Standard of Tarot: Rider-Waite Tarot Deck by Pamela Colman Smith [Review]

The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, often hailed as the 'standard' for all other tarot decks, has undeniably left an indelible mark in the Tarot community. Created in 1909 by artist Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of occultist Arthur Edward Waite, this deck revolutionized tarot imagery with its richly symbolic and easily interpretable illustrations.

Named one of the Top Ten Tarot Decks of All Time by Aeclectic Tarot, the Rider-Waite continues to captivate both seasoned readers and curious newcomers, offering a gateway to the profound wisdom and timeless archetypes that lie within the cards.

How has it set the standard for other Tarots?

Before the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, most tarot decks primarily relied on the suit signs (swords, wands, cups, and coins/pentacles) for interpretation. This often required constant reference to accompanying booklets or guides to understand the card meanings. However, the Rider-Waite revolutionized tarot cards by introducing richly detailed pictorial imagery on every card. These vivid illustrations provide direct visual cues, making interpretations more intuitive and accessible to readers of all levels.

About Author Arthur Edward Waite

Born in America but raised in England, Arthur Edward Waite (1857-1942) dedicated his life to exploring the mystical and the occult. He was a prominent figure in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society that significantly shaped modern occult thought. Waite shifted the order's focus from magical practices to the deeper study of mysticism. He was a prolific writer, contributing significantly to our understanding of the Holy Grail and the body of knowledge that forms the foundation of modern Tarot. He is most famous for co-creating the iconic Rider-Waite Tarot deck and penning its accompanying guide, "The Pictorial Key to the Tarot," in 1910.

Specifications

Publisher: US Games Systems 

Cards: 78

Card Size: 2.75 x 4.75 inch

Card Language: English

Artist: Pamela Colman Smith

Author: Arthur Edward Waite

For a complete flip through of the entire deck and a detailed look into the card visuals, check out the video linked below: 

What Customers Are Saying About Rider-Waite Tarot Deck

"What exactly is it about this deck? Today there are literally hundreds of tarot decks to choose from, most of which are artistically superior to this seemingly rudimentary little deck. And yet, those many decks, which use subtle colors, modern printing techniques and even computer imaging, fail to compete with it. Why? The Rider deck truly has a soul, and its images shoot straight to the heart. People can often "intuitively" read this deck without any previous experience with the tarot. If the point of art is to make you feel your humanity, this deck's art is truly amazing. For all its coarse lines and flat colors, the deck somehow rises above itself, gracefully conveying all aspects of the human condition. The Rider deck is a perfect first and last deck. Pamela Colman Smith's unique symbolism ranges from the simple to the truly arcane ... It stirs the psyche and livens the soul. If you are in the market for a deck, my advice is to look not only with your eyes, but with your heart. The Rider deck is not as "glittery" as some of its more modern counterparts, but in the long run it is a wonderful and rewarding tarot without equal."

— Andryh, Amazon customer

"This is the standard tarot deck that all others are measured against. Images tie directly to the traditional meaning of the cards. Considered one of the easiest decks to learn and to read from."

— Maggie, goodreads

"In years past, I believed in divination. I had a large collection of Tarot decks--a couple dozen--and I enjoyed studying the meanings of the cards. I no longer believe that fortune telling actually works. However, the Tarot remains a valuable art form and tool. People are correct to describe it as "Seventy eight degrees of wisdom," as the cards symbolically cover the entirety of human experience. For that reason, they are excellent for meditation and contemplating life. Writers and artists can use them to exercise their creativity. Not all Tarot decks are created equal. The Rider-Waite, though, has all the symbolism exactly right. The art is simple yet beautiful. To me, this is the ideal deck."

— Jonathan Fesmire, goodreads

The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck's enduring popularity is a testament to its accessibility and depth. Whether you're a seasoned reader or a curious newcomer, this deck offers a powerful gateway to tarot wisdom. Explore the Rider-Waite and discover our full collection of tarot decks at https://www.spectrumstore.sg/collections/new-age-healing.