Playing cards are the first divination "toy" I used as a teenager to read for others. Cartomancy is one of the oldest and more common divination methods and it started as soon as playing cards came into use. I use the standard 52 playing cards deck and recently, I started using the Joker in playing cards divination as well, as an element of surprise (not part of the standard method though).
This trickster reminds me of Mercury/Uranus, we can't let him drowsing on the shelf!
This trickster reminds me of Mercury/Uranus, we can't let him drowsing on the shelf!
Playing cards divination history is rich and so beautiful, and no one can tell it better than an exegete and master cartomancer:
Origins of Cartomancy (Playing Cards Divination) by Mary K. Greer
Origins of Cartomancy (Playing Cards Divination) by Mary K. Greer
Basic playing cards divinatory meanings:
Hearts - Water (corresponding to Tarot Cups)
Clubs - Fire (corresponding to Wands)
Diamonds - Earth (corresponding to Pentacles)
Spades - Air (corresponding to Swords)
Ace of Hearts Love, happiness, the home. Starting romance. Good news. Guests. parties. Friendship. Joy. Love letters and messages. Invitation. The house. Problems coming to an end.
King of Hearts Blond, light-skinned, middle-aged, generous man. A fair-haired man with a good nature; or a man with Water signs predominating in his chart. Affectionate, caring man. This man helps you out without much talk. His actions reveal his kindness and concern. Helpful advice. Fairness. Good intentions.
Queen of Hearts A fair woman, faithful, prudent and affectionate. Motherly, loving, joyful. A fair-haired woman with a good nature; or a woman with Water signs predominating in her chart. A man's true love. A trusted woman. Someone knowledgeable and faithful. One who always plays fair. Affectionate, caring woman. The mother or a mother figure. Maternity. Good friends.
Jack of Hearts A warm-hearted friend. A fair-haired youth; or a young person with Water signs predominating in his or her chart. An admirer, often younger. The dearest friend of the consulting party. Also a fair person’s thoughts. A close friend. Childhood friend. Long-lost friend. Romantic man, faithful and cheerful.
10 of Hearts Good luck, success, happiness. A proposal. Victory and happiness after difficulties. Unexpected success or good news. Celebrations. It helps with overcoming negative neighboring cards.
9 of Hearts The card of wishes. A wish/dream fulfilled. Look to the card just preceding this one to determine what the querent desires.
8 of Hearts Pleasure. Unexpected gift or visit; an invitation to a party. Parties, visits, celebrations of all kinds. Delightful gift. Someone is in love with you. A fair's person love and affection for you.
7 of Hearts Fickle or false friend. Someone whose interest in you is unreliable; someone with fickle affections for you. Lovesickness. Broken promises. Being busy. A small wish can be fulfilled. Disappointment.
6 of Hearts A sudden wave of good luck. Generous but credulous person. Naivete. Someone takes care of you, takes warm interest in you. also, the danger of being used.
5 of Hearts Jealousy, often unfounded; some ill-will from people around you. Indecisiveness: The querent’s inability to make up his/her mind on a subject. A tendency to make and break plans with others. You will have to make up your mind and end something soon.
4 of Hearts Travel, change of home or business. Hard to please. Bachelor or old maid. Delayed marriage or union.
3 of Hearts Sorrow caused by imprudence. A warning not to be too impulsive. Avoid mistakes through planning.You need to be cautious. Don’t say something you’ll regret. An unwise decision, made in haste and without proper background information. Imprudence: impetuous decisions threaten favorable undertakings. Love and happiness when the entire spread is generally favorable. In a difficult spread, this can indicate emotional problems and an inability to decide who to love.
2 of Hearts Good things coming your way. Great success with unions and contracts. Success beyond expectations. Friendship. Not being alone anymore. A warm partnership or engagement. This is a very favorable card that indicates strength and support coming from a partner.
King of Hearts Blond, light-skinned, middle-aged, generous man. A fair-haired man with a good nature; or a man with Water signs predominating in his chart. Affectionate, caring man. This man helps you out without much talk. His actions reveal his kindness and concern. Helpful advice. Fairness. Good intentions.
