- Author: Eron Mazza
- Publisher: Crossed Crow Books (Red Wheel Weiser Imprint)
- Published date: 21 October 2025
- RRP: GB £13.99 / US $16.95
- ISBN: 9781964537498
- Reviewed by: clair.t
Please note the Lenormand deck featured is reviewer’s own and is the Mlle Lenormand JMC Switzerland, Neuhausen Am Rheinfall, published by AGM AGMuller 1970
“Tarot speaks to the soul’s journey, Lenormand speaks to the roads we walk on that journey” – author Eron Mazza.
For those of you not familiar with Lenormand, this is a 36 card system where the images relate to different aspects of life, and reference playing card suits. As with tarot, there are many modern reinventions of Lenormand, but this book contains images based on the traditional deck. So, how does one go about learning what these cards mean and their relationship when placed next to each other? Over the last few weeks, this book has helped me to do just that. I had picked up my first Lenormand deck last October but it has taken me until now to really want to understand it further.
The book has a foreword, an introduction and 6 chapters followed by a conclusion and bibliography. At 165 pages, it is packed with more than just a guide to the cards. There are aspects such as the history, connecting to your intuition, spreads and layouts as well as incorporating Lenormand into your magical practice. An example of this is the “Everything’s Coming Up Lily Spell”. In Eron’s own words, “turn situations from s**t to flowers” – if you ever look at Eron’s instagram account, you will note they have an earthy sense of humour. This spell gives you a base of a white candle, the Lily card and a piece of paper. In essence, prepare yourself through meditation (mentioned in pages 80 – 84 meditation and breath work), write your intention on the paper, then fold it towards you. Next, knock the candle, light it and burn the paper as per the earlier spells. You can also include herbs and oils if you so choose.
Chapter 2 is the nitty gritty of the card meanings, where Eron describes them in their own words and experiences. For example:
The Child card “…tells us not to take life too seriously, trust your discernment, and everything will be A-okay”, as quoted on page 42.
The Fish: “I also see it as prosperity in your mind and in the soul, which is worth a lot more than any gem, jewel or currency”, as stated on page 62.
I think that is a great perspective for both beginners and those who have more experience with the deck. As with tarot, we might learn traditional meanings yet we wouldn’t truly experience the connection to the cards if we didn’t feel our own intuition come through as well. To add to this, Eron told me “Divination is more relationship than action. It builds a relationship not only with yourself, but also with spirit.”
What are the origins of Lenormand? Chapter 1 gives an in-depth talk about Johann Kaspar Hechtel, who had many jobs but loved designing parlour games. He created the Game of Hope, which possibly provided the basis for the Grand Tableau spread we now associate with Lenormand. And of course, Mademoiselle Lenormand, who used the cards to predict many outcomes, and ended up in prison on charges of witchcraft and treason. Eron describes how we might not have fortune telling the way we know it today if it hadn’t been for her.
In Chapter 2, after describing the cards, we then get a sense of how to truly connect with them. This has encouraged me to look beyond the picture and listen to what the cards are telling me. It can be a bit difficult when you want to associate the traditional meanings of tarot. For instance, I would say The Star is Hope, yet, here in the Lenormand, it is more about navigation and guiding lights.
In Chapter 3, “Setting the tone for your reading”, there is some great advice about how to prepare yourself. You don’t have to be a “witch” to do this, but there is a lovely ritual to cast a circle of sound, light and smoke. Eron has found that it works and would be “flattered” if we, as readers, made time for this ritual in our own practice. Also, there isn’t an incorrect way to work with the cards. We all know we have our methods that are personal to our journey. Eron also describes keeping a journal, asking the right questions, and engaging in the practice of shadow work. Then there are examples of 3 card readings, and the chapter concludes by asking you to develop a habit of reading for 30 days, with either 3 cards, or just the 1 card if you don’t feel ready.
Chapter 4 is all about developing intuition. This includes self care, journaling, connecting to nature and housework that puts you into a state of Zen. Curious? It is when washing the dishes that your mind can listen to the small voice within. Something in this chapter that really caught my attention were the words of advice on pages 122 – 123, “be real with where you are in your life and what you see in the cards,” but also “have a little faith when it comes to your connection with spirit and the deck”, something I already do.
Chapter 5, “Diving Deeper, Advanced Layouts and Spreads”, has some truly in-depth discussions about building your confidence by adding more cards to layer the reading. You are encouraged to experiment and just play with the cards and what you see; tell the story, look at what is in front of you and go for it! This includes the “Le Gateau” spread which Eron created. Just like a cake there are layers to it.
So, why not be bold and creative? Make your own journey with the Lenormand.
This has been a fantastic opportunity to read through and learn from. Thank you to Eron for replying to my messages. I would definitely recommend this book for everyone who has ever wondered what Lenormand is all about and also to those who have lots of experience but just want to read a really great book!
About the Author:
Eron Mazza has been practicing witchcraft for fourteen years. They are passionate about accessibility and keeping the craft approachable for whoever seeks it. Eron is also an accomplished Lenormand reader and has read at numerous events and venues. They currently live and serve their community in St. Louis, Missouri, with their two partners and four dogs.
You can find out more about Eron on Instagram at eron.v.mazza and listen to their podcast The Witching Hour with Eron Mazza.
The Living Lenormand is available here: https://redwheelweiser.com/book/the-living-lenormand-9781964537498/ and from all good online bookstores.
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