Radiant Rider Waite Tarot

Radiant Rider Waite Tarot - classic symbolism with refreshed colours

There are hundreds of tarot decks, but one design keeps returning as the reference point: the Rider-Waite-Smith. This is that version, recoloured with warmer tones and softer transitions.

Virginijus Poshkus digitally reworked the original illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith from 1909. The symbolism remains identical. The colours are lighter, friendlier, less flat than in the original. The deep blue starry background on all cards gives the whole deck a calmer appearance.

What has changed and what has not

All 78 cards follow the exact same composition as the original Rider-Waite-Smith deck. The Fool still steps toward the cliff, the Sun still shines above a child on a horse, the Ten of Swords still shows the same figure with ten swords in the back. Nothing has been redrawn.

What is new: the colour gradients are smoother, shadows softer, faces slightly more expressive. The technique makes details more sharply visible. For anyone just starting with tarot, that helps. Symbols such as cups, pentacles and wands stand out more quickly.

The cards are printed on sturdy card stock with a glossy finish. They glide easily through your hands, even after frequent use. The size is 70 x 120 mm, slightly smaller than playing cards but not compact.

Who this deck works for

This deck is designed as an entry-level deck. The accompanying guidebook by Stuart R. Kaplan is brief but clear: short meanings per card, a few simple spreads. Enough to get started.

Because the Rider-Waite-Smith forms the basis of almost every modern tarot book, you can use virtually any reference work with this deck. That makes it easy to expand your knowledge without having to learn new symbols.

Look at the cards in daylight. The warm tones by Poshkus come into their own and help you make an intuitive connection more quickly.

About Pamela Colman Smith and Virginijus Poshkus

Pamela Colman Smith drew all 78 cards between 1909 and 1910, commissioned by Arthur Edward Waite. Her illustrations were revolutionary because she showed narrative scenes on the minor arcana for the first time, not just on the trumps.

Virginijus Poshkus is a Lithuanian artist who specialises in digital colour restoration of historic tarot decks. For the Radiant edition, he kept the original line drawings by Smith and rebuilt only the colour layers.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78 (22 major arcana, 56 minor arcana)
• Card size: 70 x 120 mm
• Language: English (cards and guidebook)
• Guidebook author: Stuart R. Kaplan
• Artist original illustrations: Pamela Colman Smith
• Artist colours: Virginijus Poshkus
• Publisher: U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
• Finish: Glossy card stock
• Packaging: Sturdy cardboard box

Questions we often get

What is the difference with the original Rider-Waite deck?
The symbolism is identical. The colours are warmer and smoother, the backgrounds have a deep blue tint with stars. The imagery appears lighter and more accessible. The line drawings have not been altered.

Is the guidebook suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. Stuart R. Kaplan provides short card meanings and a few basic spreads. It is enough to start reading, and you can always add a more detailed book later.