NightWing
Gnostic, not Catholic.
If this is the Robert Place deck being discussed, the Tarot of the Saints, then some people might be confusing things a bit. This is NOT a Catholic deck in any sense. The word "Gnostic" is part of the full title, and amongst other things (like a very different worldview), Gnostics believe in a different understanding of God, creation, evil, etc. than do Catholics. Gnostic scriptures are different from main-line Christianity. The Gnostic understanding of "gnosis" (knowing) is distinctly different as a type of mystical experience as well. You should know that the Gnostics were condemned as heretics in the early centuries of Christianity. Which means that the understanding and use of tarot differs from that of conventional Christians too.
If the Gnostic "Tarot of the Saints" is not working for you, or seems strange, you should re-examine your assumptions about it, and read a bit about Gnostic Christianity. Then try it again. IMHO, R. Place has created too lovely a deck to be discarded because of a misunderstanding of either its roots or inspiration.
If this is the Robert Place deck being discussed, the Tarot of the Saints, then some people might be confusing things a bit. This is NOT a Catholic deck in any sense. The word "Gnostic" is part of the full title, and amongst other things (like a very different worldview), Gnostics believe in a different understanding of God, creation, evil, etc. than do Catholics. Gnostic scriptures are different from main-line Christianity. The Gnostic understanding of "gnosis" (knowing) is distinctly different as a type of mystical experience as well. You should know that the Gnostics were condemned as heretics in the early centuries of Christianity. Which means that the understanding and use of tarot differs from that of conventional Christians too.
If the Gnostic "Tarot of the Saints" is not working for you, or seems strange, you should re-examine your assumptions about it, and read a bit about Gnostic Christianity. Then try it again. IMHO, R. Place has created too lovely a deck to be discarded because of a misunderstanding of either its roots or inspiration.