Card Oracles.
Answering questions by means of cards is a popular pastime. If the inquirer wishes to know—
“When will my wedding be?”
she draws four cards and lays them face up on the table. The spots must be counted to get the number of weeks. A Queen or King means a speedy marriage with prosperity. A Knave means a delay. An Ace signifies trouble and bids the inquirer consider well before taking the important step.
“Will my lover be true to me?”
Lay the top 15 cards on the table face up. If the Ten, Nine or Eight of Hearts is among them, the chances are favorable. If the Ace of Spades is among them, the omen is bad. If the King of Hearts turns up, you can trust him for life.
“Have I cause for jealousy?”
Count off the top 9 cards. If the Ace of any suit is among them, beware, for there is someone he loves better than you.
“Shall we ever part?”
Lay out 4 cards from the top in the form of a cross. Count the spots. If odd, then you will never part; if even, be prepared for a short parting in the future. If an Ace is among them, the parting will be a long one.
“Is it advisable for me to change my residence?”
Lay 9 cards in a circle face up. If the middle card is a picture card, remain where you are. If a small card, the number of spots indicate in how many months you should move. If an Ace, it indicates the need of great care.
“What fortune is there in store for me?”
Take off 3 cards and lay them face up. If red cards, they foretell a good fortune; if black, trouble. If a King or Queen appears, it means that influential friends will help. If a Knave, beware of an enemy. If an Ace, you will have a struggle to achieve success.
HEARTS In days of youth, life’s golden spring, When throbs of love begin; Then hearts are trumps, and fate will bring A hand that’s sure to win.
DIAMONDS In summer time of joyous life, When gifts of wealth expand; Then diamonds are trumps, and the happy wife Finds them a winning hand.
CLUBS In the autumn days of life’s decline, When friends are choice but few; Then clubs are trumps, and club-life fine Holds winning hands for you.
SPADES When winter comes with hoary age, Then spades are trumps, my boy. The Sextons spade will close life’s page, With its sorrow and its joy.