Deck Review-Bonefire Tarot by Gabi Angus-West

Deck Review

Bonefire Tarot

By Gabi Angus-West

Publisher: Schiffer Press

78 Card Tarot Deck, 187 Page Guidebook, in a sturdy box

Release Date: November 28th, 2016

Bonefire Tarot has been out for a while now, originally released in late 2016, with a 2nd edition being released in 2023. I’ve seen this deck on bookstore and metaphysical shop shelves time and again throughout the years, but never picked it up. Not because I didn’t like the artwork (which is beautiful), but because it never really “called” to me before. After years of curiosity about this deck, I finally have my hands on one!

   

Bonefire Tarot features artwork based on classical tattoo designs & art, which is a very unique and fun vibe. The cards themselves are printed on sturdy cardstock, and are on the larger/wider side, so folks with smaller hands may have trouble shuffling these. The backs of the cards all feature the same design, which mirrors on the bottom, so if you read with reversals, you won’t be able to tell (some decks are horrible for that). The guidebook gives in depth meanings for each card, with image interpretation, different meanings, and symbols/images pertinent to the idea. This is a deck loaded with symbolism that even those with little or no experience in the more esoteric arts can read these and easily interpret what each card is trying to convey; of course, the guidebook is always a helpful friend, too, if you’re unsure.

I chose this deck simply out of curiosity, but I’ve found that it’s one I’ll be returning to time and again for its accuracy, ease of use & interpretation, and frankly, the artwork is just plain cool! To me, this deck fits a conjure type of vibe; New Orleans Voodoo, Hoodoo, and other similar folk traditions come to mind in terms of what vibes it gives. Again, the artwork is absolutely gorgeous, and I can’t say that enough! I will be using this deck for myself, others and clients for many times to come, and will recommend this deck to those looking for a different kind of tarot deck, that isn’t so new-age or esoteric. 5/5 pentagram rating!

Gabi Angus-West is an eternal learner with artistic ability who is constantly busy. She has a husband whom she leans on as well as two daughters. She created Bonefire Tarot not as some enlightened soul, but as someone with high hopes for their next life, while trying to figure out this one.

 

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Author Bio:

The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Poison Witch, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for over 15 years, venerating and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including those from Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Slavic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place, even Saints, Angels and Demons! He is a Priest of Hecate, Diana, Hades, Lilith and Persephone, among others. He has experience in the Left and Right Hand Paths, working with both hands as needed. He currently practices Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Druidry, Hellenism, Ceremonial Magick and Occultism, incorporating all of them into a cohesive practice, with some shamanic touches. He studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He has also been investigating the paranormal for over 10 years and has a keen interest in researching various mythologies, cosmologies and folklore from around the world. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and the author of multiple columns, including The Modern Merlin’s Corner, Entheogens for the New Gen, Stellium, and Scary, Strange and Mythical Encounters. He also has a personal blog where he shares Astrological, Pagan, and other magickal wisdom for free! He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!