The Serpentfire Tarot is a unique and powerful tool for divination and self-exploration, created by artist Devany Wolfe. First published in 2014, this deck has evolved through several editions, with the 7th edition being a notable release. It is a 78-card deck, adhering to the traditional structure of the Major and Minor Arcana. The deck's artwork is described as surrealist, abstract, and a form of collage, blending elements of magick, mysticism, and the Goddess in her many incarnations. It is a self-published deck, available through the artist, and is often characterized as a deck of "mystical, feminine darkness." The Serpentfire Tarot is designed not just for readings but as a companion for shadow work, deep healing, and exploring the subconscious. It invites users to embrace the shadow and discover truths hidden beneath the surface. The deck's visual language is rich, drawing from retrofuturistic, cosmic digital collage, and vintage sci-fi dreamscapes, all while tracing the footsteps of the divine feminine through majestic desert landscapes.
Understanding the Serpentfire Tarot Deck
The Serpentfire Tarot is a comprehensive 78-card deck, mirroring the standard tarot structure. It is composed of 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards. The deck was conceptualized in 2011 and the first edition was completed in 2014. The 7th edition represents the final version of this iconic deck. The cards measure 2.75 inches by 4.75 inches (approximately 6.99 cm by 12.07 cm). The deck is available in a commemorative edition featuring lustrous gold edging on the cards. The back design of the cards is non-reversible, and there are three different back designs available when ordering. The deck comes with a companion booklet that provides card meanings and guidance for readings. For the 7th edition, a full-color, in-depth guidebook is included, which offers upright and reversed meanings, expanding on classic interpretations in an intuitive and inspiring way. The guidebook was written by Devany Wolfe and edited by Michael Morritt.
Thematic Focus: The Divine Feminine and Shadow Work
The core theme of the Serpentfire Tarot is the exploration of the divine feminine in all her forms. The deck is deeply rooted in magick and mysticism, and it is designed to help users reconnect with this powerful energy. The artwork guides the user through symbolic landscapes, including the majesty of the desert and vintage sci-fi dreamscapes, which serve as backdrops for the archetypal imagery. A significant aspect of this deck is its focus on shadow work. It is described as a "deck of mystical, feminine darkness" and is positioned as a powerful companion for delving into the subconscious. The Serpentfire Tarot encourages users to dive deep, embrace their shadow side, and uncover hidden truths. This approach is not to be taken lightly, as it requires a willingness to confront and heal deep-seated issues. The deck reimagines traditional tarot symbolism with fresh, visionary perspectives, making it a unique tool for both seasoned readers and newcomers seeking to explore their inner worlds.
Artistic Style and Visual Language
The artistic style of the Serpentfire Tarot is one of its most defining features. It is described as surrealist, abstract, and a form of collage. The creator, Devany Wolfe, pioneered a style of "retrofuturistic, cosmic digital collage" for this deck. This unique visual approach combines different elements to create a dreamlike, visionary experience. The imagery is bold and imaginative, designed to open doorways to unseen realms within the self. While the artwork is abstract, it is also said to lend itself to traditional tarot symbolism, providing a bridge for those familiar with classic decks. For users who may need additional insight, the accompanying guidebook is designed to be extremely helpful in explaining the visuals and their symbolic meanings. The deck's art is not merely decorative; it is an integral part of the divinatory process, inviting interpretation and intuitive connection.
The Guidebook: Upright and Reversed Meanings
A key component of the Serpentfire Tarot is its comprehensive guidebook. This full-color, in-depth guidebook is included with the deck and provides detailed explanations for each card. It offers both upright and reversed meanings for all 78 cards, which is a standard practice in tarot that provides a more nuanced reading. The interpretations are described as expanding on classic meanings in an "intuitive and inspiring way." The guidebook's purpose is to help users understand the rich symbolism embedded in the artwork and to apply the messages of the cards to their own lives. Written by the creator, Devany Wolfe, and edited by Michael Morritt, the guidebook serves as an essential companion for anyone using the Serpentfire Tarot for personal exploration or professional readings. It bridges the gap between the abstract visuals and actionable spiritual guidance.
Practical Use and Application
The Serpentfire Tarot is presented as an indispensable tool for a variety of spiritual practices. It is suitable for both seasoned tarot readers and those who are new to the cards. Its applications include divination, meditation, and personal exploration. The deck is designed to inspire intuition and reflection, with intricate details in the artwork that bring archetypal imagery to life. Whether a person is seeking specific guidance on a life path or is simply drawn to the deck's artistic beauty, the Serpentfire Tarot can be used as a captivating addition to a tarot collection. The deck's focus on shadow work and healing makes it particularly well-suited for individuals looking to embark on a journey of deep self-discovery and to embrace the full spectrum of their being. The 7th edition, in particular, features updated interpretations and enhanced visuals to provide a fresh experience for every reading.
The Creator and Editions
The Serpentfire Tarot is the creation of artist Devany Wolfe (also referred to as Devany Amber Wolfe). The project began in 2011, with the first edition being completed in 2014. The deck is self-published and was initially made available through the artist's own platform, Serpentfire.ca. Over the years, the deck has seen multiple editions, with the 7th edition being the final and most refined version. This final edition is often highlighted in current reviews and is available through various retailers. A Commemorative Edition has also been released, which features the 78-card deck with lustrous gold edging, making it a collector's item. The artist has also created other works, such as the "Your Wise Animal Body Oracle" deck, indicating a continued exploration of mystical and divinatory art forms.
A Deck for the Modern Seeker
The Serpentfire Tarot successfully merges ancient tarot traditions with a modern, visionary aesthetic. Its focus on the divine feminine and shadow work speaks to contemporary spiritual seekers who are looking for tools that address deep psychological and emotional healing. The deck's use of digital collage and retrofuturistic themes makes it accessible and relevant to a modern audience, while its adherence to the 78-card structure ensures that it remains grounded in the established practice of tarot. The inclusion of a detailed guidebook with upright and reversed meanings provides a solid foundation for learning and practice. By offering a path to explore the subconscious through beautifully crafted and bold imagery, the Serpentfire Tarot serves as a guide for those looking to unlock the mysteries of their own inner universe and embrace the power of their intuition.
Conclusion
The Serpentfire Tarot, created by Devany Wolfe, is a distinct and powerful 78-card deck that focuses on the divine feminine, magick, and shadow work. Through its unique surrealist and collage-based artwork, it offers a fresh perspective on traditional tarot symbolism. The deck is a comprehensive tool for divination, meditation, and deep personal exploration, supported by an in-depth guidebook that provides both upright and reversed meanings. With its final 7th edition and commemorative releases, the Serpentfire Tarot continues to be a valuable resource for those seeking to connect with their subconscious and explore the unseen realms within themselves.