Card reading or cartomancy as it is known, has been a popular pastime for centuries.  Most people associate this practice with Tarot cards, yet ordinary playing cards can be used just as easily. All forms of card reading are based on symbolism, the cards are used to represent archetypes, actual people, events or various aspects of life.  A full deck of playing cards consists of 52 cards, and there are the same number of weeks in a year.  The pack is divided into four suits, just as there are four seasons, four quarters and four elements.  The suits are of two colors, red or black, reflecting the essential duality of life itself, male and female, light and dark, positive and negative etc.

Their meanings ; Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts and Spades.  Or go straight to the Spreads.

The Club Suite

Clubs represent people with rich brown or red hair, a high color and brown or hazel eyes.  An active, energetic personality. Enterprise and fresh activity.

Ace – An unexpected gift, financial windfall or good news concerning money.

Two – Long term plans could meet with opposition or delay as a result of another’s interference. Beware of idle chat or malicious gossip.

Three – Successful marriage, remarriage or a declaration of intent is possible for those who have experienced a long term relationship.

Four – Fortunes could take a turn for the worse due to another’s deceit or treachery, so do not take everything on trust.  Keep plans flexible.

Five – A time of change for the better, with the accent on partnership.  Business ventures will be financially rewarding, the prospects are equally rosy for marriage plans.

Six – A good omen for those seeking commercial success, established businesses should flourish and new projects obtain necessary financial backing.

Seven – A small gift or money gain, perhaps a debt will be repaid.  A new friendship may bring much pleasure.  Seek legal advice if signing a contract.

Eight – A time of uncertainty when minor problems could be blown out of all proportion.  Avoid get rich quick schemes.

Nine – This card warns against obstinacy, as friction could arise if you ignore the wishes of others. However, there is a possibility of monetary or other gain due to an unforeseen business offer or marriage proposal.

Ten – Sudden financial gain, perhaps through a legacy, insurance payment or tax rebate.  Travel, probably abroad, could prove surprisingly profitable and may lead to a romantic encounter.

Jack – A clever, enterprising young person who is well disposed towards the questioner.  In the case of a female enquirer, probably an admirer or lover, or a good, reliable friend of a male enquirer.

Queen – A warm hearted, charming, quick witted and trustworthy woman of middle years, perhaps the wife of a male questioner or a close friend of a female in either case, she is very supportive and wise.

King – A mature professional man, honest and straightforward in his dealings who can be of great assistance.  Probably a relative of a female enquirer or a colleague.

The Diamond Suite

Diamonds represent very pale people with fair or white hair and light blue or grey eyes. Assured, sophisticated types.  Money and material possessions, business, status and security.

Ace – A long awaited letter or important document will arrive shortly, bringing welcome news.  A financial offer or marriage proposal could be made.

Two – A love affair or close friendship should be developing steadily even if attracting the disapproval of others.  Business matters should be showing progress.

Three – Partnerships com under scrutiny and tact may be required if disputes are to be avoided.  Litigation is possible, though the outcome could be beneficial. The outlook is promising if cooperation can be maintained.

Four – Do not allow harsh words or rash actions to mar a relationship.  Despite petty squabbles, matters can be resolved with patience and understanding, perhaps an old friend could help reconcile differences.

Five – News of a birth in the family or a child’s achievement will bring much joy.  A small financial loss could be offset by an exciting business opportunity, new ventures are especially favoured.

Six – Marital difficulties are a probability and in some instances could lead to divorce or separation.  Alternatively, there may be reconciliation.

Seven – There may be minor problems or disputes at work or home due to unkind gossip, petty jealousy or misunderstandings.  yet such upsets are likely to be short lived and surprise news will lift everyone’s spirits.

Eight – Romance and travel seem to be linked in some way, especially for the very young or elderly.  Fluctuations of fortune are indicated, either a small financial loss or a windfall or lucky gamble.

Nine – A business deal or fresh undertaking bodes well, as does a change of residence or occupation.  For those with initiative, opportunities abound for romance, increasing income or enjoying a super social round.