Queen of Hearts A fair woman, faithful, prudent and affectionate. Motherly, loving, joyful. A fair-haired woman with a good nature; or a woman with Water signs predominating in her chart. A man's true love. A trusted woman. Someone knowledgeable and faithful. One who always plays fair. Affectionate, caring woman. The mother or a mother figure. Maternity. Good friends.
Jack of Hearts A warm-hearted friend. A fair-haired youth; or a young person with Water signs predominating in his or her chart. An admirer, often younger. The dearest friend of the consulting party. Also a fair person’s thoughts. A close friend. Childhood friend. Long-lost friend. Romantic man, faithful and cheerful.
10 of Hearts Good luck, success, happiness. A proposal. Victory and happiness after difficulties. Unexpected success or good news. Celebrations. It helps with overcoming negative neighboring cards.
9 of Hearts The card of wishes. A wish/dream fulfilled. Look to the card just preceding this one to determine what the querent desires.
8 of Hearts Pleasure. Unexpected gift or visit; an invitation to a party. Parties, visits, celebrations of all kinds. Delightful gift. Someone is in love with you. A fair's person love and affection for you.
7 of Hearts Fickle or false friend. Someone whose interest in you is unreliable; someone with fickle affections for you. Lovesickness. Broken promises. Being busy. A small wish can be fulfilled. Disappointment.
6 of Hearts A sudden wave of good luck. Generous but credulous person. Naivete. Someone takes care of you, takes warm interest in you. also, the danger of being used.
5 of Hearts Jealousy, often unfounded; some ill-will from people around you. Indecisiveness: The querent’s inability to make up his/her mind on a subject. A tendency to make and break plans with others. You will have to make up your mind and end something soon.
4 of Hearts Travel, change of home or business. Hard to please. Bachelor or old maid. Delayed marriage or union.
3 of Hearts Sorrow caused by imprudence. A warning not to be too impulsive. Avoid mistakes through planning.You need to be cautious. Don’t say something you’ll regret. An unwise decision, made in haste and without proper background information. Imprudence: impetuous decisions threaten favorable undertakings. Love and happiness when the entire spread is generally favorable. In a difficult spread, this can indicate emotional problems and an inability to decide who to love.
2 of Hearts Good things coming your way. Great success with unions and contracts. Success beyond expectations. Friendship. Not being alone anymore. A warm partnership or engagement. This is a very favorable card that indicates strength and support coming from a partner.
Ace of Clubs Wealth, prosperity, unexpected money/gain. Happiness. Peace of mind. Good luck and news of a marriage and money coming your way. Also means artistic talent and the chance to use it with the help of friends. A letter concerning money. However, in a difficult spread, this money may disappear almost as quickly as it appears. Fame. Having many friends or acquaintances. Professional success, success in business. Business letter/contract. News, newspaper. Property.
King of Clubs A dark man, upright, faithful and affectionate in disposition. A dark man who likes to have fun and help his friends. A good advisor – listen to him. He is a faithful friend always.Dark-haired, kind-hearted man; or a man with Fire predominating in his chart. A generous, spirited man. A very good friend. A lifelong companion, someone who can be trusted and counted on during times of need and sorrow. Honest, sincere.
Queen of Clubs A dark woman, gentle and pleasing. Attractive woman, with great power of seduction. Strong, temperamental. A brunette woman who can be trusted. She is fond of people and helps them; mercurial but loyal.Dark-haired, confident woman; or a woman with Fire predominating in her chart. She may give you good advice. Business woman. Entrepreneur lady. Represents the wife or girlfriend in long term relationship for a man. For a woman, represents a sister or good friend, someone who shares a lot of knowledge about the querent. A confidante.
Jack of Clubs A reliable friend. A dark-haired or fiery youth. Popular youth who is good-hearted and playful. Can also indicate an admirer. A dark man’s thoughts. Honest but hasty young man. Attractive, sexy man. Impatience.
10 of Clubs Unexpected riches. Money arrives from an unexpected source. Good fortune generally and a chance for a fresh outlook on life. Business success. Good luck with money. Successful journey. A trip taken now may result in a new friend or love interest. Good luck. Travel abroad. Long and fulfilling journey. A change of occupation. Sometimes the loss of a dear friend.
