Radiant Rider-Waite in a Tin - classic symbolism in pocket format
This is not a new deck. This is the most widely known tarot deck in the world, the Rider-Waite, in a compact edition with refreshed colours and a metal storage tin.
The symbolism remains identical to the original drawings by Pamela Colman Smith from 1909. What has changed: the colour intensity and shadow work. The flat colouring of the original has been replaced by deeper tones and subtle shading. That makes the images more vivid without touching the familiar composition.
What is in the tin
The format is 51 x 89 mm, smaller than standard tarot cards. For people with small hands, that is an advantage when shuffling. The cards are printed on smooth cardstock and housed in a sturdy metal tin with a starry sky print.
The included booklet by Stuart R. Kaplan describes each card briefly. No extensive texts, but enough to get started. For deeper explanation there are hundreds of books and sources available, because this is the most documented tarot symbolism in existence.
Who this works for
This deck is designed for beginners. The symbolism is clear, the structure is standard, and there is an abundance of information available. At the same time it remains a solid choice for advanced readers who want a deck that can go in a bag without getting damaged.
The metal tin is not a gimmick. It really protects the cards. If you regularly work outside the home or want to draw a daily card during a break, the cards stay straight and clean.
Draw one card every morning before you leave the house. The tin fits in a coat pocket.
About Pamela Colman Smith
Pamela Colman Smith drew all 78 cards in 1909 for Arthur Edward Waite. She was the first to fully illustrate the Minor Arcana with scenes instead of just symbols. That made this deck accessible to readers without years of study.
This Radiant version is published by U.S. Games Systems to make the images more contemporary without changing the original compositions.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Card size: 51 x 89 mm
- Packaging: Metal tin with starry sky print
- Language: English
- Card quality: Smooth finish cardstock
- Weight: 263 g
- Extra: English instruction booklet
- Illustrator: Pamela Colman Smith
- Publisher: U.S. Games Systems
Questions we often get
What is the difference between this Radiant version and the original Rider-Waite?
The symbolism is identical. The difference lies in the colour intensity and shadow work. The Radiant version has deeper tones instead of the flat colouring of the original.
Are the cards too small to work with?
That depends on your preference. For shuffling they are actually easier if you have smaller hands. For spreads on a table they work just as well as standard format.
