1889 - a Lenormand oracle by ForTheSeekers

The 1889 Lenormand oracle is a 36-card divination deck created by Jennifer Kast for ForTheSeekers, successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2015. Positioned as an "amazingly accurate tarot alternative," this deck adheres to the traditional Lenormand system, which is known for its direct and practical approach to fortune-telling. The name "1889" suggests a historical inspiration, aiming to capture the essence of late 19th-century aesthetics and the period when Lenormand gained significant popularity.

The deck's design emphasizes a classic, antique feel, with imagery that is both clear and evocative of its historical roots. Each of the 36 cards features a distinct symbol, such as the Bear, Dog, Bouquet, Birds, Whip, and Garden, rendered in a style that combines detailed illustration with a vintage color scheme. The campaign highlighted the inclusion of silver foiling on both the cards and the box, adding a touch of elegance and luxury that aligns with the deck's antique theme. This attention to detail in production enhances the overall tactile and visual experience, making it appealing to collectors and practitioners alike.

While the campaign details are brief, the successful funding and the creator's emphasis on the "foxy little box" and foiled elements suggest a commitment to quality. The deck is designed for those who appreciate the straightforward, symbolic language of Lenormand and seek a deck with a strong historical and aesthetic identity. Its compact size and clear imagery make it suitable for various reading styles, from simple three-card spreads to the more complex Grand Tableau.

The artwork for the 1889 Lenormand oracle is characterized by a detailed, realistic illustration style with a vintage aesthetic. The color palette is generally muted, featuring earthy tones, soft blues, and greens, which contribute to the antique feel. Each card depicts its traditional Lenormand symbol clearly, often set against a simple, slightly faded background that enhances the historical impression. For instance, the 'Mountains' card shows snow-capped peaks with pine trees, while the 'Dog' card features a basset hound. The 'Whip' card displays a riding crop and broom, and the 'Birds' card shows two birds on a branch, one blue and one grey. The borders are white, with small black decorative elements and playing card inserts in the upper corners, typical of Lenormand decks. The campaign mentioned silver foiling, which would add a subtle shimmer to these vintage-inspired illustrations, although it's not explicitly visible in the provided image.

This deck is ideal for Lenormand practitioners who appreciate a classic, antique aesthetic and seek a deck with clear, traditional imagery. It appeals to collectors interested in historically inspired divination tools and those who value quality production details like foiling. Its straightforward symbolism also makes it accessible for intermediate readers looking to deepen their Lenormand practice, or even beginners who prefer a more direct oracle system over the complexities of tarot.

Jennifer Kast, the artist behind ForTheSeekers, launched the 1889 Lenormand oracle on Kickstarter in 2015. The campaign successfully raised $6,244 from 230 backers. Kast expressed excitement about the production details, particularly the silver foiling on both the cards and the "foxy little box," indicating a focus on creating a high-quality, aesthetically pleasing product that honors the historical roots of the Lenormand system.