9 of Clubs Achievement, money gain; sometimes a wealthy marriage or a sudden windfall. Disputes with friends. Stubbornness.
8 of Clubs A covetous man. It warns against speculations. Work/business problems that may have to do with jealousy. A dark person is interested in you romantically or a dark lady brings you good luck. Jealousy. Greed. Envy. Recklessness. Covetousness. Using resources that are not yours. Debt.
7 of Clubs Promotion. A small amount of money. Business success, but troubles with the opposite sex. A change in business that may have been expected or earned, such as a promotion. Success, recognition of good deed, small investment gives good return. Negotiations.
6 of Clubs Lucrative business. Financial help. Working with other people pays off for you now. Also, many invitations heading your way. Profit. A partnership card. Success based on mutual goals and friendship.
5 of Clubs A marriage card. A good marriage. The beginning of a long standing alliance. New friendships, alliances are made. Also, small fights with old friends. Help from friends.
4 of Clubs Beware of dishonesty or deceit; avoid blind acceptance of others at this time. Lies and betrayal. But also you have more friends than you realize, and lies won't stand. A danger card, showing misfortune or failure. Supposed friends getting in the way, or turning against the querent. Beware the failure of a project, which may result in financial loss, or itself be due to lack of money. False or unreliable friends play a part.
3 of Clubs Love and happiness; successful marriage; a favorable long-term proposition. A second chance. Shows that a person will be more than once married. Marriage to a wealthy partner. Money coming from the partner. It may also be interpreted as a long engagement to one person, followed by a sudden marriage to someone else. A public display.
2 of Clubs A disappointment. Obstacles to success; malicious gossip. Opposition. Being let down by those around. Opposition from friends, family or business partners. Do not count on others.
King of Clubs A dark man, upright, faithful and affectionate in disposition. A dark man who likes to have fun and help his friends. A good advisor – listen to him. He is a faithful friend always.Dark-haired, kind-hearted man; or a man with Fire predominating in his chart. A generous, spirited man. A very good friend. A lifelong companion, someone who can be trusted and counted on during times of need and sorrow. Honest, sincere.
Queen of Clubs A dark woman, gentle and pleasing. Attractive woman, with great power of seduction. Strong, temperamental. A brunette woman who can be trusted. She is fond of people and helps them; mercurial but loyal.Dark-haired, confident woman; or a woman with Fire predominating in her chart. She may give you good advice. Business woman. Entrepreneur lady. Represents the wife or girlfriend in long term relationship for a man. For a woman, represents a sister or good friend, someone who shares a lot of knowledge about the querent. A confidante.
Jack of Clubs A reliable friend. A dark-haired or fiery youth. Popular youth who is good-hearted and playful. Can also indicate an admirer. A dark man’s thoughts. Honest but hasty young man. Attractive, sexy man. Impatience.
10 of Clubs Unexpected riches. Money arrives from an unexpected source. Good fortune generally and a chance for a fresh outlook on life. Business success. Good luck with money. Successful journey. A trip taken now may result in a new friend or love interest. Good luck. Travel abroad. Long and fulfilling journey. A change of occupation. Sometimes the loss of a dear friend.
9 of Clubs Achievement, money gain; sometimes a wealthy marriage or a sudden windfall. Disputes with friends. Stubbornness.
8 of Clubs A covetous man. It warns against speculations. Work/business problems that may have to do with jealousy. A dark person is interested in you romantically or a dark lady brings you good luck. Jealousy. Greed. Envy. Recklessness. Covetousness. Using resources that are not yours. Debt.
7 of Clubs Promotion. A small amount of money. Business success, but troubles with the opposite sex. A change in business that may have been expected or earned, such as a promotion. Success, recognition of good deed, small investment gives good return. Negotiations.
6 of Clubs Lucrative business. Financial help. Working with other people pays off for you now. Also, many invitations heading your way. Profit. A partnership card. Success based on mutual goals and friendship.
5 of Clubs A marriage card. A good marriage. The beginning of a long standing alliance. New friendships, alliances are made. Also, small fights with old friends. Help from friends.
4 of Clubs Beware of dishonesty or deceit; avoid blind acceptance of others at this time. Lies and betrayal. But also you have more friends than you realize, and lies won't stand. A danger card, showing misfortune or failure. Supposed friends getting in the way, or turning against the querent. Beware the failure of a project, which may result in financial loss, or itself be due to lack of money. False or unreliable friends play a part.
