Game of Hope, Lenormand Cards and Napoleon

Written on 02/08/2025
Out of the Shadows of the Church

The Enlightenment was a time when esoterica and mysticism flourished alongside reason and science, reflecting the era’s rich and multifaceted approach to knowledge and understanding.
 
One Such Story: The Lenormand Cards
 
The origins of Lenormand cards are closely tied to a German card game called "Das Spiel der Hoffnung" or "The Game of Hope." Created by Johann Kaspar Hechtel in 1799, this game is considered the precursor to the modern Lenormand deck.

The Game of Hope

  • Creation: Johann Kaspar Hechtel, a businessman and game designer from Nuremberg, Germany, created the game.
  • Structure: The Game of Hope consists of a deck of 36 cards, each featuring a unique image and playing card association, similar to the modern Lenormand deck. These cards were used in a board game that combined elements of fortune-telling with traditional board gameplay.

Transition to Lenormand Cards

  • Fortune-Telling Aspect: Although The Game of Hope was initially intended as a board game, it included instructions for using the cards in divination. This dual purpose contributed to the deck's transition into a tool for cartomancy.
  • Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand (1772-1843): Often considered the most famous cartomancer of her time, she claimed to have read for notable figures such as Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte. She even predicted the divorce between Josephine and Napoleon, which led to her imprisonment for divination.
  • Posthumous Popularization: After Marie Anne Lenormand's death, her name became associated with various divinatory practices. The cards from The Game of Hope were republished and popularized under her name, with the imagery and meanings adapted to reflect Lenormand's reputed methods and insights.

Modern Popularity

Lenormand cards have gained significant popularity since 2000 CE, offering a unique and practical approach to divination. Grounded in historical tradition, they are favored for their straightforward, actionable insights.