The Complete Lenormand Oracle Handbook: Reading the Language and Symbols of the Cards Paperback – September 22, 2014

OMG! First and foremost I want to thank Caitlin Matthews, for this is an amazing resource book. It answers so many burning questions in terms of utilizing not only the LeNormand symbols, but how to apply those insets. While I already had a method in which to apply the insets, Matthews expanded it beyond my expectations! Matthews discusses timing, weather, various traits and attributes in depth. There are case studies, example readings and a plethora of practice material and exercises. For those of you who like charts - they're here for just about every imaginable correspondence. Some of which you will find in other books, but so much more you can't find anywhere else. I've been reading playing cards for over 27 years and added the Lenormand during the past 5+ years. I strayed towards Tarot for many of those 27 years and combined my knowledge of both, but when I stumbled onto the Lenormnd, I felt as if I'd come home. This book has added more dimension to my readings than anything else out on the market. Believe me, I know, because I own most of the current books on this subject and none compare to this one. This is truly all you need to work with these cards. I don't care what level you are operating at, beginner to advanced will gain knowledge from Matthews. Yes, I already knew the basics, and even some of the more advanced methods, but here you will find so many ways of looking at the individual cards and combos, as well as different ways in which to read the grand tableau's (yes that's a plural on tableau!). She shows the traditional 4x8x4 as well as the 9x4, but it doesn't stop there, you'll find counting methods, mirroring and knighting. I've only just scratched the surface of what's available in this book. I think the single most important thing I learned from Matthews is how the suits actually do make sense when paired with the symbol - but you'll have to read the book to find out more. You will not be disappointed in this book. I can't encourage you enough to add this to your collection. In fact, throw the rest out" this is all you need. Enjoy!

This is a thick book, but not an overwhelming one. The author, Caitlin Matthews, has done a remarkable job of creating a step-by-step course on using the Lenormand cards which is very complete, yet does not make the reader feel bogged down with too much esoteric information which must be memorized. I've read Tarot books which have you memorizing all the cards and their symbols before you even touch a Tarot card; this book is NOT like that! You'll be working with the cards right from the start. The book is well-organized, the layout is easy on the eye, and it's illustrated in color throughout, both in the typeface where appropriate and in the pictures of cards from several different Lenormand decks both old and new. The whole book is very readable and aesthetically pleasing, which really makes a difference in terms of how easy it is to learn from.I find it helps me to have my own deck of Lenormand cards with me as I read the book, not only to do the suggested exercises, but also to fix in my mind what MY cards look like when the author is describing individual cards, pairings, tableaux, etc. This will help imprint your own cards' images, rather than the ones the author is using as illustrations, onto one's mind.I am eager to pick this book up each day. I will be busy working or doing other tasks and find myself thinking "When I'm done, I can read my Lenormand book!" I searched far and wide before selecting which book to learn from, and I feel I made the best choice of the available books on the Lenormand cards. It IS a real handbook, one which you will return to again and again.

Caitlin Matthews’ book is truly, truly amazing and exhaustively comprehensive; it is THE tome of Lenormand, but a terrible place to begin your Lenormand study. I bought this book when I first started learning to read Lenormand and was quickly overwhelmed by all the nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives and possible combinations. Seriously, it’s A LOT. And it can drown the novice quickly. I gave up reading Lenormand because of this book, thinking I would never be able to comprehend this seemingly labyrinthine system. But years later I decided to dip my toe in again and bought Rana George’s book. THIS is where you want to start. George’s descriptions of each card give you an easily digestible array of meanings and a sense of what each card is trying to convey. Once you’ve worked through her book and have a solid foundation for each card, THEN pick up Matthews’ book. It will deepen and broaden your approach, showing you layers you hadn’t thought about before.So, in short, start with Rana George’s book for a firm foundation, then pick up Caitlin Matthews’ book for a fantastic dive into the deep end.