3 of Clubs Love and happiness; successful marriage; a favorable long-term proposition. A second chance. Shows that a person will be more than once married. Marriage to a wealthy partner. Money coming from the partner. It may also be interpreted as a long engagement to one person, followed by a sudden marriage to someone else. A public display.
2 of Clubs A disappointment. Obstacles to success; malicious gossip. Opposition. Being let down by those around. Opposition from friends, family or business partners. Do not count on others.
Ace of Diamonds A letter. Important message. Change. Payment. A ring or present of jewelry. Important package arriving, or important documents or phone calls. A marriage proposal or other important proposal with long standing consequences.
King of Diamonds Fair-haired or graying man, or a man with Earth predominating in his chart. A man of authority, status, or influence. A fair man, hot tempered, obstinate and revengeful. Moody man with a lot of influence. Bad temper. Competitive. Competition. Protection from an influential man of power and authority. A hot-tempered, obstinate and vengeful man, dangerous when crossed.
Queen of Diamonds Fair-haired woman; or a woman with Earth predominating in her chart. A fair woman, fond of company and a coquette. Can be unfriendly. A gossip. She talks too much and is a flirt, but she gets things done. A woman who loves to party and to gossip. A flirt. A flirtatious, sophisticated and/or witty woman, one who will interfere in plans. Gossipy, very attractive to males, able to get away with things and interfere in situations. Or this kind of energy surrounding the querent. Scandal, rumor, secrets can't be kept.
Jack of Diamonds A youth, possibly wearing a uniform. A fair person’s thoughts. Selfishness, fickleness. Good sense of humor, fun. A person who brings news, generally negative, but relatively minor. Unwelcome news.
10 of Diamonds Money. A change in financial status, often for the better. A trip or change of residence for you. Enjoy new experiences and learn from them now.Money and travel highlighted. Fortunate changes. Change of residence. Change of home. Upgrades.
9 of Diamonds Adventure. Restlessness. Surprises. Opportunities. New projects are supported. A new business deal; travel; restlessness; a change of residence. A compulsion to travel, a taste for adventure, the desire to see changes in one’s life. Difficulties with wishes, sharp objects, firearms, sudden events.
8 of Diamonds Love affairs. A marriage late in life. New job; change in job situation. The young or the old may find love on a trip. A short, enjoyable trip, probably to the country, may provide a new romance. You may win a small amount of money. You will be dealt with fairly now. Country life. A marriage and travel late in life. Financial ups and downs.
7 of Diamonds Criticism. Mockery. Rumors. Satire, evil speaking. Surprise news or gifts. Expenses. Bills. An argument concerning finances, or on the job. Generally expected to be resolved happily. Don’t gamble now. You may receive a gift you didn’t expect. Gambler. Drinker. Addictions. Work problems.
6 of Diamonds Short-term relationships. Relationship problems, arguments. Separation. Widowhood. First marriage ends.
5 of Diamonds Unexpected news. Surprises. Children. Happiness and success. A change for the better. A birth, or good news for a child. A good time to start new projects.
4 of Diamonds Betrayed secret. Betrayed trust. Exposure. Illness. Forgotten or neglected friends and family. Situations that have been brewing and now come to a head. Check into matters thoroughly now. Financial upswing; an older person may give good advice.
3 of Diamonds Quarrels, law-suits and domestic disagreements. A legal letter. Arguments with close associates or loved ones and the possible ending of an old friendship. Be tactful with others in order to avoid disputes. Unfortunate for love and marriage. Mistakes. A card of disputes and quarrels. Lawsuits, legal actions. A sign of separation or divorce.
2 of Diamonds Passionate and forbidden love affair. Opposition from friends to your choices. Something will separate you from your present home or from someone you love. Sadness. A business partnership; a change in relationship; gossip. Theft.
King of Diamonds Fair-haired or graying man, or a man with Earth predominating in his chart. A man of authority, status, or influence. A fair man, hot tempered, obstinate and revengeful. Moody man with a lot of influence. Bad temper. Competitive. Competition. Protection from an influential man of power and authority. A hot-tempered, obstinate and vengeful man, dangerous when crossed.
