Introduction to the Grange-Lenormand Cards: Divination through Mythology and Alchemy

This book is the first full-scale guidebook in Japan to the Grand Lenormand Cards (officially known as the Grand Jeu de Mademoiselle Lenormand Cards), a set of oracle cards first released in France in 1845. (The set includes 52 original Grand Jeu de Mademoiselle Lenormand cards and four gentlemen's and ladies' cards, for a total of 56 cards.)

These cards are said to have been created by a disciple of the legendary fortune teller Mademoiselle Lenormand. Each card depicts a scene from mythology or alchemy, a constellation, the alphabet, playing cards, geomancy, flowers, and French culture, each with its own meaning, making them resemble a collection of oracle cards. At first glance, they may seem "strange," but that's precisely why they're so captivating, drawing you in for deeper exploration. Furthermore, the main illustrations, which are crucial when interpreting the cards, are "scenes from a story," creating a sense of storytelling and allowing you to immerse yourself in the story and enjoy fortune-telling.

■It also serves as a tool for learning about Western mystical thought, such as mythology and alchemy, as well as French culture. The main illustrations on the cards are popular with those interested in Western mystical thought, including Greek mythology (35 out of 52 cards), alchemy (7 cards), and Egyptian mythology (2 cards). The secondary illustrations also depict various scenes and elements of French culture, providing a fun glimpse into the 19th century.

■"Japan's First Grand Lenormand Card Guidebook" These cards, which originated in France, have only been published in French and German, and only in limited detail. As of August 2023, there have been no detailed Japanese guidebooks.