AUTHOR’S NOTE: When examining the traditional meaning of a Lenormand card, we frequently encounter mention of its distance from the Significator card, usually to the benefit or detriment of its impact on the situation. (This degree of separation is a factor in the “MOD” – method of distance – or “near/far” approach to interpretation of the Grand Tableau.*) In the view of Lenormand author Andy Boroveshengra, “far away” means more than three positions distant, while “very far” is more than four cards out. “Attendance” (or touching the Significator) is closest, while “proximity” refers to the next tier of cards beyond that intimate contact. The third remove is only described as “not near” and could be considered of middling consequence to the narrative.

For the purpose of identifying any marked affect of distance on a card’s influence, I only use “far” or “very” far” in my own work; everything closer is by default important to the reading. What I’ve done in this essay is creatively restate Andy’s observations without unduly plagiarizing them, although I’ve directly quoted from his book, Lenormand, Thirty-Six Cards, where appropriate. I’ve also included minor commentary from Lenormand Symbols by Anthony Louis. Hopefully, my effort will be seen as an endorsement of both books.

Most of the positive cards are more potent for good when close to the querent’s card, while the negative cards are mitigated in their severity when far away. “Neutral” cards are for the most part unaffected. But there are exceptions in all cases. Not every card has a specific “near” or “far” description (and those without one are not covered here); some change their complexion only in the presence of certain positive or negative companions. This essay finally became organized by card sequence half-way through since I began with the examples I found most compelling and decided to leave it that way. My goal here is to present all of these insights in one convenient place.

In a great many Grand Tableaux, the Significator turns up nowhere near the center of the layout, so there may be few cards in the “far” positions and none in the “very far” category. Some readers simplify this by only considering cards that are touching one another: those bordering the Significator are “very near;” those contacting the “very near” cards are “near;” and those immediately adjacent to the “near” cards are “far,” thus eliminating any ambiguity. In my own experience, apart from the exceptions described below, anything beyond three cards away becomes relatively insignificant (particularly those outliers that are not part of the network of rows, columns and diagonals) unless it is tied in by another technique like knighting, quadrant emphasis, “corners” or house correlation.

The Tree is the primary indicator of the health of the querent or of the matter being studied. It is a “neutral- negative” card that is on its best behavior when far away from the Significator; when near it augurs health concerns unless accompanied by positive cards like the Sun.

The Bear is a symbol of strength, power, protection and the support of allies, but it can also signify the envy or ill-will of others when it falls far away from the querent’s card. In the latter case it is best to trust only those people closest to you.

When the Mountain is far away from the Significator it denotes a powerful ally, but when it is close it can indicate a rival or enemy, which will be made worse by the attendance of other negative cards.

When the Birds is near, the implication is of short-term stress, but far away it can mean a pleasant journey.

To quote Andy Boroveshengra, “When the Fish is far away from the significator it means that the querent should expect a lean spell financially. When (it) is close by, the querent can expect an upturn in financial circumstances.”

According to Andy, the negative influence of the Clouds “increases the closer it is to the significator card.”

When far away, the Snake can show that difficulties will soon pass, but when it is close, watch out!

The Crossroads (a “neutral” card), when far away from the Significator and unaffected by negative cards, suggests that, with a little initiative, problems can be overcome. But when close – even when free of affliction – it foretells anxious times ahead (the usual meaning is “confronting a decision”).

The Mice, an entirely negative card indicating loss or theft, can mean that the lost or stolen item will be recovered if it is close to the Significator; not so when far away.

When the Storks is close to the Significator it bodes well for change and (hopefully) improvement; when far away the situation will remain static. Anthony Louis (in Lenormand Symbols) adds “The closer the card is to the person, the sooner the change will occur.”

Even when the Bouquet is far away from the querent’s card, it still predicts passive support and comfort from others.

Andy B says that the Scythe (a harbinger of imminent danger) when it is close will reduce the benefit of any positive cards it is with; others aver just the opposite, in which case those same cards will minimize the severity of the Scythe. You can take your pick, but – depending on the context of the reading – I might be inclined to see them as offsetting influences producing negligible consequences in either direction.

When far away, the Rider can suggest “news from a distance,” but when close it’s more likely to mean “local news” from the neighborhood or from one’s family.

When far away, the Clover can signify loneliness if it is with severe cards.

The Ship nearby can indicate an opportunity to travel; with positive cards accompanying it, the voyage could be important and memorable, but with negative cards it could be “memorable for the wrong reasons” (Andy B).

No matter how far away it is, the Coffin can bring “bleak times,” but the severity and duration may be reduced when it is distant.

The closer the Whip is to the Significator, the more likely it is to produce unfortunate consequences.

The Child nearby implies “collaborative relationships” (Anthony Louis), as well as the support and good will of one’s associates. When farther away, the card still conveys trust but not necessarily active assistance.

The Fox (a dishonest individual) connotes deception at the hands of others when it is close to the querent’s card, but does not require as much caution when it is far away.

The good fortune and the success of the Stars (and those cards that attend it) are most evident when it is close to the Significator, but they are diminished as it recedes into the distance.

Nearby, the Dog promises integrity and longevity in friendships, but at a distance some disappointment in the trustworthiness of one’s friends may occur.

When the Park (aka Garden) is far away or is with negative cards, falsehood on the part of others and bouts of loneliness or isolation may result; when close, new friendships can prove advantageous.

When the Heart is close to the querent’s card, romance is in the air, but when it is far away only platonic affairs or devoted friendships may be expected.

When the Ring lies to the left and far from the querent’s card, it presages separation from, or ruptures in, one’s connections.

The Book near the Significator augurs an important and frequently upsetting revelation, but when it is remote any secrets will be more unexpected than unsettling. Negative cards touching it will deeply affect it for the worst.

When the Sun is far away, despondency and daunting difficulties could be the querent’s lot. When close and free of negative companions, good luck and success should be anticipated.

The Moon nearby promotes recognition and honors, but if it is distant it suggests being passed over and suffering the stagnation of one’s ambitions.

When the Key attends or is in proximity to the Significator, ventures are set to succeed with only slight effort on the querent’s part, but when far away it portends the opposite (e.g. moderate success despite rigorous labor).

When free of affliction, the Anchor will be stronger the closer it is to the querent’s card; but if close and afflicted, there are no guarantees of stability.

The negative effects of the Cross will be mitigated only if the card is close to the Significator, in which case its duration could be shortened but its misfortune will not be greatly weakened.

*Note that in the five-card line, the 3×3 layout and the five-card cross, the “far” distinction is not normally used since no card lies more than three spaces away from the central “focus” card of the spread.