Welcome, EtherialShaman!
You have come to right place if you would like to learn about reading with playing cards. Right now, there are several great systems being used here. I personally read with playing cards (I took a poker deck out of a Texas Hold 'Em poker set) using the Hedgewytchery method.
The link below is to a thread that has some good general information about some experiences and websites that have playing card based systems, including the Hedgewytchery site that I learned from. I liked it as a beginner because many of the meanings were in a rhyme format and easier for me to remember.
http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=64839
Please feel free to grab the nearest pack of cards and start experimenting! Once you have been here at least a week and have 25 posts (or become a subscriber), there are several Daily Draw threads in Oracle Readings that are associated with playing cards, so feel free to post to any (or all) of them...or start your own.
I am looking forward to participating in the playing card threads with you and learning from your perspective on the various methods should you decide to dive in!
valeria