What is Cartomancy? How to Read Playing Cards

Cartomancy is a centuries-old form of divination using a standard deck of playing cards. It was particularly popular in France, Germany and other parts of Europe. Cartomancy is fortune-telling or divination using a deck of cards. Forms of cartomancy appeared soon after playing cards were first introduced into Europe in the 14th century. Practitioners of cartomancy are generally known as cartomancers, card readers, or simply readers

Are playing card meanings similar to Tarot or Lenormand cards?

Although playing cards are very similar to the Minor Arcana in Tarot, they don't necessarily have the same meanings. Playing cards are the basis of Lenormand cards — a small divination deck of 36 cards with simple illustrations. Lenormand cards originated in Germany, where they were known as Das Spiel der Hoffnung (the Game of Hope). They were popularized by Mlle Lenormand in 18th century France. She was a famous fortune teller for the French court of Napoleon. The classic Lenormand card deck includes a small insert of a playing card over the card's main illustration.

There is some variation in playing card meanings depending on the country of origin, but generally they are similar.