The pack of thirty-two selected cards is taken, and a card is selected
to represent the dealer, supposing he is making the essay on his own
behalf; if not, it must represent the person for whom he is acting. In
doing this, if the Consultant card be not used, it is necessary to
remember that the card chosen should be according to the complexion of
the chooser. King or queen of diamonds for a very fair person; king or
queen of hearts for one rather dark; clubs for one darker still; and
spades only for one very dark indeed. The card chosen also loses its
signification, and simply becomes the representative of a dark or fair
man or woman as the case may be. This point having been settled, the
cards are shuffled, and either cut by the dealer or for him (according
to whether he is acting for himself or another person), the left hand
being used. That done, they are turned up by threes, and every time
two of the same suit are found in these triplets, such as two hearts,
two clubs, etc., the highest card is withdrawn and placed on the table
in front. If the triplet chance to be all the same suit, the highest
card is still to be the only one withdrawn, but should it consist of
three of the same value, such as three kings, etc., they are all to be
appropriated. If after having turned up the cards, three by three, six
have been able to be withdrawn, there will remain twenty-six, which
are shuffled and cut, and again turned up by threes, acting precisely
as before, until thirteen, fifteen or seventeen cards have been
obtained. The number must always be uneven, and the card representing
the person consulting must be amongst the number; if not, it must be
drawn out and put at the end.
Say that the person whose fortune is being read is a lady, represented
by the queen of hearts, and that fifteen cards are obtained and laid
out in the form of a semi-circle in the order they were drawn: The
seven of clubs, the ten of diamonds, the seven of hearts, the jack of
clubs, the king of diamonds, the nine of diamonds, the ten of hearts,
the queen of spades, the eight of hearts, the jack of diamonds, the
queen of hearts, the nine of clubs, the seven of spades, the ace of
clubs, the eight of spades. The cards having been considered, there
are found among them two queens, two jacks, two tens, three sevens,
two eights and two nines. It is therefore possible to announce:--"The
two queens are supposed to signify the re-union of friends; the two
jacks, that there is mischief being made between them. These two tens,
a change, which, from one of them being between two sevens, will not
be effected without some difficulty; the cause of which, according to
these three sevens, will be illness. However, these two nines can
promise some small gain; resulting, so say these two eights, from a
love affair."
Seven cards are now counted from right to left, beginning with the
queen of hearts, who represents the lady consulting the cards. The
seventh being the king of diamonds, the following may be said: "You
often think of a fair man in uniform."
The next seventh card (counting the king of diamonds as one) proves to
be the ace of clubs: "You will receive from him some very joyful
tidings; he, besides, intends making you a present."
Count the ace of clubs as one, and proceeding to the next seventh
card, the queen of spades: "A widow is endeavoring to injure you on
this very account; and (the seventh card counting the queen as one
being the ten of diamonds) the annoyance she gives you will oblige you
to either take a journey or change your residence; but (this ten of
diamonds being imprisoned between two sevens) your journey or removal
will meet with some obstacle."
On proceeding to count as before, calling the ten of diamonds one, the
seventh card will be found to be the queen of hearts herself, the
person consulting; therefore, the conclusion may be stated as: "But
this you will overcome of yourself, without needing anyone's aid or
assistance."
The two cards at either extremity of the half circle are now taken,
which are respectively the eight of spades and seven of clubs, and
may be read: "A sickness which will result in your receiving a small
sum of money."
Repeat the same maneuver, which brings together the ace of clubs and
the ten of diamonds:
"Good news, which will make you decide on taking a journey, destined
to prove a very happy one, and which will occasion you to receive a
sum of money."
The next cards united, being the seven of spades and the seven of
hearts, you say:
"Tranquillity and peace of mind, followed by slight anxiety, quickly
followed by love and happiness."
Then come the nine of clubs and the jack of clubs: "You will certainly
receive money through the exertions of a clever dark young man."
Queen of hearts and king of diamonds: "Which comes from a fair man in
uniform. This recontre announces great happiness in store for you, and
the complete fulfillment of your wishes."
Jack of diamonds and nine of diamonds: "Although this happy result
will be delayed some time through a fair young man, not famed for his
delicacy."