whats your opinion of the shapeshifters? i am journaling using cards keywords to trigger things to write. but i need more than constant positive stuff. I need stuff with a little more depth to it. had a horrible childhood and was hoping this deck would help.
Ah, sorry, I didn't see your post until now. I love this deck a lot! I have all three decks (Shadows and Light, Shapeshifters, Les Vampires), and Shapeshifters is probably my favourite. As to positive/negative cards: of course it always depends on how you read them, but both the images and the descriptions of several cards also offer negative or sad aspects to work with. It's definitely not an all-positive candyfloss deck. And for me, personally, the cards are quite deep and evocative!
I am sorry to hear that you had a bad childhood!
Are you looking for a shadow work deck...? (Just asking, because the Ceccoli Tarot crossed my mind while writing this, and I'm not sure whether or not I should recommend it to you in this situation...). I'd say, though, that the Oracle of the Shapeshifters is a very good choice in either case. You have uplifting and empowering as well as dark and sad cards in there.