Tarot History · 4 min · 2026-01-15
The world's most popular tarot deck — and the woman who illustrated all 78 cards.
Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) is named after: - Rider: William Rider & Son, the publishing house - Waite: Arthur Edward Waite, scholar and Golden Dawn member - Smith: Pamela Colman Smith (Pixie), the illustrating artist
Published in 1909, RWS was not the first tarot deck—but it became the most popular because it was accessible to everyone.
Before RWS, most Minor Arcana cards simply displayed numbers and suits (7 of Cups, 3 of Swords, etc.)—much like standard playing cards. Waite and Smith made the groundbreaking decision to illustrate a complete scene on every Minor Arcana card.
For example: the Five of Cups is not just five cups—it shows a figure turning away from five cups, symbolizing disappointment or reassessment.
Smith illustrated all 78 cards in a matter of months, received minimal payment, and went largely unrecognized for decades. Her work created a visual language that millions of readers worldwide still use today.
Today, the tarot community is reclaiming Smith's legacy. When you look at an RWS card, you are viewing the artistic heritage of a Symbolist painter.
Melaap uses the RWS system as its foundation because: - It is the most widely used deck in Vietnam and Asia - Its imagery is rich with narrative, ideal for visual interpretation - The Vietnamese reader community predominantly learned through RWS
Understanding the origins of your deck deepens your readings—not just looking up definitions, but truly reading the scenes depicted on each card.
Tarot is a visual language. Which era in this history feels closest to how you use the cards today? If the card feels abstract, ask what it changes in the next small decision. The strongest interpretation usually connects image, position, and question in one sentence.
9 min
Both the fourteenth card of the Major Arcana, yet Temperance in Rider-Waite and Art in Thoth carry entirely different messages. This exploration traces their divergent meanings through the lens of Kabbalah and sacred symbolism.
11 min
The Judgement is the twentieth card of the Major Arcana, symbolizing spiritual rebirth, an inner call, and profound transformation. Not divine judgment, but an awakening summons to step beyond the constraints of ordinary life.
13 min
From the cross to the fish, from water to fire — explore the profound symbols that have shaped beliefs and cultures throughout the centuries. This article takes you on a journey to understand the meaning of sacred symbols in the Christian tradition and other cultures.