There are a lot of excellent Lenormand decks out there, but what makes a deck one of the best Lenormand decks?
When you're new to Lenormand, the best deck is one that appeals to you and has the key features used to read Lenormand cards.
What imagery makes the best Lenormand deck?
The best Lenormand cards use simple imagery, so you can focus on what the card is trying to tell you rather than a lot of confusing or unnecessary images.
You see, with Tarot cards, everything about the image on the card matters – each element is a symbol that used in interpretation.
But with Lenormand decks, only one image matters and that is the image that gives the card its name. Meaning that for the Rider card, only the image of the Rider matters. It doesn't matter if there is a happy butterfly floating in the background or a dog running along the side of the rider. Any extra images can actually be distracting and make it difficult when learning the language the cards use to communicate.
You could easily start learning Lenormand by using a homemade deck made by writing the names of the cards on index cards or post-it notes.
All of the artistic decoration just adds to the prettiness of the card. It doesn't add elements to the reading.
As great as the artwork is on many Lenormand decks, it's irrelevant to a reading. Once you learn that the Tree card means health, it will always mean health, regardless of which deck you use. It doesn't matter if it's a tree full in bloom or one that is in winter hibernation.
That's why many skilled readers state that the best Lenormand decks have the simplest images.
What elements make up a top Lenormand deck?
We've already covered that the best Lenormand cards are ones that appeal to you and have simple images.
Other important card elements include:
- Images that are easy-to-identify: When you look at a the Bouquet card, you want to know that it's the Bouquet. You don't want to get distracted wondering if the man holding the bouquet makes it the Man card.
- Card size: Smaller cards tend to be better than larger cards. At some point, you are will want to try your hand at reading a Grand Tableau which uses all 36 cards. Smaller cards will take up less room and be easier to scan to see how every card interrelates.
- Numbered cards: Card with numbers on them (1-36) are helpful as card numbers come into play when doing advanced reading techniques like houses. However, you can always write the numbers on your deck if it doesn't have them.
- Playing card insets: These can be useful when learning to help you remember which cards, such as the Snake, can also represent people. However, it isn't essential because it is something you can learn in time along with the meanings. It just makes it easier when you're a beginner.
Note: There are many great Lenormand decks, but I have chosen to limit this list to decks that are currently in print at the time of writing this article. I believe this is more beneficial for Lenormand beginners who are looking for decks that are easy to find and afford.
7 of the Best Lenormand Decks
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French Cartomancy – This is one of the larger Lenormand decks, but it has simple appealing images, card numbers, and playing card insets. It was the second deck I purchased. It's seen a lot of use in the past 5 or so years, but it's still holding up well. |
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Piatnik Lenormand – This was the first deck I ever owned and I still use it regularly. I absolutely love it! It gives very accurate readings. It is a smaller deck with card numbers, playing card insets, and easy-to-read images. |
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Blue Owl Lenormand – The Blue Owl deck is one of the best Lenormand decks to learn from. You can get it either with the playing card insets or with verses on it. The verses can help remind you of the cards' meanings, but you will have to learn to ignore them when creating the overall story told by a spread. |
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Lenormand Oracle Cards – A visually stunning deck with clear imagery that speaks easily to complete beginners and inspires advanced readers alike. |
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Under the Roses Lenormand – A gorgeous deck with very simple, easy-to-identify images. Very faintly in the background of each card are keywords that can help you learn Lenormand meanings without being too distracting. One of the best Lenormand decks available! |
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Lenormand Orakelkarten – Don't let the name fool you! You don't have to know German to use this deck. It's a traditional Lenormand deck with great images that make them easy-to-identify. |
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Pixie's Astounding Lenormand – This beautiful deck pays tribute to Pamela Colman Smith's version of the Rider-Waite Tarot. While the cards don't have playing cards insets on them, they are easy to read. They can be very blunt and to the point. |
Conclusion
A good Lenormand deck is one that you like. The images, the size of the cards, and how easy the deck is to read all matter.
Playing card inserts and numbers on the cards help by providing reminders of additional card meanings and for advanced reading techniques.
Even after reading Lenormand for 15+ years, I find the best deck to be simple and traditional – allowing me to tap into what the cards are telling me more easily.