AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a series of posts discussing my experimental alignment of the 36 Lenormand cards with the 12 signs and 36 decanates of astrology. This time I’m examining the sign of Cancer and its “native” 4th House as it relates to the “home-and-family” cards of Lenormand. For this group I’ve selected the House, the Lilies and the Anchor. (I believe the Thoth cards Love, Abundance and Luxury would be better for this particular comparison because they carry less narrative baggage, but I’ll stick with RWS for now.)

As the lowest point in the “natural” or Aries-rising horoscope, the 4th House is sometimes thought of as one’s foundation or “home base;” Cancer ties in the idea of a profound depth of feeling and also of the parent (traditionally the mother) who provided emotional security and preparation for independence during a child’s upbringing.

Although it’s a little less personal, the Lenormand House defines a “family unit” as people who live under the same roof. It is always considered a fortunate card, even when with less favorable companions, unless it is in the center of a Grand Tableau spread.

The Lilies corresponds to domestic happiness; it is viewed as a symbol of supportive familial values, long life and marital fidelity when it is above the Significator card, but less virtuous when it is below.

The Anchor signifies stability, which is an advantage when trying to establish and maintain an enduring household. In this context it binds us to the enduring influence of our ancestral roots.

These cards in combination all have something to say about the home life (most of it positive), which justifies correlating them to the sign of Cancer and the 4th House. Although I’ve been castigated by Lenormand purists (in fact, I number myself among them) for attempting this analysis, I think it adds to a syncretic understanding of the system.