The Rider Waite Tarot deck stands as one of the most iconic and influential decks in the realm of divination and spiritual exploration. Illustrated by the artist Pamela Colman Smith and published in 1910, it remains the go to deck for readers, offering a profound blend of symbolism, imagery and intuition. To understand its significance, on the world of Tarot one must delve into both this symbolism plus the historical background.
Tarot has evolved over many centuries as a means of both divination and simple “fortune telling”. However, the breakthrough as a means of mapping out a particular spread as a way of a reading for a querent gained in popularity from the Victorian Age onwards. The Early French Marseille deck has similar Major and Minor Arcana card symbols and these were refined into what is now the most popular deck worldwide – the Rider Waite.
Arthur Edward Waite, a prominent occultist, and member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, conceived the deck. He wanted to create a deck that veered away from the traditional Tarot imagery of the time and followed on from the older Marseille deck. To bring his vision to life, Waite collaborated with the talented artist Pamela Colman Smith, whose intuitive understanding of esoteric principles helped shape the deck’s iconic imagery.
The Rider-Waite Tarot consists of 78 cards divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana comprises 22 cards, each representing significant archetypal themes and universal truths, such as The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, and The World. These cards explore the journey of the soul through life’s various stages and challenges, offering insights into personal growth and spiritual evolution.
The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit represents a different aspect of human experience, such as creativity (Wands), emotions (Cups), intellect (Swords), and material resources (Pentacles). Within each suit, there are numbered cards from Ace to Ten, as well as four Court Cards: Page, Knight, Queen, and King. Together, these cards offer detailed guidance on everyday matters and practical concerns.Furthermore the court cards highlight both the astrological signs and the elements -Wands being fire, (Sagittarius, Leo and Aries), Cups being water (Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio) , Swords being Air (Libre, Gemini, Aquarius) and Pentacles being Earth (Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo).
What sets the Rider-Waite Tarot apart from other decks of the time is its rich symbolism and imagery, which resonate deeply with readers and clients alike. Pamela Colman Smith’s illustrations are both intricate and evocative, drawing upon a myriad of esoteric traditions, including Kabbalah, astrology, alchemy, and ceremonial magic. Each card is filled with symbolic details that convey layers of meaning and invite interpretation, making the deck accessible to both beginners and seasoned practitioners.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Rider Waite Tarot is its ability to evoke intuitive insights and profound revelations. The images on the cards serve as visual triggers that stimulate the subconscious mind, allowing readers to tap into their innate wisdom and intuition. Whether used for self-reflection, meditation, or divination, the deck has a remarkable capacity to illuminate hidden truths and offer guidance on life’s journey.
Over the years, the Rider Waite Tarot has become synonymous with Tarot reading itself, serving as the standard deck for countless practitioners worldwide. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless wisdom, universal appeal, and intuitive accessibility. Regardless of one’s spiritual beliefs or cultural background, the deck offers a powerful tool for self-discovery, personal growth, and spiritual transformation.
The Rider -Waite Tarot stands as a testament to the power of symbolism, intuition, and artistic collaboration. Through its vivid imagery and profound symbolism, it continues to inspire and empower seekers on their quest for self-understanding and spiritual enlightenment. As we journey through the mysteries of life, the wisdom of the Rider-Waite Tarot serves as a guiding light, illuminating our path and revealing the hidden truths that lie within.
A postscript to this is the fact that at the time Pamela Colman Smith was never financially rewarded for her monumental contribution to this celebrated deck. Finally she is starting to garner the revere she is owed – as an artist in her own right and also as illustrator and some may even say conceptualiser of this deck.
The Modern Psychics offer readings from the Rider Waite deck with our practitioners Carrie, Luigi and Kate. Each have studied at the College of Psychic Studies with the renowned rider Waite Tarot teacher and mentor Avril Price.
