Part 51

There are few rules governing this science, but those there are must be strictly observed. First, it is absolutely imperative that the person who is consulting the cards should set his or her mind on the matter. Thus, when a definite question is requiring an answer, the question itself must fill the mind. To let the mind wander to outside things or things that are not involved must lessen the psychic effect. Next, every consultant must cut the pack with the left hand, in order to set his or her seal on the order of the cards. Finally, to obtain the most accurate results, it is necessary that the consultant or person seeking the information should shuffle the pack.

THE FOUR-CARD DIVINATION

This method of fortunetelling is some hundreds of years old and references to it can be found in the works of people who wrote in Stuart times. After the consultant has shuffled the pack of fifty-two cards, he or she withdraws one of them at random and notes the suit. The card is, then, put back in the pack, which is again shuffled. Next, it is cut with the left hand, as already suggested.

Now comes the "lay-out." The cards are set face upwards on the table in four rows, each of thirteen. In doing this, it is imperative that all the rows should be commenced at the right-hand end.

That done, the key card is sought. In the case of a lady, the key card is the queen of the suit shown by the card which she picked from the pack at the outset. When it is a man who is seeking his fortune, the key card is the king of the suit indicated by the card he picked originally.

Having found the key card in the lay-out, count nine, eighteen, twenty-seven, thirty-six and forty-five spaces from it, and pick up the cards so placed. Remember that in counting, a line must be always begun from the right; also that it may be necessary to revert to the first or subsequent rows in order to obtain the full set of four cards.

In picking up the four cards, be careful to preserve their order; the first must be set out first, the second must come second, and the same with the third and the fourth. Each card stands for some definite portent, and the four portents supply the reading which affects the consultant.

The portents supplied by each card are as follows:--

Hearts

ACE.--Interests will center more in the home than outside it.

KING.--A person who has the good of others at heart.

QUEEN.--Energy and ability are denoted. There is, however, a strong tendency towards admiration for many members of the opposite sex.

JACK.--Inclined to be selfish and somewhat averse to following the desires of others.

TEN.--A happy marriage is indicated.

NINE.--A somewhat restless nature which soon tires and requires a change of scene.

EIGHT.--This is not a good card for those desiring marriage. If such a ceremony does occur, it will be late in coming.

SEVEN.--There is evidence that an open-air life is what is required.

SIX.--A happy marriage in the near future is heralded.

FIVE.--Happiness will be provided, but it will not be the result of riches.

FOUR.--Marriage is likely, but the measure of affection resulting from it appears to be small.

THREE.--Life will entail many reverses, but a broad mind will conquer them.

TWO.--Marriage will result, but not before many trials have beset the path to happiness.

Diamonds

ACE.--Friendships will spring up where enemies have existed.

KING.--There is a clear indication of social happiness, but the home may be neglected.

QUEEN.--This suggests a strong character, but no great amount of affection is displayed.

JACK.--Amiability is the chief character indicated by this card.

TEN.--There are signs of a large and happy family.