lalalibra
Yeah, that's a really good question actually. You articulated one of the reactions I had myself when I first got it. I didn't think the deck was practical enough at the time because some of the cards do go off into very mystical terrain (that is, their descriptions do). That's why I felt sometimes like the readings were hit or miss; like the more mystical cards were sometimes hard to relate to. I'd have this feeling like they were getting at something I couldn't exactly pinpoint. I actually think it's sort of funny in hindsight -- like, how very fae that is in being sort of vague and tricksy at times. I then decided that maybe I wasn't approaching the deck in the right way. I realized that I was getting those kind of confusing readings when I was doing general card draws. When I actually asked specific questions, it was spot on for me. I still do general draws with the deck, but asking direct questions and working with the deck helped me warm up to it. This is all just my experience though; our relationships with different decks can really be so very different depending on who we are, and in my case, even "where" we are in life at the time we're reaching for the deck.
But going back to what I said above about the descriptions in the book... I feel like its those types of cards in particular in the deck that feel less "complete" in the sense that they're less focused on a specific subject, like some of them are sort of broad, at least, much broader than in her other decks. So my solution has been to read between the lines, get to know the card, look at the art, see how it speaks to me on a personal level. I go beyond the guidebook and find my own meanings sometimes too. It's for this reason that I think this deck takes more effort than some of her other decks. It's just not always as clear, but that can be a good thing if you're looking for a deck that you want to slowly unfold. But I also do understand the desire for simplicity and clarity.
I'll try to sum up some of the meanings of those cards, because for some of them, once you actually read the guidebook, there's more to them than what the keywords say. And I also mentioned before that yes, some of the cards do relate specifically to working with the Fae realm. There are a lot of meanings having to do with caring for the environment. The deck would definitely appeal to Pagans (I mean, one aspect of Greenman's Door is about celebrating the Wheel of the Year, for example) but I think it will be appealing to anyone who enjoys Faeries and who has some degree of reverence for the Earth. But I'm sure this deck is certainly a reflection of Lucy's own spirituality in a lot of ways. But if you don't personally relate to the more mystical/esoteric meanings, or at least, if you find it irrelevant or difficult to bridge the 'gap' into your daily life, then this deck might not be as enjoyable to you and it might also feel rather repetitive at times. Again, a way to work around that is to just go with your own gut and see what the card means to you.
I'll give you a couple examples of how I work it:
Glimpse - "Indigo, Rainbow, Crystal Children - and beyond..."
So yes, what this card is essentially about is written in the keywords, but it's a very broad subject. You don't necessarily have to draw this card and look at it as, "Oh, cool, so I'm an Indigo Child then! I'm so special!" Well, I mean, you totally can if you want lol, but you can go deeper with it and pay attention to the characteristics contained within those terms. So it has to do with sensitivity (perhaps even feeling alone, different or out of place), recognizing and expressing your individuality and appreciating your own uniqueness (which I find to be fitting with the card image of the fae peeking out from behind a tree), staying true to your purpose in a way of looking at your life as a mission; one of living up to your beliefs and standards... seeing through illusions, finding your power to make changes in the world despite oppressive systems or authority figures, standing up for global issues. All of that can be applied to your own personal life too.. staying true to your own ethics as much as you can within whatever perceived limitations. for example. I really like the term "Glimpse," because it's like having this moment of seeing through something in a flash, something that others may not perceive; or how the truth can feel sort of hidden at times.
Crystal Magic - "Creation, Dawn, The Beginning"
Relates to the song of creation, and so living your life in resonance with that song of unity.., I'll go ahead and include the divinatory meanings since this also exemplifies how broad the cards can be. There's certainly a unifying thread of meaning here, but it can feel all over the place if that isn't apparent: "Creating your own world. The end of chaos. Freedom to choose. Singing your own song. Freedom of movement. Grace and meaningful activity. Beginnings to new ventures that are divine. The origins of a new venture. The ability to heal or amplify energy crystals. Working with true energy, dance and movement to express yourself. Healing through sound, crystals, dance and energy. Ecstatic movement. Dancing as if you are alone - no self consciousness, no guilt, total bliss in being." (Those don't include the reversals though)
Gatekeeper - "Faery time, Time shifts, Dimensional slips"
Other dimensions, other realities, etc... One way I personally interpret this card is noting the opportunity to break through into a new level of being, shifting your awareness/consciousness in such a way that your whole experience of your reality is altered and you recognize a higher potential within the present moment. almost like "travelling" to a different place in your own self... so, "self-discovery," seeing your opportunity as a spirit experiencing the physical, etc.
Greenman's Door - "Portals to Faery, Wheel of the Year, Galactic and Gaian entry points"
A lot like Gatekeeper actually, except this has more to do with feeling connected to earth cycles, sensing and experiencing that connection to the Earth and perhaps doing whatever you need to do (ie. time alone perhaps) to regain that sense of connection, celebrating it, seeing it's presence through daily life
Storykeeper - "Tell your story. Legacy. Write your wisdom."
This has more to do than with just expressing yourself through writing. Of course Lucy goes into the Akashic records, etc.. She vaguely touches upon what I am about to say: I personally interpret it as having to do with our internal monologues and our own "stories" or records and perceptions of the events we perceive. We can't change what's happened in the past, for example, but we can change our "story" about it in the way that we look at those events and "re-write" or "edit" what they really meant and what effect they've had in creating our present selves. Also understanding how these stories reflect our self-image and the effect that has on our whole life and everyone we meet, etc.
There are other ways of looking at those cards, but I hope it helps to give you an idea of the sort of flexibility in the meanings and the way that I personally think this deck requires you to get to know it more. I can see why some people might not like this deck as much as her other decks, but I've personally changed my mind about it. I think it just resonates with me more lately from a spiritual standpoint and also think I may also be better at working with my intuition in my readings than I was at the time when I first got the deck. I'm also enjoying the experience of expanding the meanings for myself.