Queen of Diamonds Fair-haired woman; or a woman with Earth predominating in her chart. A fair woman, fond of company and a coquette. Can be unfriendly. A gossip. She talks too much and is a flirt, but she gets things done. A woman who loves to party and to gossip. A flirt. A flirtatious, sophisticated and/or witty woman, one who will interfere in plans. Gossipy, very attractive to males, able to get away with things and interfere in situations. Or this kind of energy surrounding the querent. Scandal, rumor, secrets can't be kept.
Jack of Diamonds A youth, possibly wearing a uniform. A fair person’s thoughts. Selfishness, fickleness. Good sense of humor, fun. A person who brings news, generally negative, but relatively minor. Unwelcome news.
10 of Diamonds Money. A change in financial status, often for the better. A trip or change of residence for you. Enjoy new experiences and learn from them now.Money and travel highlighted. Fortunate changes. Change of residence. Change of home. Upgrades.
9 of Diamonds Adventure. Restlessness. Surprises. Opportunities. New projects are supported. A new business deal; travel; restlessness; a change of residence. A compulsion to travel, a taste for adventure, the desire to see changes in one’s life. Difficulties with wishes, sharp objects, firearms, sudden events.
8 of Diamonds Love affairs. A marriage late in life. New job; change in job situation. The young or the old may find love on a trip. A short, enjoyable trip, probably to the country, may provide a new romance. You may win a small amount of money. You will be dealt with fairly now. Country life. A marriage and travel late in life. Financial ups and downs.
7 of Diamonds Criticism. Mockery. Rumors. Satire, evil speaking. Surprise news or gifts. Expenses. Bills. An argument concerning finances, or on the job. Generally expected to be resolved happily. Don’t gamble now. You may receive a gift you didn’t expect. Gambler. Drinker. Addictions. Work problems.
6 of Diamonds Short-term relationships. Relationship problems, arguments. Separation. Widowhood. First marriage ends.
5 of Diamonds Unexpected news. Surprises. Children. Happiness and success. A change for the better. A birth, or good news for a child. A good time to start new projects.
4 of Diamonds Betrayed secret. Betrayed trust. Exposure. Illness. Forgotten or neglected friends and family. Situations that have been brewing and now come to a head. Check into matters thoroughly now. Financial upswing; an older person may give good advice.
3 of Diamonds Quarrels, law-suits and domestic disagreements. A legal letter. Arguments with close associates or loved ones and the possible ending of an old friendship. Be tactful with others in order to avoid disputes. Unfortunate for love and marriage. Mistakes. A card of disputes and quarrels. Lawsuits, legal actions. A sign of separation or divorce.
2 of Diamonds Passionate and forbidden love affair. Opposition from friends to your choices. Something will separate you from your present home or from someone you love. Sadness. A business partnership; a change in relationship; gossip. Theft.
Ace of Spades Misfortune; sometimes associated with death or, more often, a difficult ending. Emotional conflict, obsession. Things coming to a head. Bad news, loss of someone close, possible death to someone near, or an illness, miscarriage, and the like. Unhappiness.
King of Spades Dark-haired man; or a man with Air predominating in his chart. An ambitious man, perhaps self-serving. Authoritative. Divide et impera. Judge, lawyer, widower. .
Queen of Spades Widowed or divorced woman; or a woman with Air predominating in her chart. Unscrupulous. Malicious. Cruelty. Betrayal of close friends. Being used for someone's gain. Seduction. Treachery.
Jack of Spades A youth who is hostile or jealous. Indolence. Envy. Aggressiveness. Immature and unreliable youth. A person who hangs around and gets in the way. Not a bad person, but a lazy one. Someone who will get in the way of progress. Takes and takes, but does not give anything back. Hindrance. Obstacle. Laziness. Enemy. Impostor. Spy. An evil man.
10 of Spades Grief. Worry. Sorrow. Bad news. Imprisonment. If found with bad cards, makes them twice as bad.
9 of Spades Illness. Accident. Bad luck. The querent is at his/her personal low. Depression. Low energy. Defeat. Loss.
