Pamela Colman Smith's RWS Tarot Deck™

Pamela Colman Smith's RWS Tarot Deck™ - pastel colours and ivory borders

This is not just another version of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. It is a deliberate choice: the same iconic imagery, but with soft pastel colours and an ivory border where the original has white or coloured frames.

The deck follows the symbolism Pamela Colman Smith developed in 1909 under Arthur Edward Waite's direction. That means fully illustrated minor arcana, narrative visual structure, symbols drawn from the Golden Dawn tradition. Only the colouring is different.

What you see on the cards

Where the original works with primary colours and high contrast, this version opts for muted pastel shades. Soft pink, pale blue, light green and beige dominate. The ivory borders strengthen the serene character.

The images themselves are identical to the classic RWS deck: the Fool at the edge of the cliff, the Towers collapsing, the Ten of Swords with a figure on the ground. Every meaning you know from RWS literature applies here.

Who this works for

This deck is designed for those who want to use RWS symbolism but find the original visually too bright. The soft colours make it easier on the eyes, especially during long reading sessions.

If you already work with a classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck, you can use this one as an alternative. All meanings remain the same, so separate instruction is not needed. The included guidebook offers brief basic information.

Lay this deck on a dark blue or burgundy cloth. The ivory borders will stand out more sharply and the cards will light up visually.

About Pamela Colman Smith

Pamela Colman Smith, born in 1878 in London and raised in Jamaica, drew this deck on commission from Arthur Edward Waite. Her breakthrough was fully illustrating the minor arcana, something rare at the time.

Smith, also known as 'Pixie', was a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. She worked as an artist, theatre set designer and editor. Her line drawings and use of colour from 1909 form the basis for almost every modern tarot deck.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Card size: 70 x 120 mm
• Finish: glossy coating
• Border colour: ivory
• Guidebook: 36 pages, English
• Publisher: U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
• Packaging: sturdy storage box

Questions we often get

How does this deck differ from the classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck?
The symbolism, composition and drawings are identical. The only difference lies in the colouring and border colour. This deck has soft pastel tones and ivory borders, the original has primary colours and white or coloured frames.

Are the cards sturdy enough for daily use?
Yes. They are made from cardboard with a glossy coating, comparable to standard cards from U.S. Games Systems. The finish protects against fingerprints and wear.