Marie-Anne Lenormand, a celebrated fortune-teller of the early 19th century, is buried in Père-Lachaise Cemetery, where her grave is adorned with flowers and card games. Known for her clairvoyant abilities, she predicted the fates of influential figures during the Revolution and later worked with notable personalities like Joséphine de Beauharnais. Lenormand’s legacy continues as enthusiasts leave card games at her grave, hoping to connect with her spirit, reflecting her lasting impact on divination.
The Enigmatic Grave of Marie-Anne Lenormand
As you wander through Père-Lachaise Cemetery, a particular grave is sure to draw your eye. Situated near the main entrance in the bustling third division, this resting place is perpetually adorned with vibrant flowers and heartfelt tributes. Regardless of the time of year, you’ll find an assortment of blooms, tokens, and card games marked with the names ‘grand’ and ‘petit Lenormand.’ This is the final resting place of Marie-Anne Lenormand, a renowned fortune-teller who captivated the hearts of Parisians during the Directory and was later sought after by Louis XVIII during the Restoration, as detailed by Guillaume Bertrand in his book ‘Legends of Paris.’
The Fortune-Telling Icon of Paris
Marie-Anne Lenormand, who passed away in 1843, hails from Alençon and is arguably the most celebrated fortune-teller of the early 19th century. Her fascination with divination, tarot, and oracles began in her youth. After being placed in a convent, she reportedly developed clairvoyant abilities, which led to her expulsion. At just 14 years old, she moved to Paris and began her career as an apprentice in a bookstore. Eventually, she opened her fortune-telling practice beneath her bookstore. By sheer chance, she encountered influential historical figures such as Saint-Just, Marat, and Robespierre, to whom she ominously predicted their fate with the guillotine, according to the Friends and Enthusiasts of Père-Lachaise (APPL). Bertrand notes that ‘all the most influential figures of the Revolution came for a fortune-telling consultation.’ Her clientele included not only politicians and artists but also the likes of the Princess of Lamballe, who managed Queen Marie-Antoinette’s household, and Joséphine de Beauharnais, who would become her confidante. However, Lenormand’s revelations about the empress’s infertility caused quite a stir, leading to her repeated arrests under Napoleon’s orders.
While she is celebrated among divination enthusiasts for the oracles that carry her name, Marie-Anne Lenormand explored a multitude of divination methods, including Tarot, palmistry, molten lead, and coffee grounds. Some even claim she possessed necromantic abilities. ‘She gradually forged her own legend through the books she published throughout her life, making it difficult today to distinguish truth from fiction regarding her journey and exploits,’ highlights the podcast ‘A Particular Story, a Documentary Narrative in Two Parts’ from France Culture. After a final imprisonment, Lenormand departed from Paris with considerable wealth and returned to her hometown. Upon her death in June 1843, grand funerals were held in her honor, reflecting her significant legacy. Parisian card makers seized the opportunity to market games attributed to her, known as the grand Lenormand and petit Lenormand. To this day, enthusiasts continue to leave these card games at her grave, hoping they will be imbued with the spirit of the woman who once whispered prophecies into the ears of the powerful, as noted by Guillaume Bertrand.