Cartomancy, or the art of fortune telling with cards, has a long and fascinating history in Romania. This practice has roots deeply entwined with Romanian folklore, spirituality, and an age-old tradition of divination. Among the many contemporary figures contributing to the preservation and reinvention of Romanian cartomancy, Camelia Elias stands out. A scholar, practitioner, and author, Elias has brought new life to the practice, especially through her book Read Like the Devil. In it, she delves into not just how to read cards, but how to interpret the ancient symbols hidden within the seemingly ordinary deck of playing cards.
The History of Cartomancy in Romania
Romania, with its rich tapestry of cultural traditions, has long held divination practices in high regard. From the mystical energy of the Carpathian Mountains to the folklore surrounding Romanian witches, people have always turned to the unseen forces to guide them. For centuries, cartomancy has been a part of this mystical tradition.
Romanian fortune-telling often involves the use of ordinary playing cards, a practice influenced by the Romani people, who were believed to have introduced card reading to Eastern Europe. The Romanian style of cartomancy is unique in its combination of symbolism, intuition, and the deep connection between the reader and the energies surrounding the querent.
In Romanian folklore, playing cards were more than just tools for entertainment; they were used as a portal to understanding the mysteries of life. Divination was commonly practiced in rural areas, where mystics, seers, or so-called “cartomancers” would be sought for advice on love, finances, and matters of fate.
Camelia Elias and Read Like the Devil
Camelia Elias’ Read Like the Devil is a groundbreaking exploration of cartomancy, offering both theoretical insight and practical instruction. Elias, who has studied and practiced fortune telling extensively, presents a methodical yet intuitive approach to reading cards. Her writing is filled with sharp observations, blending the intellectual with the mystical, making it an essential text for anyone interested in the Romanian way of cartomancy.
Elias emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of each card and their place in the sequence. She teaches readers how to approach the cards not just as symbols, but as representations of life itself—emotions, experiences, and fates intertwined. One of the book’s key aspects is how it encourages the reader to embrace the devilish art of card reading, inviting a more playful, daring, and fearless approach.
Her method draws on the interplay of intuition and structure. While there is a methodical element to reading the cards, Elias encourages the reader to let go of rigid rules and instead feel the natural flow of the reading.
How to Read Playing Cards the Romanian Way
Reading playing cards in the Romanian tradition is a practice that combines both symbolism and intuition. Here are the fundamental steps of card reading, influenced by Camelia Elias’ teachings in Read Like the Devil:
1. Understanding the Structure of the Deck
The deck used for Romanian cartomancy typically consists of 52 playing cards, just like a standard deck of cards. Each suit—hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades—carries its own symbolism:
- Hearts represent emotions, love, and relationships.
- Diamonds symbolize wealth, material matters, and opportunities.
- Clubs relate to work, challenges, and ambition.
- Spades are associated with thoughts, challenges, and conflicts.
2. Shuffling and Focusing
The process begins with shuffling the deck while the querent (the person asking the question) focuses on their issue. This act of shuffling symbolizes the mixing of fates, a key step in preparing the cards to reveal their answers. It is crucial to clear the mind and focus intently on the question or issue at hand.
3. Drawing the Cards
The reader may either draw a set number of cards (e.g., three to five) or use a specific spread. Some popular spreads include the past, present, future spread or the cross spread, where cards are laid out in a cross formation to indicate influences from various aspects of life.
4. Reading the Cards
Unlike reading tarot, each card’s meaning can be understood through a combination of its suit, number, and position in the spread. In the Romanian tradition, it’s important not just to read the cards as separate entities, but to see how they interact with one another. A card’s position in the spread can reveal layers of meaning that might not be immediately apparent.
For instance:
- A King of Hearts might represent a romantic partner or a person with strong emotional influence, depending on the surrounding cards.
- The Two of Spades might indicate a conflict or a challenge that requires resolution.
5. Intuition and Interpretation
The Romanian way of reading cards is heavily influenced by intuition. The reader should tune into the energy of the cards, their arrangement, and the overall vibe of the reading. In Read Like the Devil, Elias stresses the importance of not just memorizing meanings but understanding how the cards feel and resonate with the question at hand.
6. Connecting to the Spirit of the Cards
In Romanian cartomancy, there is an acknowledgment that the cards themselves hold energy. A strong connection to this energy allows the reader to understand not just the literal meanings, but also the deeper, more subtle messages the cards convey.
The Devilish Charm of Cartomancy
One of the intriguing aspects of Elias’ approach is the acknowledgment that cartomancy is a “devilish” art. While this may seem playful or even ominous, Elias uses the term to describe the nonconformist nature of reading cards. It’s about breaking free from rigid structures, such as those used in the HedgeWytch system, and embracing a more spontaneous, even rebellious way of connecting to the unseen world.
The Romanian tradition, as Elias presents it, doesn’t just involve reading the cards in a conventional way. It’s about letting the cards speak to you through symbols, numbers, and emotions, ultimately allowing the reader to connect with something much deeper—whether it’s fate, intuition, or the spirits that guide us.
Conclusion
Romanian cartomancy, as taught by Camelia Elias in Read Like the Devil, is an art that combines intellectual rigor with deep, intuitive insight. It is a tradition rooted in Romanian folklore, drawing on centuries of mystical practice. By understanding the history of cartomancy and learning to read playing cards through Elias’ lens, anyone can discover how to tap into the flow of life, interpreting the symbols of fate with both intellect and intuition. Whether you are a seasoned reader or a beginner, this practice offers endless opportunities for exploration and connection with the unseen world.
So, as Camelia Elias encourages us to do, don’t be afraid to “read like the devil” and embrace the cards as messengers from the realm of mystery.
Order your copy of Read Like the Devil HERE.
Words by Seanna Burgess.