Tarot History · 5 min · 2026-07-14
From 1909 to the present, the Rider-Waite-Smith deck has become a symbol of modern tarot. Explore the journey from Golden Dawn's ideas to the unique designs of Pamela Colman Smith.
In 1909, London publisher William Rider & Son published a tarot deck that would shape the psychic field of the 20th century. Designed with instructions from scholar and esotericist A. E. Waite, and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith — both members of the Order of Hermes Golden Dawn — the deck surpassed historical expectations.
Today, the Rider-Waite Tarot (also known as Waite-Smith, RWS or Smith-Waite) is circulated in an estimated 100 million copies across 20 countries, making it the most popular deck in the world. In practice, begin with the position's job, then let the card image sharpen the answer.
Like the entire traditional tarot system, the Rider-Waite suit is divided into:
Before 1909, most tarot decks only illustrated the Major Arcana in detail, and the Minor Arcana were often just simple drawings. Pamela Colman Smith changed this completely.
The Minor Arcana cards of the Rider-Waite suit are illustrated for the first time with complex metaphorical scenes. Each card carries its own story, opening up new depth for the reader.
The numerological calculations and astrological correspondences of the Golden Dawn are accurately included by Waite. In particular, he adjusted the order of two traditional cards:
These changes are not baseless but stem from the very structured system of the Hermetic tradition.
Compared to older decks, Rider-Waite removed some Christian imagery from certain cards, while adding others. Notable changes include:
The symbolism and imagery throughout the deck is strongly influenced by the 19th century magician and esotericist Eliphas Levi, as well as the teachings of the Golden Dawn. This combination creates a tight system, where each card is not only beautiful but also contains a deep spiritual logic.
The first printing in December 1909 was very limited, with roses and lilies printed on the back. In March 1910, a larger printing published cards with better paper quality and "cracked mud" backs. This edition, commonly known as the "A" series, was published from 1910 to 1920.
Waite also wrote The Key to the Tarot (1909) and later The Pictorial Key to the Tarot (1911), the first guides to help people gain a deeper understanding of the meanings of each card.
Today, many modern tarot readers call this deck "Smith-Waite" instead of "Rider-Waite" in due recognition of Pamela Colman Smith — a talented artist who is sometimes forgotten, but whose drawings made her a legend.
The deck continues to be reprinted, adapted and transformed — from 24-carat gold-plated versions to modern versions with changes in color and size. But its spirit, the intricate symbols and metaphorical stories on each card, remains the same as it was in the 1910s.
Reference source: Wikipedia — Rider–Waite Tarot When an interpretation feels too dramatic, narrow it to the practical step it actually supports.
Tarot is a visual language. Which era in this history feels closest to how you use the cards today? In practice, begin with the position's job, then let the card image sharpen the answer. A useful check is to name the visible action on the card before choosing advice.
Source: Wikipedia
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