Can I use Rider-Waite-Smith meanings with a Marseille deck?

To a large extent, yes, because the 22 Major Arcana share common themes. In the Minor Arcana, the Rider-Waite-Smith scenes do not exist in the Marseille, so the reading tends to depend more on number and suit.

The Tarot de Marseille comes from a tradition of earlier designs, while the Rider-Waite-Smith was published in 1909. But the history of each family is full of variations and debates among researchers.

Is it worth having both?

For those who already have experience, yes, since reading the same theme through two visual languages enriches your repertoire. For beginners, a single deck is enough for a good while.

Comparisons and differences

Tarot de Marseille vs Rider-Waite-Smith: what is the difference?

Published on October 9, 2026

The main difference is in the Minor Arcana: in the Tarot de Marseille the numbered cards show only repeated suit symbols, while in the 1909 Rider-Waite-Smith each one has an illustrated scene. There are also differences in the order of Strength and Justice and in the style of the drawings.

Two families of decks

The Tarot de Marseille brings together a tradition of old designs produced in France, with simple lines, flat colors and woodcut as an inspiration. There are several versions, and readers often prefer one restoration or another.

The Rider-Waite-Smith was published in London in 1909, with illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of Arthur Edward Waite. It became famous for giving a scene to every card, including the numbered cards of the Minor Arcana.

What changes in practice

In the Marseille, the 3 of Cups shows three cups arranged in the design. The reader has to draw meaning from the number, the suit and the composition. This encourages a more abstract, structure-based reading.

In the Rider-Waite-Smith, the same 3 of Cups shows figures celebrating, which makes a narrative reading easier, especially for beginners. There is also the swap in position between Strength and Justice: in the Marseille, Justice is VIII and Strength is XI, and in the Rider-Waite-Smith this is reversed.

Comparison chart

These are the points that usually weigh on the choice between the two.

Aspect	Tarot de Marseille	Rider-Waite-Smith	Who it suits
Minor Arcana	Repeated symbols, no scenes	One scene per card	RWS for those who want narrative images
Visual style	Old-style lines, flat colors	Richer colors and detailed figures	Depends on aesthetic taste
Reading	More structural and numerical	More narrative and intuitive	Marseille for those who like structure
Order of Strength and Justice	Justice VIII, Strength XI	Strength VIII, Justice XI	Pay attention when switching decks
Study material in English	Available, but more limited	Very broad	RWS tends to be easier to find

Which one to choose first

For someone just starting out, the Rider-Waite-Smith is usually more welcoming because of its scenes. But there is no right answer: some beginners do very well with the Marseille because of the challenge of reading symbols without a setting.

The best test is to look at a few cards from each and notice which deck makes you want to ask questions. The deck you open with curiosity is the one you will use.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Rider-Waite-Smith meanings with a Marseille deck?: To a large extent, yes, because the 22 Major Arcana share common themes. In the Minor Arcana, the Rider-Waite-Smith scenes do not exist in the Marseille, so the reading tends to depend more on number and suit.
Which one is older?: The Tarot de Marseille comes from a tradition of earlier designs, while the Rider-Waite-Smith was published in 1909. But the history of each family is full of variations and debates among researchers.
Is it worth having both?: For those who already have experience, yes, since reading the same theme through two visual languages enriches your repertoire. For beginners, a single deck is enough for a good while.

Educational content, for reflection. Tarot does not replace medical, legal or financial advice.