Tarot glossary
What is the Rider-Waite-Smith?
Published on
The Rider-Waite-Smith is the tarot deck published in London in 1909, conceived by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith. Its most striking trait is the Minor Arcana with scenes, and it serves as the basis for a large share of modern decks.
Where the name comes from
The name brings together three names: Rider, the London publisher that released the deck, Waite, the intellectual author of the project, and Smith, the artist who drew it. For decades, the deck was called just Rider-Waite, and Smith's name was added later, in recognition of her work.
Pamela Colman Smith created images that give each card a small scene, something uncommon in earlier decks.
What makes it influential
The main innovation was illustrating all the Minor Arcana with scenes, which makes reading by image easier. Before that, the numbered cards usually showed only the suit symbols, as in the Marseille decks.
This choice helped popularize tarot, since a reading can now start from the story the scene tells. Many contemporary decks follow this model.
- Published in 1909 in London.
- Concept by Waite, illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith.
- Minor cards with scenes on every card.
Rider-Waite-Smith and other traditions
The Rider-Waite-Smith keeps the 78-card structure but makes some choices of its own about order and names. For example, it places Strength at position 8 and Justice at 11, which differs from some Marseille decks.
If you follow a book, check which deck it is based on, so you do not get confused by numbering or symbols that differ from those of your own deck.
Frequently asked questions
- Are Rider-Waite and Rider-Waite-Smith the same deck?
- Yes. Rider-Waite is the traditional name, and Rider-Waite-Smith adds credit to the artist Pamela Colman Smith.
- Why is it so widely used by beginners?
- Because the scenes on every card make it easier to read by image, which helps people who have not yet memorized the meanings.
- Is the Rider-Waite-Smith the original tarot?
- No. It dates from the early 20th century. Older decks, such as the Marseille and the Italian decks of the 15th century, came before it.
Educational content, for reflection. Tarot does not replace medical, legal or financial advice.