Llewellyn's Classic Tarot kit

Llewellyn Classic Tarot kit - modern rendering of the RWS system

The Rider-Waite-Smith system is where many people begin with tarot. This deck takes that classic visual language and redraws it in bright colours with a contemporary aesthetic. Not radically different, but fresh enough to feel immediately accessible.

The cards are published by Llewellyn Publications and accompanied by a comprehensive guidebook by Barbara Moore, written as a separate book rather than a compact booklet. That makes it a complete set for anyone who wants to learn to read tarot cards.

What you see on the cards

The images follow the structure of the original Rider-Waite-Smith deck. That means all 78 cards are fully illustrated, including the complete Minor Arcana with figurative scenes. The style is more accessible than the historical original: the colours are saturated, the lines are clear, the faces are more expressive.

The cardstock has a glossy finish and feels sturdy. The size is standard: 70 x 120 mm. That makes the cards easy to shuffle without becoming too large for smaller hands.

Draw one card in the morning as a daily card. The clear images lend themselves to a quick reading, even without opening the book.

How the guidebook works

Barbara Moore writes for people who have not yet worked with tarot. The guidebook describes each card separately, explains basic spreads and gives context about the structure of the deck. It is not a philosophical work, but a practical guide that leads you step by step through the system.

The tone is clear and direct. Moore assumes you learn by doing, not by reading a book from cover to cover first. That matches the design of this deck.

About Barbara Moore

Barbara Moore has been writing about tarot for decades and has several bestsellers to her name, including 'Tarot for Beginners'. Her work is characterised by accessibility and practical applicability. She does not impose esoteric thresholds, but invites you to simply begin.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78 (Major and Minor Arcana)
• Card size: 70 x 120 mm
• Finish: glossy cardstock
• Guidebook: comprehensive book by Barbara Moore
• Language: English
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
• System: Rider-Waite-Smith

Questions we often get

How does this deck differ from the original Rider-Waite-Smith deck?
The symbolism and structure are identical, but the style is more modern. The colours are brighter, the faces are more expressive and the overall feel is more accessible. All meanings remain the same.

Is the guidebook meant for beginners or also useful for advanced readers?
The guidebook is written for beginners. If you have been working with tarot for years, the book offers little that is new. It focuses on basic meanings, spreads and first steps.