Healing Light

The Rider-Waite Tarot deck, also referred to as the Rider Tarot or the Rider deck, is one of the most popular and widely used tarot decks in the world. It was first published in 1910 and is the standard deck for many tarot readers, myself included.  The deck was a collaboration between artist Pamela Colman Smith and occultist A.E. Waite.

Arthur Edward Waite was a prominent member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society devoted to the study and practice of the occult, mysticism, and ceremonial magic. Waite was deeply involved in the esoteric traditions; secret spiritual teachings that were reserved for a specific elite group and hidden from the masses.  He sought to create a tarot deck that would be rich in symbolism and esoteric meaning. Because of the popularity of this deck, an important aspect of the Rider Waite Tarot is that it introduced scores of individuals throughout the world to these symbols and their meanings, information that had been closely held within a select group of spiritualists..  

The artist, Pamela Colman Smith, also a member of the Golden Dawn, was chosen by Waite to illustrate the deck. The partnership between Waite and Smith produced a deck that was a significant departure from the traditional tarot imagery of the time. The Rider-Waite Tarot deck introduced several innovations, both in terms of symbolism and artistic representation.

Some notable features of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck are:

• Illustrated Minor Arcana: Unlike many of the earlier tarot decks that had simple pip cards for the minor arcana (the numbered cards), the Rider-Waite deck featured fully illustrated scenes for each card in the minor arcana. The illustrated minor arcana cards make the Rider-Waite deck more accessible and easier for beginners to interpret, and a driver behind the deck’s popularity.   
• Symbolism and Imagery: The deck incorporates vivid symbolism and imagery, often drawing on occult and esoteric traditions. The illustrations were designed to convey deeper meanings and provide a visual representation of the traditional tarot symbolism.
• Influence of the Golden Dawn: The Rider-Waite deck was influenced by the teachings and symbolism of the Golden Dawn. Waite, as a Golden Dawn member, incorporated many esoteric elements into the deck to align with the order’s teachings.
• Name and Publication: The deck was first published by the Rider Company in 1910, hence its name, Rider-Waite. The deck has since been subject to a variety of reprints and revisions.

Over the years, the Rider-Waite Tarot deck has become a standard for tarot readers and has inspired numerous other decks. Its resonant imagery and symbolism have made it a popular choice among readers from beginners to experienced tarot practitioners.

The Rider-Waite Tarot deck’s enduring popularity can be attributed to several factors, ranging from its groundbreaking design choices, to its influence on subsequent tarot decks and its widespread use in the esoteric and divination communities as noted above. 

Here are some key reasons for its enduring popularity:

• Illustrative Minor Arcana: One of the significant departures from earlier tarot decks was the inclusion of fully illustrated scenes for each card in the minor arcana. This innovation made the deck more accessible and easier for beginners to understand, as each card visually conveyed its meaning.
• Vivid Symbolism: The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is well known for its deep symbolism and esoteric imagery. A.E. Waite, pulled from his background in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, imbued the cards with multiple levels of symbolic meaning, making them a valuable tool for those interested in esoteric and mystical studies.
• Influence on Tarot Tradition: The Rider-Waite deck considerably influenced the development of tarot as a divinatory and spiritual tool. Many of the later tarot decks drew inspiration from the Rider-Waite symbolism, incorporating themes and imagery similar to those of the Rider Waite. This has created a kind of standard or archetype in the world of tarot.
• Ease of Interpretation: The deck’s imagery, with its clear and powerful illustrations, makes it easier for readers to interpret the cards. The scenes depicted on each card provide visual cues that resonate with common archetypes and themes, assisting beginners and experienced readers in divination.
• Versatility: The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is multifaceted and can be used for a wide range of purposes, including divination, meditation, and spiritual exploration. Its imagery is broad enough to encompass various aspects of life, allowing readers to explore different sides of their questions or concerns.
• Cultural Impact: Over the years, the Rider-Waite Tarot has become deeply ingrained in popular culture. Its images are recognizable even to those who are not actively involved in tarot reading. This cultural impact has contributed to its widespread popularity.
• Availability and Reproducibility: The Rider-Waite Tarot deck has been consistently in print since its initial publication in 1910. This availability has ensured that the deck remains accessible to a broad audience. Additionally, various editions and reproductions have allowed for different artistic interpretations while preserving the core symbolism.
• Teaching and Learning Tool: The deck’s popularity is also due to its effectiveness as a learning tool and guide for those interested in tarot. Many books and teaching resources about tarot use the Rider-Waite deck as a reference point, making it a starting point for individuals seeking to 
• understand the meanings and symbolism of tarot cards.

Much of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck’s popularity can be attributed to its innovative design choices, rich symbolism, influence on the tarot tradition, ease of interpretation, versatility, cultural impact, continuous availability, and its role as a valuable tool for teaching and learning about tarot.

This popularity has also inspired numerous variations.  A quick google search will show you the many tarot decks that have been created in the wake of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, with these decks drawing inspiration from its innovative design and rich symbolism. These decks, often referred to as Rider-Waite-inspired decks or clones, have become a genre of their own in the world of tarot. 

The following decks are a some of the most well known examples:

• Universal Waite Tarot: The Universal Waite Tarot deck is a redrawn version of the original Rider-Waite deck with enhanced colors and finer details. Created by artist Mary Hanson-Roberts under the direction of Stuart R. Kaplan, this deck preserves the symbolism of the Rider-Waite while providing a more crisp visual presentation.
• Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot: This vibrant deck, created by Virginijus Poshkus, is a modernized version of the Rider-Waite Tarot. The colors palette of the Radiant Rider-Waite is more saturated and paired with the clean lines, this deck offers a striking alternative to the original deck.
• Morgan-Greer Tarot: Illustrated by Bill Greer and Lloyd Morgan, the Morgan-Greer Tarot deck maintains the traditional Rider-Waite symbolism but features bolder and more dynamic artwork. The images in this deck have a slightly more contemporary and energetic feel.
• The Gilded Tarot: Created by Ciro Marchetti, The Gilded Tarot reimagines the Rider-Waite deck with ornate detailing and sense of luxury. The cards are digitally rendered, allowing for the inclusion of  many intricate patterns and embellishments into the designs.  This deck imbues a feeling of opulence to the traditional symbolism.
• Robin Wood Tarot: Created by Robin Wood, this deck retains much of the Rider-Waite symbolism while offering a fresh and vibrant artistic interpretation. The scenes in the cards are detailed and colorful, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate the traditional symbolism with a modern twist.
• Hanson-Roberts Tarot: Illustrated by Mary Hanson-Roberts, this deck maintains the Rider-Waite framework but the graphics are softer than the original. Many in the tarot community feel this deck is very approachable and gentle imagery creates an emotionally resonant presentation. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a more empathetic and intuitive reading experience.
• The Mythic Tarot: Combining Greek mythology with traditional tarot symbolism, The Mythic Tarot by Juliet Sharman-Burke and Liz Greene is a unique variation of the Rider-Waite deck. This deck also adds a layer of interpretation to the cards as each card is associated with a specific Greek myth, making for a unique divination experience.

These decks, among many others, demonstrate the enduring influence of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. While each deck brings its own thematic interpretations through their unique artistic renditions, they all share a common foundation in the Rider-Waite deck symbolism and graphics. This enables any reader familiar with the Rider-Waite deck to transition to these variations more easily  and to find the styles and  symbolism that resonate with their reading style. Each tarot deck, including the Rider-Waite, has its unique symbolism, but the essence of tarot lies in its ability to tap into universal truths and archetypal energies.