Cartomancy is the art of reading cards to gain insight into future events.^[1] There are special kinds of cards designed especially for this purpose, known as a tarot cards,^[1] but standard playing cards can also be used.^[2][3]

HistoryEdit

In 1993, when Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger arrived at the Divination classroom for their first-ever lesson, the shelves lining the walls were stuffed with packs of worn playing cards and other items.^[2]

In 1996, Harry Potter was going down a corridor when Sybill Trelawney came around the corner, shuffling through and reading a deck of playing cards as she walked. Harry ducked behind a statue to avoid being seen, but when Trelawney came to the knave of spades — which she said indicated "a dark young man, possibly troubled, one who dislikes the questioner" while speaking to herself — she stopped right in front of it. However, she quickly convinced herself this reading must be incorrect, and continued on her way.^[3]

In 1997, on the night Albus Dumbledore was to die, Harry again encountered Trelawney in a corridor. She told him that she had done several tarot readings, drawing the lightning-struck tower every time, an extremely ill omen. She also remarked that Firenze, who she had consulted about this portent, knew nothing of cartomancy.^[1]

Card meaningsEdit

Playing cards, according to Sybill Trelawney:^[3]

• Two of spades — "conflict"
• Seven of spades — "an ill omen"
• Ten of spades — "violence"
• Knave of spades — "a dark young man, possibly troubled, one who dislikes the questioner"

Tarot cards, according to Sybill Trelawney:

• The lightning-struck tower — "calamity" and "disaster"^[1]

Notes and referencesEdit