The book presents a comprehensive symposium of cartomancy, gathering authentic methods from ancient traditions, Arab seers, and Romany gypsies. It begins by examining the historical significance of divination through playing cards, highlighting famous anecdotes such as the prophecies given to Josephine, Empress of the French.
Following the introduction, the text details the preparation required to acquire the art, including the selection and marking of cards and the designation of a consultant card. It outlines multiple systems, ranging from ancient oracles using the full fifty-two card deck to modern adaptations and specialized methods utilizing thirty-two selected cards.
Separate dictionaries provide primary and secondary definitions for every card in the deck, assigning specific meanings to suits, individual cards, and upright or reversed positions. Combinations of two or more cards are analyzed to help interpreters construct coherent and detailed readings.
Specialized techniques such as dealing by threes, fives, sevens, and fifteens, alongside the star method and the twenty-one card layout, offer structured approaches to different types of divination. These methods guide the practitioner in examining past, present, and future events.
The volume concludes with various divinatory games and tests designed to answer specific questions regarding wishes, love affairs, and marriage. Throughout, the text serves as a reference manual for both amateurs and serious students of cartomancy.
