You ever meet a tarot deck that feels like it’s whispering, “Let's f**ing go”* every time you pull a card? That’s how I feel about the Bonfire Tarot by Gabi Angus-West.
This isn’t your grandma’s Rider-Waite-Smith. This is tattoo-art, symbolism-drenched, no-border, chaos-layered genius. I’ve been using this deck constantly in my recent readings—especially my political ones—and honestly? It’s a whole experience.
Let me walk you through the obsession.
First, No Borders. Period.
I’m that person. If a tarot deck has borders, I’ll literally get out my scissors and start a DIY corner-rounding ritual. Borders fence me in. The Bonfire Tarot? Gloriously borderless. You get all the mess, magic, and mayhem of the art without those suffocating lines.
Some folks on Amazon complained they missed the black border from the first edition. To them I say: embrace chaos. This deck’s beauty is in its visual explosion.
Symbolism That Makes You Work (In the Best Way)
Look, I love a Rider-Waite-Smith baseline. But I’ve evolved. I want to peel layers, not just read a script. And the Bonfire Tarot makes you do just that.
The Nine of Swords? The traditional quilt? Gone. Replaced by a chessboard blanket and literal chess pieces hovering like anxious thoughts. Pure poetic nightmare.
Four of Swords? Not some static knight lying in a cathedral. She's soaking in a bathtub, surrounded by clues. One shoe’s missing. Something is off. And that, my friends, is everything.
Ten of Swords? Oh, we got predatory birds circling the dying man. Because death in this card isn’t just dramatic—it’s opportunistic.
Inclusivity Woven Into the Chaos
Tattoo style aside, this deck shows up for representation. People from all walks of life. Different body types, races, vibes. And that matters. I’m not just looking at archetypes—I’m seeing people, stories, moments. That lifts my spirit in a real way.
From RWS to Your Own Synaptic Story
If you’re new to tarot, this might not be your first deck. There’s a lot going on. (I made the mistake of trying to read Paulina Tarot years ago and backed out like a spooked cat. Way too busy for baby me.)
But now? I crave decks that make me dig. That stretch my intuition. That honor the divine whisper: “You're meant to see this.”
How I Choose a Deck: High Priestess Test
We all have our tarot quirks. Mine?
* No Borders
* How’s the Eight of Wands? (Spoiler: in Bonfire, it’s chef’s kiss—full-on message imagery)
* How’s the High Priestess? (She’s one of my majors, and if she looks bland? Deck denied.)
These are deal-breakers for me. If they pass? I’m in for the long haul.
Final Verdict: Seasoned Readers, This One’s For You
If you’re ready to push your interpretations, flex your intuitive muscles, and get a little messy with the divine, the Bonfire Tarot is your new bestie.
She’s loud. She’s layered. She’s got something to say.
🛒 Available on Amazon and other shops (if you’re not about that Bezos life).
Coming Soon…
I’ll be doing more reviews like this—decks I swear by, decks I’ve trimmed the hell out of, and decks that make me go “nope.” I’ve apparently got a nose for finding obscure gems people didn’t even know existed. Stay tuned.
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