oracoli
Belline deck
The Belline deck is a French cartomantic system of 53 cards designed in the mid-nineteenth century by the magus Edmond, of which Marcel Belline (1920-1998) published the definitive version. It combines planetary symbols (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) with thematic symbols of love, wealth, travel and illness.
Structure
The 53 cards are organised into seven planetary series, each with seven thematic cards plus special cards. Each card bears a descriptive title: thoughts, compliments, feeling, friends, obstacle, illness, elevation, fortune, church, kiss, crossing, letter, child.
Features
The Belline is appreciated for its quick and directly readable answers. It is particularly used for questions of love and relationships. The original graphics, in late-nineteenth-century style, are poetic and immediate. The most widespread version is the 1960s reissue overseen by Belline himself, today published by the French house Grimaud.
FAQ
How many cards does it have?
Fifty-three: seven planetary series of seven cards each plus several special cards.
Is it hard to learn?
Less so than tarot: each card has a descriptive title. The planetary pairing adds nuances learned with practice.
Are reversed cards used?
No, most Belline reading traditions do not consider reversed cards. The reading is based on combination and neighbouring.