Etteilla or the Sole Manner to Draw the Cards
Complete Historic Translation & Artisan Petit Etteilla Card Set​ in English
 
I am SO thrilled to offer you all a complete translation of Etteilla's foundational 1770 & 1773 texts on divination with playing cards along with a complete working deck of cards containing accurate English significations that come directly from Etteilla himself not only from his books, but also from his original cards! ✨
 
I put both the 1770 work side by side with the expanded edition from 1773, compared them, noted all the differences and included everything in order to bring forth a complete work that contains everything that Etteilla had to say. I then took a look at his original cards from 1791 and noted any added or changed card significations and included those as well! I also included the upright and reversed positions properly marked - a detail present on Etteilla's original cards but absent from most subsequent decks. When reading the book it became apparent that this directional marking is vital for calculating timing, which is very difficult without it.
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Translated into English for the first time in hundreds of years, this meticulously crafted set offers you unprecedented access to the original cartonomancy system of Etteilla, the grandfather of modern cartomancy. 
 
Why This Set Matters
"Etteilla", the pseudonym of Jean-Baptiste Alliette (1 March 1738 – 12 December 1791), was a French occultist who made a significant contribution to the esoteric development of the tarot.
Etteilla's work laid the foundation for modern cartomancy and tarot, yet accessing his original works has been challenging for contemporary English speaking practitioners. This set bridges that gap, offering you:
 
What's Included
 
📖 Hardcover Book
A complete meticulous translation of Etteilla's two foundational texts on cartonomancy, preserving his original insights with faithful close adherence to the original source material. This book focuses on Etteilla’s first works related to divination with playing cards starting with, “Manière de se récréer avec un jeu de cartes” that he published in 1770 and then an expanded edition, “Etteilla, ou la Seule Maniere de Tirer les Cartes”, which he published in 1773. This book contains an English translation of both books in order to bring forth a complete work that contains everything that Etteilla had to say. 
 
My goal wasn't to modernize or update his work or to add my own interpretations. I took an incredibly exact approach when it came to his keywords and I preserved his capitalizations, italics, and emphasis on specific words and terms while emulating the look of the original books in order to give the reader an authentic experience to hear what Etteilla had to say with his own words.
 
🃏Premium 33 Card Deck 
Created in honor of Jacques Grasset de Saint-Sauveur.
Each card is individually cut into equal size from premium 120lb. (325gsm) double sided vergé laid cardstock. This traditional laid finish creates subtle lines and a tactile authenticity that mirrors the cardstock used in Etteilla's era. 
 
The vergé laid texture not only provides historical accuracy but also enhances the handling experience—the subtle ridges offer natural grip while shuffling and create a satisfying tactile connection to centuries of cartomantic tradition. Unlike smooth modern cardstock, this textured surface catches light beautifully, giving each card subtle depth and character. The card back design also intentionally varies slightly from card to card to capture the authentic feel of 18th-century printing/cutting.
 
Each complete deck is then carefully wrapped in a traditional paper envelope hand cut and folded by me featuring a print of a color engraving of Etteilla (painted by me), made of double sided vergé laid 80lb. 216gsm cardstock, honoring the historical packaging methods of the era. The deck is then secured with a protective wrapping made from a sturdy 130lb. 350gsm cardstock hand assembled by me.
 
The oldest and possibly the only surviving copy of Etteilla’s original deck of cards is from 1791 and is entirely in black and white so I created a deck aesthetically inspired by one of the oldest, and in my opinion, most beautiful surviving color Etteilla decks that was created by one of my favorite artists, Jacques Grasset de Saint-Sauveur.
 
The cards contain accurate English significations that come directly from Etteilla himself not only from his books, but also from his original cards, including the upright and reversed positions properly marked - a detail present on Etteilla's original cards but absent from most subsequent decks. When reading the book it became apparent that this directional marking is vital for calculating timing, which is very difficult without it.
 
📋 Full-Size Diagram Prints
8.5" x 11" reproduction prints of every diagram from the book printed on 130lb. 350gsm cardstock, designed to lay alongside your reading for seamless practice and study. In color (painted by me).
 
Museum-Grade Materials
Every component of the card deck uses archival-quality materials and printing methods specifically chosen for longevity and designed to maintain beauty and functionality.
 
Acid-free archival papers and cardstock ensures longevity of colors and prints
120lb. (325gsm) double-sided vergé laid cardstock provides an authentic historic look and feel to the cards along with durability for use in handling and shuffling
High-quality pigment inks deliver exceptional color retention, fade and smudge resistance for worry free handling.
 
Traditional Craftsmanship
Uncoated finish maintains the tactile authenticity of historical cards
Traditional unrounded edges preserve the classic aesthetic
Paper envelope packaging honors history
 
Artisan Collectible Design
This deck is crafted as a premium collectible with traditional, uncoated cardstock aiming to honor historical methods. Unlike modern mass-produced cards with plastic coatings, these cards feature a finish designed to emulate historical accuracy that requires mindful handling. Please refer to the care guidelines for more information.
 
Thank you so much from my heart for supporting my dreams, may these cards bring you the best of fortunes always. With all of my love and gratitude, Xo Heather