Ten – A planned journey brings unforeseen benefit, perhaps a job offer, an opportunity to expand business interests or even a chance of new romance.  Improved finances could enable the questioner to secure his or her future.

Jack – A personable young friend or relative of the enquirer, probably male, who brings news.  This may be unwelcome if the enquirer is female, thought not disastrous.  Alternatively, a warning to guard against dishonesty.

Queen – This card represents a woman who may pose a threat to a female questioner’s love life or who could interfere in a male enquirer’s business affairs.  In either case, this lady needs careful handling, so tact is advised.

King – An ambitious and influential man who has it in his power to help or hinder the enquirer’s interests.  Any proposition should therefore be considered very thoroughly.

The Heart Suite

Hearts represent light brown or auburn haired people with pinkish complexions and blue, grey or hazel eyes.  A friendly, sympathetic nature.  Emotional matters, love and marriage, children and artistic pursuits.

Ace – A card promising affection and domestic happiness.  It could refer to a birth, marriage proposal, new friendship or reunion.

Two – Good fortune, perhaps greater than anticipated.  The consolidation of a current partnership or new romantic liaison.  All friendships and close personal ties should flourish.

Three – An engagement or news of a wedding.  A difficult choice may have to be made, if so, try to defer a decision until you can consider all the possibilities.

Four – A time of change, either of employment or residence, or perhaps both.  Marriage or remarriage is a possibility for a mature enquirer.

Five – Not a time to make important decisions or to contemplate dramatic changes in your way of life.  The best advice is to take a short break, relax and get your thoughts in order before tackling any business or domestic worries.

Six – Pleasing family news, perhaps of an engagement or a child’s achievement.  However, others may try to take advantage of your good nature, so avoid taking on too much.

Seven – Keep plans flexible, a friend or colleague could let you down at the last moment or an anticipated event be cancelled without warning.  Romance is well starred.

Eight – Social life is highlighted and will bring much pleasure.  A journey or outing could lead to a romantic encounter which develops into an enduring relationship.

Nine – Often known as the wish card, this good omen promises success in whatever is closest to the enquirer’s heart at the time of the reading.  Any existing misunderstandings will soon be resolved.

Ten – A fortunate card promising happiness in love, a fulfilling domestic situation and business success.  An opportunity to secure the future may arise unexpectedly, if so, do not hesitate to take it up.

Jack – An amiable, sincere young person, probably a friend of long standing or near relative of the enquirer.  He or she could be instrumental in introducing the enquirer to someone who is to become very important emotionally.

Queen – A warm hearted, mature woman who has the enquirer’s best interests at heart.  Kind, affectionate and sensible, she offers sound advice, practical help and comfort.

King – A good natured man, well disposed towards the enquirer.  Sociable, generous and enthusiastic, he may lack discretion, so is not always a wise judge.  Alternatively, an indication that any minor money problems will be short lived.

The Spade Suite

Spades represent sallow complexioned people with dark brown or black hair and eyes.  Powerful or influential people, strong characters.  Power or position, conflict, mental activities, law and order, foreign affairs.

Ace – A card of challenge, signifying the end oof one cycle and the start of the next.  Underlying tensions or problems, whether at home or work, are about to erupt, this may be distressing but will clear the way ahead.

Two – Change is imminent, this may mean a new hhome or job, or possibly the end of a relationship.  Whatever the case, despite a feeling of loss, the new situation leads to improved circumstances long term.

Three – Caution and prudence are advised, especiaally in any form of partnership.  In business or emotional life, conflict can arise if you allow a third party to interfere or let outside interests intrude.

Four – Disappointment is the key work.  Plaans may be delayed or disrupted, promises could be broken and, on the home front, much needed support may be lacking.  Do not worry, there will be fresh opportunities.

Five – Do not despair if things fail to go accorrding to plan, financial or business problems are only temporary and can be resolved in time.  All will be well if you have patience, reschedule your program and persevere.

Six – Progress may seem irritatingly slow, espeecially if you are hoping to complete a deal.  Despite setbacks, plans will come to fruition eventually, with hard work and persistence, so do not give up.