Original Rider-Waite® Tarot Pack

Original Rider-Waite® Tarot Pack - the timeless classic for every tarot lover

About this deck

The Original Rider-Waite Tarot Pack is the most influential tarot deck in the world and the basis for almost all modern tarot systems. Created by Arthur Edward Waite and the artist Pamela Colman Smith at the start of the twentieth century, this deck set the standards that still apply today. U.S. Games Systems offers the authentic version here, with the original illustrations. For beginners it is the ideal learning deck, and for experienced readers an indispensable reference.

Symbolism and style

Pamela Colman Smith's illustrations stand out for their clear lines, vivid colours and rich symbolic language. Each of the 78 cards tells a complete story, from the archetypal figures of the Major Arcana to the everyday scenes of the Minor Arcana. The pictures are detailed but never cluttered, so the most important symbols are clear even in a quick reading. The medieval look gives the cards a timeless feel that has lost none of its effect after more than 100 years.

Practical use

The Original Rider-Waite Tarot suits beginners and experienced readers alike. The universal symbolism makes it easy to work with the cards intuitively, while the accompanying guidebook explains concrete meanings and spreads. The cards are a comfortable size of about 70 x 120 mm and shuffle well. The matte lamination feels pleasant in the hand and does not reflect candlelight. Almost all tarot books and online resources refer to this system, which makes learning much easier.

Begin with simple three-card spreads for concrete questions. The clear symbols of this deck give you understandable answers right away.

Features - Original Rider-Waite® Tarot Pack

• 78 cards (22 Major Arcana, 56 Minor Arcana)
• Card language: English
• Card size: approx. 70 x 120 mm
• Material: sturdy, matte laminated card stock
• Guidebook with meanings and spreads
• Publisher: U.S. Games Systems
• Author: A.E. Waite
• Illustrator: Pamela Colman Smith

FAQ

Is this deck suitable for beginners?
Yes, absolutely. The symbolism of the Rider-Waite cards is universally understandable and almost every tarot book explains this system. The guidebook helps you get started, but the pictures speak for themselves. With this deck you also learn the international standard system that tarot resources all over the world refer to.

Does this set differ from other Rider-Waite editions?
This set from U.S. Games Systems uses the original illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith in authentic colours. The card quality is very good: sturdy enough for frequent use, but not so thick that the cards are hard to shuffle. Many modern reprints change colours or details; here you get the original.