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.
NINE.—There is no need to worry over financial matters; money will flow in when most required.
EIGHT.—The consultant should keep a firm check on bad habits.
SEVEN.—A very upright and high-minded individual.
SIX.—A person who wavers when a decision has to be made.
FIVE.—A somewhat shallow character is indicated, one who takes insufficient thought of the morrow.
FOUR.—The consultant displays too little trust in him or herself. An inferiority complex is possessed.
THREE.—A person of considerable merit, but is shy and retiring.
TWO.—Do not tire of waiting for the good things of life; they will come without any doubt.
Clubs
ACE.—A successful life is ensured in the commercial world for men, and in the home for women.
KING.—The consultant will succeed in whatever he or she most desires, but it may entail a tedious wait.
QUEEN.—There are signs that too high a value is placed on the opinions of others.
JACK.—One who loves recreations and who gives too little attention to the necessary things in life.
TEN.—Expect many trials unless the other cards point to favorable issues.
NINE.—Money affairs will cause a good deal of anxiety.
EIGHT.—There are definite signs that many so-called friends will only flock to you when you can be of use to them.
SEVEN.—You will have your share of sorrows.
SIX.—Divide your life into three equal portions. One will be pleasant, one will be very happy and the other, more or less ordinary. The fates say nothing of the order in which they will come.
FIVE.—You will have few causes for regrets, if you continue as you are acting at present.
FOUR.—There are people who are prepared to damage your reputation. Therefore, be on your guard.
THREE.—If a request is made of you in the near future, be cautious how you reply. Much will depend on the answer.
TWO.—Beware of coming storms.
Spades
ACE.—Much good fortune attends the one who finds this card among the four that are chosen.
KING.—A card which indicates that the consultant revels in doing kind actions.
QUEEN.—This indicates that the consultant is, frankly, a flirt.
JACK.—One who tries to make happiness a feature of his or her surroundings.
TEN.—Fix your thoughts on something devoutly wished for and the Fates will grant it to you.
NINE.—You are given to worrying over things that do not really matter.
EIGHT.—Do not set such store on money. It is not the only thing worth having.
SEVEN.—Be very careful that you do not marry for anything but love.
SIX.—There is every prospect of a comfortable home, surrounded by children who bring you happiness.
FIVE.—Happiness will come to you either early in life or very soon.
FOUR.—You do not know how to handle money and you must be careful that you do not trust it to an unworthy person.
THREE.—You expect too many luxuries. You would be far happier if you valued the simple things of life.
TWO.—Do not be depressed by troubles. They will pass away.
Now that the meaning of all the fifty-two cards is known, one thing more requires to be explained. Let us suppose that the four cards have been drawn from the lay-out, as already directed. It may happen that one of them directly contradicts another card. What happens then? In such a case, the second card to be drawn from the lay-out has the effect of cancelling the first, but the force of the second card is weakened thereby and its portent is lessened. It is because of this that it is highly necessary to remember the order in which the four cards are taken from the lay-out.