Some offbeat thoughts on this deck . . .
I think it is always interesting to read about how the artist created the deck.
The best example I've seen is the Robin Wood deck. In her book, Robin explains exactly why and how she created each card, right down to her tool and methods.
Wouldn't you love to have a book by Pamela Smith about the hows and whys involved in creating her deck? (I've read Waite, and holy cow! In my mind this will always be the Smith deck.)
Anyway, Rachel Pollack tried to work with different artists, but it seems their symbolism and vision crept in (gosh, I should hope so) and changed her vision. So, she did it herself. Well, just looking at the scans online, her efforts are pretty awkward. But, without ever having read a word of it, I'll betcha the writing is wonderful. Rachel Pollack is a good writer.
(Actually, anyone who has normal hand-eye coordination can learn to draw well. All it takes is thought and practice, and junking the "I can't draw at all" mentality. Rachel never allowed herself the time to do this practice -- her art is inept. But her conception is, well, Rachel Pollack.)
Talisman