FALETARKE – BOSNIAN CARDS OF FATE

autor: RAIF ESMEROVIĆ

Faletarke, or Bosnian divinatory cards, continue to capture the attention of both those who wish to master their secrets and those who want their fate to be “read” from them. The cards, like the Bosnian people, are unique and distinctive: at once very simple in their names, yet rich in symbolism and wisdom.

From my personal divinatory experience, for quick and simple answers, the most practical method is to think about the question you want answered, shuffle the deck of cards, randomly split it with your left hand, then place the top half under the bottom half and lay out four cards on the table, one after the other. The first card usually represents the person asking the question, their thoughts and attitude, while the second card shows what is currently happening and, through the third card, how events are unfolding. The last, fourth card, together with the third, reveals the answer.

In the first example, it is very easy to assume that the querent has a highly negative attitude toward themselves or the problem troubling them. The first card is the Enemy, which in this case means that the querent — due to their negative mindset — is actually their own greatest enemy. Therefore, in order to approach the problem constructively, the querent must first change their attitude toward the dilemma occupying their mind.

The next card is the Door, whose symbolism is neutral, as it largely depends on the neighboring cards that touch it. Interpreting these two cards together, “the gate is closed,” “problems have piled up,” and they actually cause misunderstandings with others, due to the Conflict card. However, there is no reason for self-pity or panic here, because the last card is Fortune: an unexpected turn of events, an influx of positive influences, help from others — it could even be called a “last-minute rescue.”

In the second example, right at the beginning, the image of a scorched site appears — something that has completely burned, leaving only ashes behind. The Grave card next to the Fire card always depicts a scorched place: the fire has come and gone, and now it is time for a new beginning. This means that in the querent’s life a major life drama has occurred — or is currently occurring — with a clear beginning and end. In a deeper interpretation, this can represent the destruction of an old way of life, the end of a romantic relationship, a business partnership, or even the experience of a serious illness.

The third card is ideal because it shows the Crossroads — energy flowing in multiple directions, which gives the querent freedom of choice. Often, when appearing together, the Fire and Crossroads cards foretell a new love, a new job, or a new apartment or house. This prophecy is likely to come true quickly if the reading takes place in summer or early autumn. In other seasons, a shorter waiting period may be necessary for fulfillment.

These cards are especially favorable for a male querent, as the last card is the Gentleman. If the querent is a woman, she can expect help from a male figure. If the querent is a woman and her interest is a specific man, this combination confirms that she will establish an emotional or sexual relationship with the desired man.