The Magpie's Lenormand

The Magpie's Lenormand is a 36-card deck created by French freelance illustrator Rozenn Grosjean, known for her traditional ink artwork and animal-themed projects. This deck offers a unique interpretation of the classic Lenormand system, blending traditional symbolism with a distinctive artistic style that emphasizes nature and a slightly melancholic, ethereal mood.

The deck was successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2020, raising $85,940 from 1,775 backers. It is presented in a sturdy tuck box and includes "The Magpie's Guide," a booklet that explains the symbolic meanings of each card. The campaign also offered a companion Ouija Board and planchette, which could be housed with the deck in a magnetic flip-top box, indicating a broader interest in divination tools beyond just the cards.

Rozenn Grosjean's artistic approach, which favors traditional inks, is evident in the delicate lines and subtle shading of the illustrations. The focus on animals and botanical elements, such as mice, magpies, moths, and clover, aligns with her stated passion for creating animal-related projects. The overall design aims to provide a visually cohesive and intuitive reading experience for Lenormand enthusiasts.

The artwork is characterized by traditional ink paintings, as described by the artist, rendered in a striking limited color palette of muted purples, greys, and whites against deep, dark backgrounds. This creates a dreamy, almost nocturnal atmosphere. The illustrations feature delicate linework and subtle gradients, giving them a soft, ethereal quality despite the dark canvas. Animals and botanical elements are central, depicted with a realistic yet stylized touch. For example, 'The Mice' card shows two mice climbing a plant, while 'The Ring' features a magpie in flight against a full moon, and 'The Clover' displays a four-leaf clover surrounded by other clover leaves under a moon. The visual style is consistent, elegant, and evocative, making the traditional Lenormand symbols feel fresh and mysterious.

This deck is ideal for Lenormand readers who appreciate traditional art mediums and a sophisticated, slightly dark aesthetic. It will appeal to collectors of animal-themed decks and those who enjoy a dreamy, elegant visual style. Experienced Lenormand users will find the traditional 36-card structure familiar, while the unique artwork offers a fresh perspective. It may also attract individuals interested in a cohesive divination set, especially with the optional Ouija board companion.

Rozenn Grosjean is a freelance illustrator based in Lyon, France. She has a strong passion for creating projects centered around animals and works almost exclusively with traditional inks, which she considers her favorite medium. Her dedication to this traditional art form and her love for animal subjects are clearly reflected in The Magpie's Lenormand, which combines these elements to offer a unique take on the divination system.