Sweet Rider Waite

Sweet Rider-Waite - Rider-Waite in softer palette with gilded edges

There are more versions of the Rider-Waite system than you can count, but not every version leaves the system exactly as it is. This one does. The structure remains intact, all 78 cards follow Pamela Colman Smith's original design. What changes is the finish: softer colours, gilded edges, and a slightly lighter tone in the illustrations.

The deck was created by La Fée Galactique, who previously drew a contemporary version of the Tarot de Marseille. This is her interpretation of the Rider-Waite system, published by Dervy.

What has changed in the cards

The imagery remains that of the classic Rider-Waite deck. Same figures, same postures, same symbols. What stands out is the colour palette: less saturated, more pastel, quieter. The gilded edges give the deck a finished look.

For those who have worked with a classic Rider-Waite deck for years, the cards are immediately readable. For beginners, the 112-page guidebook offers card meanings and spreads.

The guidebook and language

The cards and guidebook are in French. The titles on the cards are in French, the guidebook is written entirely in French. If you already know the Rider-Waite system, you can use the cards without the text. The imagery speaks for itself.

The guidebook contains no new interpretations. These are card meanings as you would find in many Rider-Waite books, supplemented with a few spreads.

If you are used to the bold colours of the original Rider-Waite deck, take a moment to adjust to the softer palette. The symbolism remains the same, but the cards feel different.

About La Fée Galactique

La Fée Galactique is an illustrator and tarot reader. She previously created the Sweet Tarot Marseille, a modern version of the Marseille system. In her work she combines traditional tarot structures with contemporary design.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Card finish: gilded edges
• Guidebook: 112 pages
• Language: French
• Publisher: Dervy
• ISBN: 9791024206714
• Box dimensions: 104 x 50 x 141 mm
• Weight: 414 g
• Illustrator: La Fée Galactique

Questions we often get

Can I use this deck if I do not speak French?
Yes. If you already know the Rider-Waite system, the images are sufficient. The cards follow the classic structure. The guidebook is only in French.

How does this deck differ from the original Rider-Waite deck?
The structure and symbolism are identical. The difference lies in the colour palette, which is softer and lighter, and in the gilded edges. The cards feel more contemporary without losing their recognisability.