Astraea
Lenormand has deepened my appreciation for tarot, and vice versa, because the distinctions between the two approaches are discernible. To me, tarot is philosophical and - as olivia1 says - open-ended, describing a network of possibilities; Lenormand lays out the territory on the ground. The two work beautifully together, one playing off the other. Lenormand on its own gives straight answers with few frills, and tarot by itself explores the often hidden reasons behind the facts of our lives.
In practice, Lenormand can yield esoteric information (as Andy points out in his book), and tarot can be read on a practical level - but tarot's historical association with mystery makes it harder to commit to physical-plane interpretation. So for me, both systems have their place and I value them equally, in different contexts.
In practice, Lenormand can yield esoteric information (as Andy points out in his book), and tarot can be read on a practical level - but tarot's historical association with mystery makes it harder to commit to physical-plane interpretation. So for me, both systems have their place and I value them equally, in different contexts.