Bonefire Tarot Set: Tattoo Flash Archetypes & Bold Symbols
The Bonefire Tarot Set feels like stepping into a vibrant world of old-school tattoo flash and outsider art. Every card is hand-painted and meticulously packed with powerful symbols that command immediate attention. Whether your eye lands on a sun-bleached bone, a flickering flame, or a meticulously rendered animal, the imagery acts as a spark—igniting a narrative that flows effortlessly from the card into your intuition. This deck doesn’t whisper; it speaks with a bold, visceral voice that makes the ancient archetypes feel contemporary and alive.
About this Deck
Now in its second edition, the Bonefire Tarot is heavily influenced by the iconic tattoo flash of Sailor Jerry Collins and the raw, unpolished beauty of outsider art. Creator Gabi Angus-West has "plundered" time and space to gather universal symbols, placing them into newly reimagined scenes that challenge the viewer to find fresh meaning. The aesthetic is raw yet structured, designed to spark purpose-giving creativity and invite you to look for the direction hidden within life’s chaotic beauty. This edition is a significant evolution, featuring a completely redesigned package, updated text, and nine additional cards to deepen the journey.
Symbolism and Themes
The Bonefire Tarot system is built on the foundation of direct visual language. The Major Arcana centers on archetypal figures that represent recognizable roles, internal aspects of the self, or universal situations we all encounter. In the Minor Arcana, each suit maintains a distinct visual identity while utilizing shared symbols that speak to the intricate details of daily life. By using repetition and symbolic structure, the deck allows the reader to track recurring themes—like fire, eyes, or anchors—across different readings to uncover deeper layers of truth.
The Creators
Gabi Angus-West
Gabi Angus-West is a highly respected English-Australian painter and divination expert based in Newcastle, New South Wales. Her artistic style leans toward a direct, unapologetic visual language that avoids "smoothing over" the raw edges of the human experience. Instead, her work is carefully built through structure and symbolic repetition. Beyond the Bonefire Tarot, she is also the acclaimed creator of Tarot Avatara and The Wyrd of Sarah Howard.
Practical Use
This set is an excellent tool for those who prefer clear visual cues over subtle or abstract hints. Because the figures in the cards carry such strong postures and distinct personalities, the often-vague "Court Cards" become much easier to interpret as real-world influences. The included 248-page companion book is a treasure trove for readers, offering a comprehensive glossary of symbols, three simple spreads, and descriptive essays to help you bridge the gap between the art and the message.
To deepen your connection with the deck, try choosing one recurring symbol from your spread—such as a flame or a bird—and look it up in the glossary. Write a single sentence about how that specific symbol changes the meaning of your reading today.
Features
- Number of cards: 78 tarot cards (plus 9 supplemental cards)
- Language: English
- ISBN: 9780764366222
- Publisher: REDFeather
- Weight: 753 grams
- Card dimensions: 76 x 102 mm
- Set dimensions: 127 x 60 x 178 mm
- Companion book: 248 pages
Expert FAQ
Is the Bonefire Tarot suitable for beginners?
Yes. While the art style is unique, the imagery is very direct and the companion book provides an extensive glossary of symbols. The bold "tattoo-flash" style makes it easier for beginners to identify the core meaning of each card without getting lost in abstraction.
What makes the Second Edition different from the original?
This updated edition features a completely redesigned and sturdier package, updated text in the companion book, and includes nine new cards that were not present in the first release, offering a more expansive reading experience.
How does this deck handle the Minor Arcana?
The Minor Arcana in the Bonefire Tarot is fully illustrated and "scenic." It uses shared symbols and distinct color palettes for each suit, making it highly intuitive for those accustomed to the Rider-Waite-Smith system, though the art style is entirely original.
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