What is the Rider Waite Tarot Deck? Origins, Symbolism & How to Read It

The Rider Waite Tarot deck is the most iconic tarot deck in the world. If you've ever seen a tarot card online, in a movie, or at a friend’s reading, chances are it was from this deck. But what exactly is the Rider Waite Tarot deck, why is it everywhere, and how can you use it to tap into your own intuition?

Let’s break it down.

Where Did the Rider Waite Tarot Deck Come From?

The Rider Waite deck was first published in 1909 by the London-based Rider Company. It was created by Arthur Edward Waite, a mystic and member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, an artist and occultist with a deep feel for symbolism.

Smith’s artwork brought the deck to life in a revolutionary way. Unlike older tarot decks that often only had detailed images on the Major Arcana, she gave every card — including the Minor Arcana — rich, story-like scenes. This made the deck more intuitive and relatable, and totally changed how people could read tarot.

Why Is It Called “Rider Waite”?

Simple: “Rider” was the publisher, and “Waite” was the creator. Some people also call it the Waite-Smith deck to give proper credit to Pamela Colman Smith, whose imagery is what really made the deck timeless.

What Makes the Rider Waite Tarot Deck So Popular?

So why has it stuck around for over a century?

• Clear symbolism: The imagery is packed with archetypes, astrology, and mystical references. But it’s also direct — a fool on the edge of a cliff, a tower struck by lightning, lovers under an angel’s gaze. It’s designed to spark intuition without needing to memorize long meanings.
• Foundation for modern tarot: Most modern decks are based on Rider Waite’s structure and imagery. If you learn with this deck, you’ll be able to read pretty much any tarot deck out there.
• A tool for storytelling & self-reflection: Each card tells a mini story. They mirror your own experiences and emotions, making it easier to explore your thoughts, decisions, or spiritual growth.

Symbolism: What’s Inside the Deck?

The Rider Waite deck has 78 cards, split into two main sections:

✨ Major Arcana (22 cards): Big life themes and soul lessons — think transformation, love, shadow work, new cycles.

✨ Minor Arcana (56 cards): Everyday situations and moods, broken down into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles) that each connect to different aspects of life.

Pamela Colman Smith infused the cards with layers of hidden meanings — astrology, numerology, Qabalah, medieval symbolism, and even folk stories. It’s rich ground for any witch or mystic soul to explore.

How to Read the Rider Waite Tarot Deck

You don’t need to be psychic. Tarot is more like a mirror for your intuition. Here’s how to start:

1. Get familiar with the cards: Flip through your deck, one card at a time. Notice what stands out — the colors, the characters, the vibe.
2. Try a simple spread: A one-card daily draw is perfect. Ask, “What do I need to know today?” Pull a card and see what comes up.
3. Trust your gut: The images are designed to spark personal insights. What’s your first reaction? That instinct often holds the message.
4. Journal it out: Writing a few notes helps track your thoughts, patterns, and growth over time.

Why It’s a Must-Have Deck for Any Modern Witch

If you’re building a spiritual practice or just curious about tarot, the Rider Waite deck is a solid place to start. It’s versatile for everything from self-care pulls to deep shadow work. And because so many books and online resources use this deck, learning with it makes things way easier.

Whether you’re drawing cards under a full moon or sipping coffee on a lazy morning, the Rider Waite deck connects you to a century-old magical tradition that still feels completely personal.