8 of Spades Temptation, misfortune, danger, upsets. Warns a person to be cautious in his undertakings. Trouble and disappointment. Plans go awry. Friends let you down. Cancellations. False friends, traitors, someone who will betray. Most of the trouble can be avoided if caught early on. Examine all relationships closely.
7 of Spades Loss of a friend, attended with much trouble. Unexpected burden. Advice that is best not taken; loss. There is some obstacle to success, and this indicates that obstacles may be coming from within the querent. Removal, annoyance or delay. Suspense, decisions or arrangements to be made. Quarrel with friends.
6 of Spades Hard work. Wealth through industry. Small changes and improvements. Planning with little action. Discouragement. Anxiety. Setbacks. Perseverance brings success.
5 of Spades Opposition and obstacles that are temporary; a blessing in disguise. Sometimes indicates a negative or depressed person. Anxiety. Setbacks.Success in business or love, after much time and hard work. Harmony in partnerships.
4 of Spades Sickness. A short illness. Temporary setback or delay. Small worries, problems. Financial difficulties, personal lows. Loneliness.
3 of Spades Breakups. Unfaithfulness. Breaks and partings in relationships. Sometimes indicates that a third person is breaking into a relationship somehow. A journey. Separation. Estrangement. Departure. Absence. Distraction.
2 of Spades A removal. Breaks in relationships; deceit. Duplicity. Difficult changes. A complete and forced change. Sudden change of location or in a relationship, or an ending. Bound to make a big difference in the coming months. A break in an important process in the querent's life. If the question concerns a particular romantic interest, this is considered a warning card - infidelity or separation is quite likely.
King of Spades Dark-haired man; or a man with Air predominating in his chart. An ambitious man, perhaps self-serving. Authoritative. Divide et impera. Judge, lawyer, widower. .
Queen of Spades Widowed or divorced woman; or a woman with Air predominating in her chart. Unscrupulous. Malicious. Cruelty. Betrayal of close friends. Being used for someone's gain. Seduction. Treachery.
Jack of Spades A youth who is hostile or jealous. Indolence. Envy. Aggressiveness. Immature and unreliable youth. A person who hangs around and gets in the way. Not a bad person, but a lazy one. Someone who will get in the way of progress. Takes and takes, but does not give anything back. Hindrance. Obstacle. Laziness. Enemy. Impostor. Spy. An evil man.
10 of Spades Grief. Worry. Sorrow. Bad news. Imprisonment. If found with bad cards, makes them twice as bad.
9 of Spades Illness. Accident. Bad luck. The querent is at his/her personal low. Depression. Low energy. Defeat. Loss.
8 of Spades Temptation, misfortune, danger, upsets. Warns a person to be cautious in his undertakings. Trouble and disappointment. Plans go awry. Friends let you down. Cancellations. False friends, traitors, someone who will betray. Most of the trouble can be avoided if caught early on. Examine all relationships closely.
7 of Spades Loss of a friend, attended with much trouble. Unexpected burden. Advice that is best not taken; loss. There is some obstacle to success, and this indicates that obstacles may be coming from within the querent. Removal, annoyance or delay. Suspense, decisions or arrangements to be made. Quarrel with friends.
6 of Spades Hard work. Wealth through industry. Small changes and improvements. Planning with little action. Discouragement. Anxiety. Setbacks. Perseverance brings success.
5 of Spades Opposition and obstacles that are temporary; a blessing in disguise. Sometimes indicates a negative or depressed person. Anxiety. Setbacks.Success in business or love, after much time and hard work. Harmony in partnerships.
4 of Spades Sickness. A short illness. Temporary setback or delay. Small worries, problems. Financial difficulties, personal lows. Loneliness.
3 of Spades Breakups. Unfaithfulness. Breaks and partings in relationships. Sometimes indicates that a third person is breaking into a relationship somehow. A journey. Separation. Estrangement. Departure. Absence. Distraction.
2 of Spades A removal. Breaks in relationships; deceit. Duplicity. Difficult changes. A complete and forced change. Sudden change of location or in a relationship, or an ending. Bound to make a big difference in the coming months. A break in an important process in the querent's life. If the question concerns a particular romantic interest, this is considered a warning card - infidelity or separation is quite likely.
