Russian Gypsy Fortune Telling Cards

Layout and Sample Reading

Svetlana Alexandrovna Touchkoff's Russian Gypsy Fortune Telling Cards: An Innovative System for Discovering Your Path in Life Based on the Authentic Gypsy Technique of Nighteenth-Century Russia. This book/card set is truly beautiful. In a few simple steps I will show you the basic layout of cards for a reading.

Shuffling and Laying Out the Cards

All twenty-five cards from the deck are used in a reading. The querent silently concentrates on a question as he shuffles the cards. 

The cards are laid out five at a time in a single row. 

Each card must remain in its original position, but cards are then rotated to connect two halves of one picture. Continue to lay out five cards one row at a time. Connect matching halves of pictures as you go along. After you have set out all the cards give the layout a final overview to make sure you have not overlooked any matches. In this layout can you identify the six matches found?

Meanings will be given for the pictures from this sample reading in the following steps. There are four possible meanings for each picture depending on whatever position they are in when dealt.

All the cards depicts four half images with 50 picture possibilities to surface in any reading. Each picture is numbered and has arrows pointing up, down, left, or right for easy reference in the companion book. Two pages are dedicated to each of the numbered pictures with descriptions and interpretations.

In this sample reading I reviewed the book's guidance which gives great detail for each picture. For brevity I have paraphrased meanings for you in my own words.

Meaning of Fire

44 Fire

Period of Influence: short to middle

Symbol for Passion

General Meaning of Picture

Fire can be a destructive force if not  contained. Once ignited it can be difficult to stop. Fire or passion can be used as an inspirational power… it is up to you to use it in a positive way.

Position 3 Meaning: Out of the frying pan into the fire

Querent is in a hot position right now. The fire is a destructive one. Whatever involvement you are in it could easily intensify and you will need to remove yourself before getting burned. This could be a romance, business venture, or some other project. A quick decision to save the day is in order.

Meaning of Road

22 Road

Period of Influence: middle to life

Symbol for Life

General Meaning of Picture

Road symbolizes your path in life. Depending on the position of the Road card will indicate a smooth or perhaps not so smooth road at the current time. If travel is in your plans at this time pay close attention to the position.

Position 1 Meaning: Happy path or road

You are on the right path in all areas of your life (work, play, home, and spiritual). Also, a good time to take a trip. 

Meaning of Heron

17 Heron

Period of Influence: middle

Symbol for New Beginnings, Change

General Meaning of the Picture

Heron (the stork) traditionally symbolizes the delivery of a newborn infant. This is especially true in the 4th position. In general you can expect something unexpected to occur in regard to your home/family. The unexpected can cause an uproar in the status quo — but is not necessarily negative. It will merely require adjustment. Herons sighted near your home is considered lucky.

Position 4 Meaning: An addition to the family

An expansion in the family. For a young querent it could mean pregnancy. For an empty-nester it could mean a child returning home to live or brief visit. Or, you may make arrangements for a roommate to move in. 

Meaning of Knot

40 Knot

Period of Influence: life

Symbol for Family Ties

General Meaning of the Picture:

Knot is a symbol for union, a bond or marriage. It can also represent entanglement or bonds that stifle. These bonds can be external through a relationship with another person. Or, it can be internal emotions that are preventing you from letting go. Your attitude about the knot will determine if this situation is positive or negative.

Position 4 Meaning: You can achieve freedom only by cutting the Gordian knot

Time to cut the cord and make a clean break from someone or a difficult situation. In business it may be mean accepting your losses and begin looking for success elsewhere. In a relationship it means staying strong in your decision to leave and not be swayed to stay with a person who is draining your energies. 

Related Resource: Cutting Cords to Toxic Relationships

Meaning of Fox

14 Fox

Period of Influence: short

Symbol for Deceit 

General Meaning of the Picture

Fox is cunning and a champion of deception. How the fox deceives is not obvious, he is a clever fellow. When the fox appears it is a warning… so be watchful. 

Position 3 Meaning: It isn’t wise to trust a new friendship

Be on alert for new people in your surroundings or social network. Don’t be too trusting with information. No matter how nice someone may be, keep in mind that not everyone can keep a secret. Also, some people will use the information when it benefits them even if it means throwing you into a danger zone.

Meaning of Branches

11 Branches

Period of Influence: immediate to life

Symbol for Reconciliation or Unpleasantness in Family Relations

General Meaning of the Picture

Branches represent your immediate family structure… that could mean bloodline or other people we consider as family. Differences arise as branches of the family tree reach out in different directions, as a result, disagreements, usually minor, tend to arise. 

Position 1 Meaning: Making Up After a Quarrel

Misunderstandings will smooth over. All is forgiven.

Russian Gypsy Fortune Telling Cards

Life is a puzzle every person tries to solve at different stages during a lifetime. I've owned my deck of Russian Gypsy Fortune Telling Cards for several years and really enjoy the symbology of the images and the fun "match game" of divination it offers.

Other Intuitive Card Decks I Have Reviewed:

• Sacred Geometry Oracle Deck
• Teen Angels - Deck of 52 Inspirational Cards
• Reiki Techniques Card Deck

_{If you are the artist or publisher of a deck of Tarot or other divination cards and would like to have me write a review or create a tutorial for your cards please contact me at about.holistic.healing@gmail.com}