Fortune-Telling by Cards: Secrets of Cartomancy from the Edwardian Era

First published in 1915, Fortune-Telling by Cards by Professor P. R. S. Foli is a fascinating and comprehensive guide to the ancient art of cartomancy. Rooted in centuries of mystical tradition, this book offers readers both the historical context and practical knowledge needed to uncover insights into love, fate, and the future through an ordinary deck of playing cards. Bridging the realms of entertainment, intuition, and esoteric practice, the work serves as both an instructional manual and a cultural time capsule from the Edwardian era, capturing the resurgence of occult interest in early 20th-century Europe.The book begins by examining the mysterious origins of playing cards—tracing their likely descent from the mystical traditions of India, Egypt, and China, and highlighting the Romany people’s role in preserving their divinatory power. Professor Foli explores how cards, far from being mere tools of amusement, were once held as sacred instruments of revelation by sages and seers across the world. The early chapters reflect a deep respect for the symbolic power of cards and offer a subtle warning to those who scoff at such traditions while secretly fearing the unknown.What follows is a rich and detailed exploration of the symbolic meanings behind each card. The author introduces two systems—one using a full 52-card deck and another relying on a reduced 32-card version, a practice more common in continental Europe. In both systems, each suit—Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades—is associated with distinct life themes such as love, fortune, ambition, and adversity. Each card is decoded individually and within the context of pairings, quartettes, and specific positions, making this book a powerful tool for both beginners and experienced fortune-tellers alike.The core of the book is its methodical approach to reading the past, present, and future through spreads such as “Your Fortune in Twenty-One Cards,” “Combination of Sevens,” and “The Master Method.” These layouts guide readers step-by-step through shuffling, card selection, and interpretation, illustrating how clusters of court cards, numerical sequences, and reversed cards can reveal complex layers of meaning. Examples and case studies bring these methods to life, often highlighting how love, rivalry, jealousy, financial gain, or unexpected events emerge in the layout.Foli also includes exotic methods imported from Italy and France, providing an international perspective on cartomancy’s evolution. One chapter is dedicated to Tarot cards, showing their mystical affinity with standard playing cards. Another presents Etteilla’s famous system, blending cartomancy with astrology and numerology, and hinting at deeper occult correspondences. Throughout the book, the importance of intuition, symbolism, and the reader’s connection to the querent is emphasized. Sympathy between the card reader and the subject is presented as vital to unlocking accurate and helpful guidance.Far from being merely superstitious, Fortune-Telling by Cards balances mysticism with logic, offering insight into the psychological power of symbols and the human craving for clarity in uncertain times. It is equally suited for those who view card reading as a form of meditative self-inquiry, a creative pastime, or a gateway into deeper occult study. Whether approached with skepticism or faith, the reader will find in these pages a thoughtful and historically rich guide to one of the most enduring forms of divination. Professor Foli’s work remains a compelling invitation to explore the dance between chance, destiny, and human intuition—one card at a time.