Edmond Billaudot

Edmond Billaudot, known as the Mage Edmond (1829-1881), was a Parisian psychic of the Second Empire credited with creating the cards that became the Belline oracle. His legend gives him an illustrious clientele, from Napoleon III to renowned writers, and presents him as a disciple of Mlle Lenormand, a lineage hard to establish since he was only fourteen when she died. He is said to have drawn and painted his cards himself, placing them under the influence of the planets. His work was only circulated after his death, thanks to Marcel Belline.