Playing Card Meanings in Cartomancy
This post originally appeared on keen.com, where you can find out everything about card reading, tarot & cartomancy.
Playing cards have been used to tell fortunes ever since they originated back in Europe in the 14th century. In a way, they were the first form of tarot cards. The practice of cartomancy is among the oldest forms of fortune-telling and is still used to this day.
Card Layouts
There are various spreads used in cartomancy, ranging from a single card reading to a 21 card spread. The number of playing cards used is usually a multiple of 3 (typically 3, 9, or 21), allowing for a look into the past, present, or future. Depending on the size of the layout, cartomancy can provide you with a quick answer or in-depth insights about your life.
Card Interpretations
Cartomancy readings depend on the suit and value of the card that is revealed. The suit depicts the broader meaning or categorization of the card. Face cards relate to people in your life. Number cards usually relate to events that will occur soon. Here is a list of what each playing card in a standard deck of 52 cards means in a cartomancy meaning.
Hearts
A well-recognized symbol of our feelings, the hearts suit relates to things that are very close to you. These playing cards provide insight into your home, family, and emotions.
Ace of Hearts: Represents 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 representation of 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: Indicates a time of peace and harmony where you can work well with others to achieve your goals and overcome obstacles
7 of Hearts: Represents 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: Represents wishing for more in a relationship, such as having a baby or taking your relationship to the next level
10 of Hearts: Means that good news is coming and there will be a large gathering of people at a wedding or party
Jack of Hearts: Represents your lover or best friend – can also signify a couple when it appears with the Queen of Hearts
Queen of Hearts: Represents a female lover or fantasy, which may be an indication of 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.
Ace of Diamonds: Means that an important message is coming that will relate to your love or business
2 of Diamonds: Indicates that good news regarding your finances or investments will come 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 in order 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: Indicates a need to assume financial responsibility over your budget, investments, and/or debts
7 of Diamonds: A warning to be careful with your investments, as financial troubles are on the horizon
8 of Diamonds: Unexpected financial gains are coming your way – consider a budget and plan for savings
9 of Diamonds: Represents an upcoming expense, such as repairs, bills, or a large purchase
10 of Diamonds: This card is a great sign, as it represents a big financial success that is coming
Jack of Diamonds: Represents someone who will be the bearer of bad news
Queen of Diamonds: Represents a sophisticated woman who loves to party and gossip
King of Diamonds: Represents 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.
Ace of Clubs: Represents 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: A representation of immense creativity, but can also reference the stress that is often associated with the creative process
4 of Clubs: Represents mental stability that may lead you to go on 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: Means that your intuition is on point – you should trust it in order 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: Means that you will be traveling in the near future
Jack of Clubs: Represents an honest and trustworthy person who may be your friend
Queen of Clubs: Represents a charismatic woman who is in a position of power
King of Clubs: Represents 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: Represents a time of significant change – one thing will come to an end in order to make room for something new
2 of Spades: Represents a difficult situation or decision that may cause a division between you and a loved one or friend
3 of Spades: The three spades represent tears, which are a reaction to a stressful situation involving bad news, indecision, fear, or your job
4 of Spades: Indicates that 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: Represents worry and grief that may be the result of health problems, fear, or bad news
Jack of Spades: Represents a negative person in your life who 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
If you find this ancient art of cartomancy intriguing, why not try it out for yourself? 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. This post and guide was made possible by keen.com.
