with the Lenormand system of divination.” Araujo’s clear, direct writing style is perfect for seasoned Lenormand readers as well as beginners.

ART 

Many of us are familiar with Kwon Shina’s art from the Dreaming Way Tarot (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) For the Dreaming Way Lenormand, Shina gives us evocative, often whimsical images and vignettes, some in pastels, others in vivid, bright colors. Each card provides a basic, recognizable Lenormand visual, along with subtle, often playful touches that are fun to seek and discover. For example, on card 17, the Stork stands proudly by the seashore. Closer inspection reveals a nest of eggs on the Stork’s head, emphasizing the idea of an imminent “birth” of a child, new season, or new arrival of some kind. On the Coffin card, we see a sardine can, the top of which has been partly rolled up to reveal the lower half of a girl’s body. As Araujo states in the LWB: “We don’t know if the can is being opened or closed. The person may have chosen to retreat into a dark place, away from people and problems.”

In accordance with the FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, I hereby disclose that this product was provided by the publisher for free. Other than the occasional review copy, I receive no monetary or in-kind compensation for my reviews.  The substance of my reviews is not influenced by whether I do or do not receive a review copy.