Reflective Tarot (Pocket Size)

Reflective Tarot - Radiant Rider Waite - Rider-Waite with holographic coating

A holographic layer over a classic tarot deck changes little about the symbolism, but it does change how you look at it. The light moves with the card. Each image shimmers, especially under candlelight or natural light.

This is the Radiant Rider-Waite deck, the version with saturated colours and sharp lines, now produced in pocket format with a reflective coating. The format is 57 x 89 mm, slightly larger than the smallest mini decks. Large enough to see the details, small enough to fit in a coat pocket.

What the holographic layer does

The foil covers the entire card. No select detail that glints, but the whole image. That makes the deck visually intense. Some people find it distracting, others use it to look at familiar cards differently.

The light effect works best with indirect lighting. Under fluorescent or bright daylight the shine can be too much. With a lamp, a candle or the golden hour you get a softer effect.

The cards are based on the Rider-Waite-Smith system, with the colour palette of the Radiant edition. All 78 cards are included. The symbolism is unchanged. What is new is how the light behaves on the surface.

How the deck feels in the hand

The cardstock is sturdy. The coating makes the cards smooth, which makes shuffling easy but also a bit slippery. The pocket size means you can hold and mix them with one hand.

Because the format is more compact than standard tarot cards, this deck fits easily into a bag or drawer. The weight is 200 grams, including the box and guidebook.

Lay this deck out by candlelight. The holographic layer catches the light in a way that makes the image literally move when you tilt the card.

The guidebook

The included guide runs to 60 pages and is in English. You will find brief descriptions for each card, enough to get started. No elaborate philosophical elaborations, just compact guidelines for interpretation.

There are also a few basic spreads, such as the three-card reading and the Celtic Cross. Sufficient for someone just starting out, not groundbreaking for those with experience.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Card format: 57 x 89 mm (pocket size)
• Finish: Holographic foil
• Weight: 200 grams
• Guidebook: 60 pages, English
• Publisher: U.S. Games Systems Inc.
• ISBN: 9781646711513
• System: Rider-Waite-Smith
• Colour palette: Radiant Rider-Waite

Questions we often get

How does this deck differ from the standard Radiant Rider-Waite deck?
Only in format and finish. The imagery is the same, but reduced to pocket format and given a holographic coating. The symbolism is identical.

Is the holographic layer practical for daily use?
That depends on your preference. The coating makes the cards durable and easy to shuffle, but the shine can be distracting in bright light. Many people use this deck specifically in soft lighting or as a meditation tool.