What I enjoyed most about this deck is the universal appeal. For example the images of the God and Goddess cards include subtle symbolism that connects them with any cultural expression (Celtic, Germanic, Roman, Greek, etc). The God card features Harvest Lord symbolism, waning & waxing year symbolism, woodland symbolism, warrior symbolism, and solar symbolism. The Goddess card features celestrial symbolism, nature symbolism, and Underworld symbolism. This type of depth makes the deck ideal for any tradition of Paganism, Witchcraft, or Wicca.
In addition to the general widespread Pagan connection and appeal, the deck also includes cards that are typically associated specifically with Witchcraft and Wicca. However, in reality this is not entirely exclusive, as the companion book presents general themes of Paganism that are also associated with the cards. Here again the deck shines in its universal application.
An exciting aspect of this deck is its unique use as a system of divination, a teaching tool, a ritual kit, and a source for guided imagery journeys. This makes the deck ideal for solitary practitioners, and people who require privacy when practicing. I read on a forum that military people are finding it useful to perform full moon rituals at sea or on base without drawing attention. Another person noted that the deck would be ideal for prisoners, as the cards provide them with ritual tools that they cannot otherwise possess.
If you want a deck that speaks to you, and goes beyond the standard stuff we've all seen over and over again, then this is the deck for you.
Don't get me wrong. The deck is great if you happen to be a Wiccan or follow a form of Paganism that is very Wiccan in style.
The problem is in the deck being advertised as good for all pagans.
With the cards referring to: The Maiden, Mother and Crone; The Threefold Law; The Words of the Magus; The Horned God and other concepts that are found only in Wiccan styled paganism it makes it as foreign to Germanic, Slavic, Celtic, Egyptian, Greeko-Roman and Middle Easter paganism as the decks the Well Worn Path was designed to replace. In fact in some cases more so! Especially when you count on Hermeticism connection to the Mediterranean faiths.
Other than this the deck is excellent. Just like many pagans from the not-Wiccan camps I'm tired of books, decks and articles trying to paint us all the same. It's becoming eerily like Fundamentalist Christian groups passing off non-denominational prayers turning control of our lives to 'our Father in Heaven, the most supreme God.' Then claiming it is appropriate for all faiths.
It's not that I have anything against Wicca, it's just of all the Pagan denominations it's adherents are the ones most likely to state that some aspect of there faith applies to all pagans and/or witches and anyone not following them isn't a REAL pagan/witch. This a trend I'm glad to see is dying down.
