I am still using this deck a lot, but I must admit it has taken me awhile to come to peace with the images. I am a practicioner of Christian Mysticism, so it seems like a perfect match, but the deck did not really bloom for me until I delved deeper into Gnostic literature. I have studied subjects the Talmud, Kabbalah (Christian and Jewish), Zohar, Cathar, Christian Astrology, Mary Magdalene, St Theresa The Little Flower, St. Jude, James the brother of Jesus, Angel G. Davidson dictionary..... Meditations on the Tarot etc..................................... Hard work, no doubt, but the rewards have been golden and rich just like this deck. Maybe this deck has helped me feel more at ease with my Gnostic Christian faith? Tarot can do that, I think.
Maybe there is something to be said for sticking with a deck that one is struggling with, whilst at the same time feels very attracted to. Are some of us all are giving up to easily on packs that could serve us well with a little elbow grease and brain power? I think that could be measured on if the user feels the deck is quality enough to justify the study and headache of it all.
Don't give up if you really love a deck as you never know where it can lead you!!!! You may well attain that '6 of Wands' feeling in the end, but you got to keep on working for it.
Many Blessings,
Freddie