Deck Name: Gilded Reverie Lenormand Expanded Edition
Creator(s): Ciro Marchetti
Publisher & Year: US Games, 2017
Availability: https://www.usgamesinc.com/Gilded-Reverie-Expanded-Edition.html
The Gilded Reverie Lenormand by Ciro Marchetti was originally published in 2003. I remember seeing it in bookstores and thinking that it was a gorgeous deck. I didn’t buy it at the time, however, because I had no idea what Lenormand was back then. By the time I started learning this form of cartomancy, the deck was already out of print and I spent years pining over this deck. Thus, when I saw that an expanded edition was available in 2017, I clicked Buy without a second thought and am so glad that I did!
This is one of the prettiest decks in my collection. While I generally prefer Lenormand decks with simple images, the Gilded Reverie is an exception. This deck is filled with rich images in vibrant colours. The part Victorian and part fantasy setting is expressed with a soft, dreamlike feel. Altogether, it gives the deck a steampunk romance vibe.
The card back design is simple and elegant, with dark red and white checks overlaid with gold designs. Finished with gilded edges, the result is a feast for the eyes.
This expanded edition comes with 11 extra cards for us to gawk over. The first two extra cards are (like many other modern Lenormand decks) an additional Man and Woman. One set presents the people in a dreamy contemplative state while the other set is much more sensual. These extra cards are great for readings involving multiple parties. Alternatively, one of the genders can be switched out to provide a more accurate reading for same sex relationships.
Another duplicate from the original 36 cards is the Birds card. While the duplicate retains the same number, it has been renamed Owl. Through this change, its meaning also varies slightly. Birds indicate conversations, often in a lighthearted manner. In Owl, the communication it speaks of is now more serious in nature.
The remaining 8 extra card is an extension of the traditional deck. The numbers of these cards continue from 37-44, they do not have playing card insets.
My favourite cards from this extra set are Masks and Time. Masks examines the different faces we put on for different occasions. When this card comes up, we are asked to examine the intentions in ourselves and others. Time speaks to the importance of timing. Depending on its surrounding card, it can give us a better idea of how quickly or slowly things are unfolding.
I didn’t use these extra cards at first because. Being not as versatile with Lenormand, I was afraid they would confuse my readings. However, the beauty of the cards was too much for me to ignore so I eventually incorporated them into my readings and am so glad that I did! They add a lot of depth to my readings.
Aside from the cards themselves, the little guidebook is also worthy of praise. Although compact, it provides plenty of information. Each card begins with a short rhyme to help readers memorize the meaning of the cards. The detailed descriptions for some of the cards even include suggested readings when paired with certain cards. The thoughtfulness of the information provided would be enough for a beginner to get started.
The card stock is thick and sturdy. Even after two years of constant use, it still feels like new. These cards and booklet come in a sturdy magnetic box. Because (like many Lenormand decks) these cards are smaller than tarot and contains less number of cards, the compactness makes it a great deck for travelling.
I love reading with this deck. Not only does it provide accurate readings, the dreamlike images sweep me off my feet and take me to another time and place. There is a sense of serenity that comes with these cards, like a sweet dream from an afternoon nap at a cottage.
To see more of this deck creator’s work, visit www.ciromarchetti.com
