The old Bosnian method of fortune-telling with Faletarke (traditional Bosnian divination cards) is an art that combines the visual, the intuitive, and the practical into a single whole, providing both the reader and the querent with a unique experience. The symbols depicted on the cards are, in fact, keys that unlock new insights, helping to reveal the path ahead, illuminate the hidden aspects of current problems and dilemmas, and, in themselves, bring inner peace.
One of my favourite methods of laying out the Faletarke cards is the nine-card spread. This is the traditional layout used to obtain a precise answer to a specific question. The cards displayed on the cover serve as an example of such a reading. The querent wanted to know whether he would succeed in selling his house, moving to another country, and finding happiness there.
Although it was immediately clear to me that he would accomplish everything he had mentioned, I also knew that such a simple, positive answer would not satisfy him. People are naturally curious and always want to know more. Therefore, I explained what I saw in the following way:
You are standing before an important decision—one that will shape your life. You have reached the end of one chapter and wish to begin another. Yet, for some time now, you have been unable to make a definite decision because you cannot be certain whether this choice will ultimately prove good or bad for you. You are afraid of taking the risk. This uncertainty is affecting your emotional state; you are restless and searching for some sign of stability and security. You want confirmation that you are making the right decision before taking the next step.
You will sell your house. The cards clearly indicate a significant sum of money, which you will use to begin a new life. You are leaving—you will move abroad. There are no obstacles standing in your way. In fact, everything depends on a message. It is obviously a message connected with the person who is waiting for you there. (When I said this last sentence, he smiled.) This is a calm and gentle woman with whom you will have a child or build a family. She is living alone; the chair is empty, waiting for you to sit beside her.
Individual Card Meanings
Crossroads
This is the card of uncertainty, hesitation, and choice. It marks the end of one phase and the beginning of another. In love readings, it often symbolizes the presence of a third person in a relationship or marriage.
Spirit
Often referred to as the "empty card," meaning that nothing significant is happening at the present moment. In career matters, it indicates stagnation. In love, it suggests that the loved one is not contacting you, not coming, not responding, or is keeping the other person in a state of tension, anxiety, or dissatisfaction.
Moon
A highly unstable card, but also one of change. Rather than keeping a situation stable, it undermines its foundations. Its interpretation requires great caution, and it should always be read in conjunction with the surrounding cards.
Lady
Besides representing an older female querent, this card symbolizes stability. It signifies achievement, status, and connection with other people. It also represents feminine influence, support, and assistance. She may be a mother, sister, or friend.
Money
Although this card, judging by its name, primarily represents money and material gain, it also symbolizes the value and importance we attach to something. Since the Child card appears next to it in this reading, it indicates that family is the most important thing in the querent's life.
Child
Wherever this card appears, it signifies something new. For example, when placed next to the Love card, it foretells a new romantic relationship. It is especially favourable in health readings, where it predicts recovery for someone who is ill.
Path
This is always a card of movement—travel, arrival, departure, action. It is a card that never stands still. It is particularly important in a reading because it reveals how free the querent truly is, what kind of energy surrounds them, whether there are blockages, and similar influences.
News
A message, news, communication, expectation. If it appears as the final card in the spread, it signifies relief, indicating that the querent will soon be freed from their worries.
Chair
Symbolically, this card reveals the querent's current position in life—for example, whether they are employed, married, or established in some other way. It is always interpreted together with the surrounding cards. If it is the final card in the spread, the traditional interpretation is:
"You will take your rightful seat."
In other words, you will achieve your goal.
