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

The Rider Waite Tarot deck is the most influential 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 makes the Rider Waite Tarot so iconic, and how can you use it to tap into your own intuition?

Let’s dive into its origins, symbolism, and practical guidance so you can fully understand this legendary deck.

Where did the Rider Waite Tarot deck come from?

The Rider Waite Tarot deck was first published in 1909 by the London-based Rider Company. It was created by Arthur Edward Waite, a mystic and scholar of the occult, and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, an artist, storyteller, and fellow member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.

Unlike earlier decks that only illustrated the Major Arcana, Smith gave all 78 cards full, symbolic scenes. This innovation transformed tarot from an esoteric system into a visual storytelling tool—accessible, intuitive, and deeply evocative.

Why is it called the Rider Waite deck?

The name comes from its origins:

• Rider — the publishing company.
• Waite — the deck’s creator.

Many modern tarot enthusiasts also call it the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck to give credit to Pamela Colman Smith, whose illustrations brought the system to life. Without her vision, the deck would not be what it is today.

What makes the Rider Waite Tarot deck so popular?

So why has this deck remained the gold standard of tarot for over a century?

• Clear symbolism: The cards are packed with archetypes, astrology, numerology, and mystical references. At the same time, they’re easy to interpret intuitively—whether it’s The Fool on the edge of a cliff or The Tower struck by lightning.
• Foundation for modern tarot: Most contemporary tarot decks are based on the Rider Waite structure. Learning with this deck gives you the skills to read nearly any tarot system.
• A storytelling tool: Each card tells a mini-story that mirrors your life, emotions, and decisions. That narrative quality makes tarot readings accessible and relatable.
• Endless resources: Because it’s the most widely used deck, countless books, courses, and online guides are built around it. Beginners and advanced readers alike find it easy to study.

What is inside the Rider Waite Tarot deck?

The Rider Waite Tarot deck has 78 cards, divided into two sections:

✨ Major Arcana (22 cards): Representing big life lessons, spiritual themes, and soul evolution. These cards include The Fool, The Magician, The Tower, The World, and others.

✨ Minor Arcana (56 cards): Reflecting everyday experiences, emotions, and choices. They are divided into four suits:

• Wands (creativity, willpower, passion)
• Cups (emotions, love, intuition)
• Swords (thoughts, conflict, clarity)
• Pentacles (material world, money, stability)

Pamela Colman Smith infused these cards with multi-layered symbolism: colors, gestures, animals, landscapes, and clothing all carry hidden meaning. Her illustrations weave together Golden Dawn teachings, astrology, numerology, and folklore—inviting readers to dive deeper each time they draw a card.

How to use the Rider Waite Tarot deck?

You don’t need to be psychic to use tarot. The Rider Waite deck is designed to spark intuition and guide self-reflection. Here’s how to begin:

1. Get to know the cards: Spend time flipping through the deck. Notice colors, symbols, and the feelings they evoke.
2. Start with a daily draw: Each morning, pull one card and ask, “What do I need to know today?” Write your impressions.
3. Practice simple spreads: Begin with a 3-card spread (past, present, future) before moving on to more complex layouts like the Celtic Cross.
4. Trust your intuition: Your first impressions often hold the most authentic insights.
5. Keep a tarot journal: Record your readings and reflections to track growth over time.

How do you read the Rider Waite Tarot deck for beginners?

• Don’t memorize—connect. While guidebooks are useful, your emotional reaction to the imagery is key.
• Use open-ended questions. Instead of “Will I get the job?” ask “What should I know about this job opportunity?”
• Notice patterns. If the same suit or theme repeats across spreads, pay attention to the message.
• Reverse meanings. If a card appears upside-down, it can represent blocked energy, delays, or the shadow side of the upright meaning.

Tarot is less about “predicting the future” and more about revealing possibilities and guiding your choices.

What symbolism makes the Rider Waite Tarot special?

Every card in the Rider Waite deck is packed with archetypal symbolism:

• The Fool: new beginnings, potential, innocence, risk.
• The Magician: manifestation, willpower, mastery of the elements.
• The High Priestess: hidden wisdom, intuition, inner mysteries.
• The Tower: sudden upheaval, truth revealed, destruction of false foundations.
• The World: completion, wholeness, achievement.

The Minor Arcana is equally rich: the Ace of Cups overflowing with emotion, the Ten of Wands burdened by responsibility, or the Five of Pentacles showing hardship and exclusion.

Smith’s genius was in making the imagery so vivid that anyone could immediately grasp the story in each card.

Why is the Rider Waite Tarot deck a must-have?

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced reader, the Rider Waite deck is invaluable because:

• It’s the foundation of modern tarot study.
• It’s universally recognized, making your readings accessible to others.
• Its imagery sparks intuition, making it easy to learn and practice.
• It’s a gateway deck—once you understand it, you can easily explore other decks.

For modern witches, spiritual seekers, and even skeptics who enjoy self-reflection, the Rider Waite Tarot offers a century-old magical tradition that still speaks today.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Rider Waite Tarot Deck

1. Is the Rider Waite Tarot deck good for beginners? Yes. It’s the most beginner-friendly deck, with clear imagery and endless learning resources.

2. How many cards are in the Rider Waite Tarot deck? There are 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana.

3. Do I need to read reversed cards in Rider Waite Tarot? Not necessarily. Many readers use reversals for nuance, but you can start with upright meanings until you’re comfortable.

4. What makes Rider Waite different from other tarot decks? Its fully illustrated Minor Arcana was groundbreaking, and its structure inspired nearly all modern decks.

5. Can I use the Rider Waite Tarot for yes/no questions? Yes, but open-ended questions yield deeper insights. Yes/no readings can oversimplify tarot’s wisdom.

6. Who illustrated the Rider Waite Tarot deck? Pamela Colman Smith, an artist and member of the Golden Dawn, created its timeless artwork.

Final Thoughts on the Rider Waite Tarot Deck

The Rider Waite Tarot deck is more than a set of cards—it’s a universal language of intuition, archetypes, and storytelling. From its 1909 creation to its dominance in modern spirituality, it remains the most influential deck in history.

Whether you’re pulling a single card for guidance, reading for friends, or diving into deep shadow work, the Rider Waite Tarot connects you to a century-old tradition of mysticism and self-discovery.